CHURCH ASSOCIATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19510, 14 December 1926, Page 16

CHURCH ASSOCIATION.

PRESBYTERIAN -MOVEMENT. FORMATION IN AUCKLAND. ' GOVERNOR-GENERAL'S ADDRESS. A decision to form an office-bearers' association for workers in the Pi'esbyterian Clflireh in Auckland was reached at a meeting in St. Andrew's Church last evening. Mr. H. B. Burnett presided over a largo attendance. An address on the work of similar institutions in Scotland was given by His Excellency the Governor-General, Sir Charles Fergusson, after which a general discussion ensued. In his opening remarks, Mr. Burnett said Sir Charles vtas an elder of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland and president of the officers' association of the Presbytery of Ayr; Sir Charles opened his address with a reference to some of the oldest, officers' associations in existence. The oldest was the Glasgow Elders' Union, which was established 70 years ago and was still flourishing. Its membership was 1200. It did an enormous amount of social work and in addition held meetings for the discussion of problems affecting Church work. It had: been the moving spirit of all other unions in Scotland.

Associations were now being fofmed in all parts of Scotland. in some cases membership was confined entirely to elders, whila in at least two cases it was open to all workers of all churches. From his own experience, lie had no hesitation in saying the associations were of immense valuo. They generally served three objects, the first being the promotion of free intercourse and fellowship among members, the second the provision of an opportunity for the discussion of religious and' social problems, and the third the education of the congregation in matters concerning the work of fhi> church.

It was a great advantage for church workers to unite in an active body. As an instance,, the eight or nine officers' associations in Scotland had on one occasion raised £IO,OOO within three months when it- was badly needed for mission work. In addition, the ordinary offerings for missions were at the same time increased by one-third. But the greatest nse ol' the associations was as a medium to permit of discussion of the work of the Church. He knew of no other way in' which congregations could hc.ve been educated in such a difficult subject as the question of union between thn Established Church and the United .Free Church of Scotland.

A hearty vote of thanks was passed to Si? Charles for his address.

Several resolutions moved by Mr. S. J. Harbutt were then carried, approving the formation of an Auckland Presbyterian Office-bearers' Association to promote fellowship among office-bearers", to support schemes in the interests of the Presbyterian Chufch and to discuss matters pertaining to i:ho well-being of the Church. Some discussion ensued on the question whether women should be admitted to membership, several speakers advocating their admission. It was finally agreed that membership should be open only to mule elders,- deacons, managers, Sunday School teachers and Bible class leaders.