CHURCH MINISTRY ENDS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21166, 26 April 1932, Page 12

CHURCH MINISTRY ENDS

REV. L. B. FLETCHER'S WORK. CONGREGATIONAL LEADER. FAREWELL SERVICES HELD. The Town Hall was filled to its capacity on Sunday evening, when the Rev. Lionel B. Fletcher, retiring minister of the Beresford Street Congregational Church, delivered his farewell sermon. Mr. Fletcher, who has been in charge of the church, since 1924, will shortly leave for England to take np an appointment as "Empire evangelist" under the World Evangelisation Trust of London. "I have done my best during the past eight years, and if I have brought anyone in Auckland a blessing I am glad of it," declared Mr. Fletcher. "My one desire is to serve rny God and my fellow men to the best of my ability." Addressing himself mainly to the young people, Mr. Fletcher stressed the need for increased faith. The present clays, he said, wero the most critical in modern history, and the world appeared to have lost its way—to have lost its God. He appealed to members of the younger generation, who were faced with great problems arid responsibilities, to make religion a very real part of their lives. It was useless for people to try to live tho principles and teachings of Jesus Christ unless they possessed the spirit of God. The only course to take was to follow the dictates of conscience and not compromise between right and wrong. Interest in Radio Services. Mr. Fletcher recalled that shortly after coming to Auckland he conducted the first church service to bo broadcast by wireless in New Zealand. He had since taken a keen interest in radio services, especially those for children. Although regretting his departure from New Zealand, he rejoiced in being called to render further service to the youth of the Empire." A tribute to the work of Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher was paid by Sir George Fowlds, speaking on behalf of the deacons of the Beresford Street Church. "Those of us who remember the conditions of the church at Beresford Street before Mr. Fletcher camo can only look on with wonder at tho progress made," he said. "Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher have accomplished splendid work and wo believe the church will continue to prosper under tho leadership of Mr. Fletcher's successor, tho Rev. A. V. Whiting." At Sunday morning's service in the church Mr. Fletcher inducted Mr. Whiting into the pastorate and received 45 new church members. Mr. Whiting was formerly assistant-minister of the church and had charge of its activities during Mr. Fletcher's world tour in 1930-31. Campaign in the South.

Last, evening members of the New Zealand Christian Endeavour Union bade* farewell to Mr. Fletcher, who was formerly president, of the union, at a gathering in the Baptist Tabernacle. A farewell meeting, organised by the Beresford Street Church, will be held this evening. Mr. Fletcher will leave Auckland on Thursday to conduct youth campaigns in various centres of the South Island, and he will later make a special trip to Sydney for the purpose of holding a mission in that city. He expects lo leave New Zealand for England early in. August. 'J"}i«-». World Evangelisation Trust of London was formed as the result of the London Yoijfh Evangelistic Campaign of 1930.31, of which Mr. Fletcher was one of (he leaders. It has acquired the properfy of the Mildmay Conference Centre, London, which has an auditorium seating 2500. and is equipped with a hospital, houses for carrying on so-ia? service, and accommodation for holding religious conferences and conventions. Prom this centre it, is intended to conduct i vigorous evangelistic crusade, embracing the whole of tho British Empire, and Mr. Fletcher has been chosen to lead the. movement-.