BIBLE INSTITUTE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19721, 22 August 1927, Page 11

BIBLE INSTITUTE.

OPENING OF NEW BUILDING. GOOD PROGRESS OF MOVEMENT. TRAINING FOR MISSION WORK. s The new building of the New Zealand Bible Training Institute in Upper Queen Street was opened by tho president, Mr. R. L. Stewart, on Saturday afternoon. There was an attendance of over 300 persons. Mr. Stewart said the building had cost £16,170, and £16,197 had been received, leaving a credit balance of £27. A great debt of gratitude was due to the architect, Mr. R. J. Emerson, and the contractors, Messrs. Mackenzie Brothers. Tho institute building was tho outcome of years of patient endeavour on the part of those who were determined to see an interdenominational institution established in New Zealand for the training of young men and women for missionary work. Mr. C. J. Rolls, a returned missionary from India, and the Rev. J. W. Kemp, principal of the institute, had worked together, their efforts resulting in the number of students increasing from six at the formation of the institute to 53. Mr. Stewart concluded by paying tributes to the ladies' committee and the matron. A gold key was handed to Mr. Stewart by the architect and tho main door was formally opened. Accommodation was found for as many as possible in the large lecture-room on the ground floor, others remaining in the passages and outside the building. The act of dedication was then read by Mr. Kemp. "Since my arrival in New Zealand seven years ago this institution has been the vision of my life and heart," said Mr. Kemp. "When I landed here I noticed that young people wishing to be missionaries departed to the United States and Australia. They seldom returned. With equal efficiency they could have been trained in the Dominion, and I was determined to see this thing through. To-day the crown of our labours is manifested."

Although entirely undenominational, the Baptist Tabernacle deserved heartfelt thanks for staunch support during the past seven years. The work of the founders was not yet finished. They had not lost sight of their ideal, which was to see branches formed in other parts of Now Zealand and the world. Mr. Bruce Scott, the superintendent, and Mrs, Scott were leaving fcr Ceylon at the end of the year and he had little doubt that on their arrival a branch would be formed in Colombo. Pride at the extent of the work and the progress of the institute was expressed by the Rev. Lionel B. Fletcher. All over the world there were great prelates meeting and talking about the unity of the churches, but their talking came to nothing. It was inspiring to see such a gathering working in harmony for the spreading of the Gospel. Such strength of numbers united for a common purpose had also a wonderful influence on heathen peoples. It was said the forces of. evil were becoming dominant, but. a revival was coming, and the institute was a powerful factor in creating a revival. Addresses were given by the Rev. Evan R. Harries and Mr.. Rolls. A prayer was offered by Dr. W. H. Petti t and Mr. H. T. H. Grave read from the Scriptures. Impressive choral singing hy die students was led by Mr. A. E. Wilson.