CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOUR CONVENTION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13855, 19 March 1907, Page 3

CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOUR CONVENTION.

The annual social under tho auspices of the Christian Kndcavour Union was held lust evening in Trinity Church Hall, Moray place. There was a very good attendance, and the Rev. Josinh Ward (of Port Chalmers Methodist Church) was in the ' chair, I here being associated with him tho Rev. T. Trcstrail (president) and tho Rev. N. A. Davis (Kaikorai Baptist). After the singing of a hymn and devotional exercises, tho Chairman expressed the hope Hint Kudcavourcrs were going to have a most successful convention. They had work lo do, and those meetings were Jesigned with tho special object to help them in the performance of tlieir duties to (led and man. The convention was, no doubt, small as compared with many, lmt it should be none the less effective on that account. The speaker went on to refer to Ihe splendid work dono in other countries, tho Ccneva Convention, for instance, and said he ditl not see why the local efforts should not lie quite as effectual in their own wav. What (lie ensuing year might bring depended on themselves. He hoped it, ; would lx> a helpful new year to others and n ircod new year to themselves. The Rev. X. A. Davis, who also addressed the meeting, said it was his belief thai the Christian Endeavour movement stood to-day for more potential energy than any other movement on Hod's earth. I'ow of'lhem realised, he felt, the mighty forces that were eoniaiiied in the young people who were handed together under the various denominations in this laud. The movement had been born in an atmosphere of revival. It nmsl carry that breath with it or it would lack vitality. Critics said it was "scrappy." Ho thought that, was a good thing. 'Others said it lacked enthusiasm. He would like to see even more enthusiasm, still it could hardly be said to hick enthusiasm judging by that meeting. "With reference to another objection that mid been raised that the Christian Endeiivonrers Were creating a. new church, lie prayed that it might be- so, and he trusted that it would not he long lieforo some plans wove framed for a definite, evangelieism. A bright programme lent attractiveness to the proceedings. Solos wore contributed by Misses Luke and Bowley, two duets by the Misses Brown, ami recitations by Misses

Simpson and Duncan. Miss Roy played the accompaniments. During an interval refreshments were dispensed, and a half hour was allowed for social intercourse. Before the gathering dispersed hearty votes of thanks were accorded the Rev. Mr Davis, the trustees of Trinity Church, the chairman, uncial! helpers." Tho. meeting closed with the benediction.