BAPTIST UNION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22860, 15 October 1937, Page 14

BAPTIST UNION

DOMINION CONFERENCE DECLINE IN MEMBERSHIP IMPROVEMENT IN FINANCES [by TELEORAI'H —-PIIKSB association] CBRISTCHURCH. Thursday A decline of 40 in church membership during the" year was noted in tho annual report of the Baptist Union of New Zealand to-day. The membership at the end of August this year was 898.3, compared with 9023 at. the same date last year, stated the report. Baptisms also declined, tho total being <*392. The council urged every minister and member to see if somo campaign could not be entered on to regain the lost ground and make a definite adva lice. Mr. J. Jackson Purdie (Dunedin) said that the decrease in numbers was disquieting, but it had to be remembered that there had been a severe purging of tho rolls in several churches. Tho secretary's report stated that there were credit balances in all accounts except that of the missionary society, and even there the figures were the best for seven years. The response to the self-denial and thanksgiving offering had been £3318. The trustees and members of the Auckland Tabernacle were thanked for their gift of £llsO for various denominational funds. The report of the Auckland Auxiliary stated that tho year concluded with a credit balance of £39. The social service branch, with an income during tho year of £254, had distributed large quantities, of clothing and supplies. Tho central auxiliary reported that the bank overdraft had been reduced. The Canterbury auxiliary reported increases in baptisms and church memberships. The Otago and Southland auxiliary reported a successful year. Tho finance committee's report showed that tho year had begun with a deficit in tho general account of £4BB. The total expenditure had been £1436 and tho income for the year £1952, leaving a credit balance of £2B. The Rev. M. W. P. Lascelles, general secretary and treasurer, reported that the "total amount of union funds which had passed through his hands in the year was £19,923. The combined balance-sheet showed the total liabilities of the. union to be £53,366, which were balanced by assets.