MINISTER'S TOUR ABROAD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19456, 12 October 1926, Page 10

MINISTER'S TOUR ABROAD.

MASSES AND THE CHURCHES. REV. J. W. KEMP'S IMPRESSIONS. "It is true to say the gap between tho churches and the masses is as wide as ever it has been," said the Rev, Joseph W. Kemp, minister in chargo of the Auckland Baptist Tabernacle, who returned by tho Niagara yesterday after a seven months' holiday visit to Great Britain and America. "There is one pleasing feature about England and America in this respect, and that is the large number of young people being drawn to the churches. In Vancouver, for instance, I preached before an audience of young people from 16 to 25. Although only short notice was given over 1000 were present." During his tour he preached over 100 times. He found the people of England more jeligious than the people of America. There were very few preachers in America who could draw and hold the people. England was also suffering from a dearth of good preachers, but more people went to the churches. Many services wero broadcasted both in England and America. This was a good thing in many ways. The New York Federated Churches broadcasted a family service from 7.45 to 8 every morning, and this had a good effect. One large church in Chicago, however, had stopped its services being broadcasted. It was found that jazz music and'light entertainment was sont over tho wires after the services, thus taking away any good effect tho latter might have. Last evening Mr. Kemp was given an enthusiastic welcome in tho Baptist Tabernacle, when Mr. W. E. Bush presided over a large attendance, and speeches were also made •by tho Rev. Lionel Fletcher, of the Beresford Street Congregational Church, and Mr. C. J. Rolls, superintendent of the Biblo Training Institute. Mr. Kemp was also welcomed on tho wharf and a large section of tho crowd sang a hymn in his honour.