CALL OF THE CHURCH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20112, 24 November 1928, Page 10

CALL OF THE CHURCH.

MEN FOR MINISTRY.

MORE STUDENTS OFFERING* "THE TURN OF THE TIDE.** TRAINING OF PRESBYTERIANS; " Wc arc able to state that the tide has turned in regard to the supply of men for the ministry," stated the Rev. 15 J. Tipler, of Dunedin, when presenting to the Presbyterian General Assembly yesterday the report of the Theological College Committee. "We have 66 students on our roll who have been certified by presbyteries and that docs not, by any means, cover all the men with whom I am in close touch at different stages in their work for the ministry. Particularly does this apply to pre-matriculation students. The Church is in a happy position in this respect." Mr. Tipler said, of the 66 students he had referred to, 63 had recoived financial help during the year. This was a larger number than he had known to receive help during the seven years he had been on the Theological College Committee. Generally speaking, they were a good stamp of man of-whom the Church had reason to be proud. Twenty-four had been in the Theological Hall during the past year, but only four were exit men. They were men of outstanding quality, and would certainly do excellent work. He had already received written applications from nine men seeking to enter the hall next year, and he believed others were purposing to come forward. Therefore he had pleasure in intimating that the supply of students was still on tho increase.

Reduction of Debt. The work of the hall had gone on Very satisfactorily during the past session. A sum of £1944 had been paid in bursaries and £75 spent in book prizes. Mr. Tiplcr drew attention to gifts received during the year, including £2OO from Mr. James Mitchell, of Wellington, and £SOO from the late Mr. John Edie, of Dunrobin, Otago. The committee had cut down its budget considerably. It had begun the year with an indebtedness of £4OO, but this had now been reduced to £B7. The Church as a whole had dealt generously with the committee.

The Ilev. J. A. Thomson, Remuera, seconded the motion for the adoption of the report, and congratulated the Church on the improved outlook for' the supply of men for the ministry. In Auckland men were offering freely, and this year there had been 10 taking their arts course at the Auckland University College. The report was adopted. The Rev. R. G. McDowall, of Dunedin, was appointed examiner in Greek, New Testament. Full minutes appreciative of the long and valuable services rendered to the Theological Hall by Professors Hewitson and Gumming, now retiring, were adopted with hearty applause. Importance ol Work. In acknowledging the tribute, Professor Hewitson said lie had long held that the work of training men for ilia ministry was the most important in the Churcii. He thought it could not bo possible to write a kinder minute than that which had just been passed. Referring to the fact that liis extensive inquiries made, in universities abroad had not been recognised on his return here, he said the present organisation was unsatisfactory and required to be dealt with from top to bottom.

Professor Gumming said he had been engaged for nine years in work that was most congenial and he had been übsent for only one day. He thanked them for the kindly way in which they had received him and spoken of him. It was agreed to change the title of the committee from Theological College to Theological Hall Committee.

It was decided to establish the new office of principal of the Theological Hall, with, five years' tenure of office and an allowance for travelling expenses. The adjournment was taken before the proposal to appoint the Rev. Professor Dickie as first principal was considered.