OTAGO CENTRAL P.A.

Mt Benger Mail, 3 September 1941, Page 3

OTAGO CENTRAL P.A.

The annual meeting of the Otago Central B.A. was held on August 7. Rev. G. Renwiek, Moderator of Breshytery occupied the chair. The meeting opened with hymn 520 and prayer. The Rev. T. W. Armour, oi Christchurch, then addressed the women on the Maintenance of the Ministry. lie said the Church depends on the kind of men who are manning the '-ffitg. It is the most important and the most difficult service, and we want the pick of men for the work. They nave to have the best and hardest education to be had, so that, they would be thoroughly disciplined. The standard of culture had to be high to maintain the dignity of the Church and the respect of the people. Men who are worthy of preaching the Gospel who would be leaders, who would be trusted even to be leaders of a nation. Mr Armour said he hoped we would respond to the extra call, not only to think of the ministers, but tne church and pur inheritance. .

Mr West, of Dunedin, then saiu a few words. He thanked Mr Armour lor (the new vision lie had given us. The importance of the ministry o u high ideals and properly maintained, we could show our appreciation ol our Church through keeping the maintenance of our ministers up to a desirable standard.

Mrs lleygie thanked the two sneakers and they retired to address Presby try. .

The Year’s Work The secretary then gave IVfollowing resume of the year's work: "The usual live meetings for the year were well attended in spite of the shortage of petrol. Where the distances are so great, people are finding it very difficult to attend important meetings and tinwork suffers. The enthusiasm of the branches was shown in the increase in both membership and missiouarv giving.

‘‘The only outside speakers for the year were the Very Rev. G. McNeur and Mrs McXeur, both giving a great insight into the work in China. “Our vice-presidents, Mrs Renwick and Mrs Boyd also Mis Woods gave willing help with the devotional part of meetings.

“Our president has been a tower of strength during the year and we are indebted to her for her encouragement, help and continued interest.

“All officers have been prompt in their returns. Two we are sorry to say have left our ranks for work elsewhere, Mrs West, Literary secretary and Miss Weddell M.M.8..L. secretary. We thank these two ladies for their services and our good wishes go with them in their new sphere of work.

Mrs Leask, treasurer, reported a small increase in the giving to the missionary activities of tin church, £229 ,11s in all. Mrs Heggie (Roxburgh was elected president, vice-president, Mrs Rcnwick (Cromwell), and Mrs Boyd (Queenstown), secretary, Mrs Vernon (Dumbarton), treasurer, Mrs Leask (Box 7, Omakau). Mrs Heggie thanked Rev. Mr Kenwick for presiding and his words of encouragement and all officers for their wonderful work and help during the year, and for returning Jier as president.