CHURCH STATISTICS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23507, 18 November 1939, Page 8

CHURCH STATISTICS

PRESBYTERIAN REPORT. FIGURES for; dominion The annual statistical report of the Zealand Presbyterian Church, to be presented to the General Assembly, meeting in Christchurch this week, reveals that although the numbers of charges' and stations remain much .13 thev were last year there are increases in "the numbers of "other" preaching places, in persons under pastoral care and in attendances at public worship. Decreases in admissions to membership, and increased "purgings" have combined to depreciate slightly the roll. The prayer, meeting continues r to decline. The financial statistics show reduced debt, while, after subtracting the Centenary Thanksgiving Pund, offerings, revenue shows some depression throughout the Church. Ordinary missionary and other charitable giviiigs have shown improvement. The returns show 219,059 persons under pastoral care, 6699 more than last year. Of these 43.313 were in home mission stations, which showed over 2000 more than last year. On the. basis of the 1936 census there were still 148,000 nominal Presbyterians not associated with the Church. . . A decline of 1763 in attendances at worship last year has this yeaj been turned into an increase of 1167. The total membership roll is. 54,890, as against 55,029 last year, a decrease of 139. There are 14,753 in the Bible classes. The junior Bible class roll continues to increase steadily and now numbers 8148, but in the senior classes there is a continued decrease. Sunday school figures show the lowest total of scholars, 32.861, since before 1910. Thev have declined steadily from 40.496 in 1932. The total debt of £159.494 on Church property shows a reduction of £3/ ,BSB during the current year. 1