CONGREGATIONAL UNION OF NEW ZEALAND

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15064, 10 February 1911, Page 3

CONGREGATIONAL UNION OF NEW ZEALAND

ANNUAL MEETINGS.

Tho annual meetings of the Congregational Union of New Zealand were commenced yesterday in the Moray Place Congregational Church, The chairman was tllie llcv. A. E. Hunt, of Timaru.

Tho following constitutes the full list of delegates—visiting and local:—Rev. G. Heighway (Duncdin), Rev. W. M. Grant (Port Chalmers), Rev. T. Perkins (St. Clair), Rev. W. J. L. Closs, B.A. (Christchurch), Rev. 1. Saiginson (Linwood), Rev. It. Steele Craik (Auckland), Mr H. E. Lawrence (Duncdin), Mr J. Bowden (Dunedin), Mr C. J. V. Leijon (Dunedin), Mr T. White (Dunedin), Mr P. Barr (Dunedin), Dr Gilray (Dunedin), Mr D. A. Ewen (Dunedin),' Mr W. Coull (Dunedin), Mr F. R. Turner (Duncdin), Mr and Mrs Palmer (Ravensbourno), Mrs Bauchop (Port Chalmers), Mr Killcour (Port Chalmers), Mr Mitchell (Port Chalmers), Mr G. Dyer (Dunedin), Mr J. Abcrnnthy (Dunedin), Mr H. Mitchell (Dunedin), Mr W. Gray (Dunedin), Mr J. H. Wilkinson (Duncdin), Mr E. E. Collier, Mr Smith (Gore), Mrs Brunt (Christchurch), Miss Brocklehurst (Linwood), Miss Bradbury (Linwood), Miss M'lntyre (Timairu), Mr J. F. Rogers (Wellington), Mr J. H. Blackwood (Onehunga), Mr J. C. Hall (Devonport), Mr J. Laking (Waipu), Mrs Wilson (Linwood), Rev. A. M. and Mrs Aspland (Wellington), Mrs Akehurst (Wellington). Rev. E. A. Bridqer (Auckland), Rev. T. G. and 'Mrs Butler (Maungaturoto), Mr A. \V. Beaven (Christchurch), Mrs J. E. Baker (Christehurch), Mr and Mrs H. Cullen (Maungaturoto), Mr W. Congrevc (Chrietchurch), Rev. W; Day (Auckland), Mrs Forbes (Wellington), Rev. S. and Mrs Griffiths (Auckland), Rev. J. Reed Glasson (Wellington), Rev. A. E. and Mrs Hunt (Timaru), Rev. A. and Mrs Hodge (Masterton), Rev. Bawdcn Harris (Wellington), Rev. D. Herd (Palmerston , North), Rev. G. and Mrs Hervey (Gore), Miss Harband (Christehurch), Mr Henderson (Christchurch), Mr and Mrs West Knowles (Wellington), Mr J. Kershaw (Wellington), Mr J. Laking (Waipu), Mr C. F. Lankshear (Wellington), Ilev. J. H. Mackenzie (Onehunga), Rev. R. Mitchell (To Kuiti), Miss M'lntyre (Timaru), Mr F. Meadowcroft (Wellington), Rev. R. M'Naughton (Napier), Mr Mcnitt (Auckland), Mr F. Matthews (Auckland), Miss Rowlandson (Wellington), Mr E. Smith (Wellington), Rev. W. Tanner (Waipu), Rev. B. L. Thomas (Nelson), Miss Wood (Auckland), Mr and Mrs W. Wilkinson (Christchurch), Mrs H. Welch (Wellington), Mr and Mrs Whitehead (Palmerston North), Rev. H. Young (Auckland).

The meetings will be continued from day to day till Thursday next.

Yesterday morning proceedings opened with a meeting of tho committee at 10 a.m., and at 11.30 there was a devotional meeting, presided over bv tho Rev. S. Griffiths. In tho afternoon the union held its first business meeting, and in the ovening the annual sermon was preached by tho Rev. H. Steele Orailc, alter which tlio communion was dispensed. ELECTIONS. Tho following elections of officers took placo yesterday afternoon:—Miirato secretory, Rev. George Heighway; corresponding secretary, Rev. Bawden Harris; reporter for English and colonial papers, Rev. Alfred Hodge; Finance Committee, Retiring Committee, with riower to add to number; Reference Committee—Revs. W. J. L. Closs, 8.A., W. M. Giant (convenor), J. R. Glasson, "W. Day, Mr A. W. Bcavan, and Mr F. Moadowcroft. THRSONAL. Two new ministerial members wero elected to the union. Tlveso were the Revs. W. Tanner and E. A. Bridgor, both of Auckland, and lately from England. Each came forward and was welcomed with the right hand of fellowship by the chairman, who expressed the hope that successful results would attend tho ministrations of each. The following were elected personal members:— Revs. H. Young, G. Burgess, 11. Burgoyne, D. Meadoworoft, and C. A. Lyom. Messages of greeting and sympathy for absence were sent to Rev. W. Saundcrs, Mr A. M. Lewis, Rev. W. H. Lyon, Hon. G. Fowlds, Rev. G. Burgoss, Mr Gregory (registrar), Revs G. CaaT, T. R. Potts, D. B. Ashford, and \V. A. Evans. A special messatge of sympathy was sent to the Row W. Sa.unders, of the Moray Place Church, who was incapacitated by illness. The Chairman read a telegram from the Hon. George Fowlds intimating that ho would bo tinablc to attend the meetings, but wishing them every success. An apology was also made for the absence -of Mr A. M. Lewis, of Wellington, the past chairman of the union. Other telegrams conveying good wishes were received. THE ANNUAL REFORT. This (the twenty-eighth) was read by the Secretary, Rev. H. Steele Oraik, and was adopted without discussion. Its principal clauses stated that last year's report was a •record of new beginnings, but this report sob on record a period and work of consolidation. Durinig the 12 months just ended there had been no break in the pastorates of tiho Dominion. The work had gono on smoothly and earnestly, and what had been accomplished should add very considerably to tho power and stability of tlie Congregational churches. During tho year

the extension work at Sydenham, in Christchuvcl'., had been continued. An application for funds had been made to the Colonial Missionary Society, ami i£ this was received, it was hoped that a young minister would be appointed to work under the supervision of the Rov. \V. .1. L. Class, 13.A., of the Trinity Chureli. Further development in connection with tho new work in the Auckland district was ailso to be reported. A new mi.-cioit hail had been opened in Now Lynn, and the Rev. E. A.

Bridget , had arrived from England to take over 'the work in conjunction with that at Mount Soskill awl Swanson. Tlio Bcrosford Street Church had also opened a new mission hall in Green lane, and the formation of a Sunday school there had greatly added to its roll. Another ministerial arrival was tjie Rev. W. Tanner, who accepted a call to the pastorate at Waipu, extended through tho Colonial Missionary Society, It was gratifying to know that a church membership of 52 had ailrca-dy been formed, and that tho work was in such a flourishing state as to warrant the congregation building a new church, The site was a gift from a friend/and the building would 96it about ISO people. Tho committee had taken into consideration tho possibility of placing a minister in tho north to assist the Rev. T. G. Butler at Maungaturoto. The northern railway extension was tending to open up tho land, and there were possibilities in the vicinity of Kaiwaka. Wellsford, and Manpawai whioh should not bo lost sijiiit of. In common with the unions of the various Australian States the executivo had joined in an invitation to the Rev. Dr Campbell Morgan to spend six months in Australasia. The executive suggested Dr Morgan should spend e\x weeks in the Dominion, and guaranteed his expenses, but subsequent information showed that the visit could not be made. During the last council meetings an arrangement had been made • whereby the Australian Christian World was recognised as tho denominational paper. The results had been fir from satisfactory, and the question of a denominational paper had yet to be solved. The deputation from tho London Missionary Society, consisting of the Revs. J. G. Williams and 11. P. Schlenckcr, visited the Dominion, and an increasod interest in foreign missions had been manifested in consequence. Miss Jean Begg, of Dunedin, had gone forth to the field as an assistant to Miss Moore. Tutuila, Samoa. The death had occurred of JVIr 'J. E. Bakor, Christcliurch, (to whose family sympathy was extended. The dcatli also occurred of Mr Henry Edmonds, Auckland, for many years a member of tho District Committee. Tho resignation had also just been received of tho Rev. D. B. Ashford, Kawhia. as he had accepted a charge in Tasmania. The report concluded: " Reviewing the year's work, wo can assuredly take courage. God has opened new channels of service for us, and there is a rising flood of Divine influence visible in our midst. Yet in spite of the steady advances and deepening influences of the pact year, there is some little ground of anxiety, if we read tho record aright wo shall see that with every year greater responsibility is falling upon us. Increased mission work nieiins an increase of financial obligation, and _ while this has beon gladly taken up, it ie not eo'certain that the accompanying spiritual responsibility lias been adequately recognised. The work which this union would specially recommend to the churches during tho year upon which wo aro entering is that of strengthening tho foundations. We arc increasingly realising that om , ability to extend the field of operations and to advance the mission outposts is proportionate to the quality of tho spiritual life incorporated in our various churches already established." OTHER REPORTS. Reports were received from each district committee detailing the work dono in each locality. The report of the registrar (Mr G. Borton Gregory) of tho year's work was interesting. It stated that tho total increase in 1910 was not equal to that of several preceding yeare. The actual number of new members gained in 1910 had been greater than during either of the two preceding years, but tho losses by revision of rolls, etc., had tateo been greater. Tho actual figures were:—At commencement of year, 2572; at close, 2653; — not gain 111. All tho districts contributed to the incroa-se, tho addition to the Auckland figures, however, being due entirely to the new cause taken over at Waipu. Tho Canterbury, Wellington, and Otago districts had added about 9 per cent., 5 per cent., and 1{ per cent, to their respective memberships. The Sunday echool figures showed a marked and welcomo improvement. At the commencement of tho year there were 2800 pupils, and at the close 3118, showing an increase oE 348, or practically 12i pc r cant - T!lc Auckland district showed an increase of 20 pev cent, in scholars and 20 per cent, in teaohcrs. One church, Beresford street, had grown over 60 per cent. 'Die Wellington, Canterbury, and Otago districts had also 6liaretl in the increase in the order given. The net gain in teachers was 36, the number at the close of the year being 360. The church seating accommodation showed an increase of 420, and tho churches were now able to seat 8959. Church property had slightly increased in value (by £2025), and was now worth £64,318. The debt on church properties had increasod by £1110, and now stood at £7398 6s. Manse debte had been reduced by £30. Tho combined value of church and manse properties, after the deduction of amounts owing thereon, showed a surplus of £61,864 14s. The following churches had reduced their debts by tho amounts mentioned:—Gore, £150: Mastevton, £88; Newtown, £77; and Timaru, £26; while several other repayments had beon made. The increase _in church debts had baen duo to extension in tho Auckland district. EXTENSION IS AUCKLAND. A recommendation ramo forward from the Aueklind District Committee that denominational work should be undertaken in the Mangavai district.—The Rev. T. G. Butler, of Maungaturoto (closo by), explained the position, and showed that thorc was a distinct opening for work there. The people of the district had practically guaranteed £100 a year towards tho support of a Congregational minister.—After further discussion a resolution endorsing the proposal and referring it to the consideration of the Finance Committee was carried, on the motion of the Rev. Mr Closs. CONGREGATIONAL AUTONOMY. An interesting discussion occurred on the point of Congregational autonomy. It has' in the past been one of tho principles of Congregationalism that cadi church should bo absolutely independent, and should in all thing control its own destiny. The drawback.; of this system in the case of starting a church or of a church endeavouring, while in a weak state, to become : securely established, aro obvious, and have Seen suggested as a cause operating towards restricting the advance of Congre[ationnlism in New Zealand. Of late years an idea of more community )f effort has been entering, and in one or wo places there have been cases where a :tronger church has endeavoured to assist i. weaker cause. An extension of this idea >n a definite and organised plan has been idvocated, and yesterday the subject came ip definitely on an application being made )y tho Alicctown Church to bis affiliated iv'ith the Terrace Church, Wellington.

The Rev. Mr Closs, now of Trinity Clmrcli, Christehurch, but recently of_ Ipswich, Queensland, spoke most interestingly of the svstcm of community of effort which existed in that district. There was there one central church, which had some 14 branches, to which live assistant ministers, under the. supervision of the pastor of the central church, minisiercd. The advantages ! of this method were fully pointed out as a. cause could bo established in a growing district under tho control of the central church, where, if left to personal and individual elfort, the church could hardly be expected to live. The speaker spoke in support of tin's system, and added his support of the view recently given expression to in KniclniKl, that in one city there should be but one church, with which all branch organisations should be connected. This, he believed, would 'be the salvation of Congregationalism in New Zealand. The discussion which followed was of interest, the general trend of opinion being that, despite obvious and certain difficulties, the principle of amalgamation wa.s destined to come in some form. One speaker spoke of tho " wretched principle of individualism," and predicted that "one city one church" would be the best means of salvation.

Various motions were proposed, but at 5 o'clock the discussion was postponed till this morning.

ANNUAL SERMON: "FOLLOW ME." The Moray l'lace Church was full last evening for the preaching of tho annual sermon by the Rev. 11. Steele Craik and the dispensation of the communion. Mr Craik took as his text the word* " Follow Me," spoken to tho disciples 1/y tho Master in the passage Matthew iv, 19. This demand, said the preacher, raised the whole question of the method by which Jesus culled men to His side as followers and helpers, and he proceeded to examine the circumstances ol the call to the disciples, and their response, with a view to a prac-

tieal aiiplinrition to tlic conditions of the present. Preliminary to this inquiry the ,>icaciicr enowcu unit such a course brought one to the very beginning oE things. Tho convocation which led to the deliverance of tlic Master's injunction was 1 ot likely to have boon theological. Since tho time of Christ theology rs a neoossary science had greatly developed. But faced with tliu method and spirit of Jesus all theological questionings and conundrums beoimo of secondary consideration, and fclie tendency among the best men to-day was to get away from mere dogmatism and put more of spiritual passion into their preaching—go back to Christ's method. Speculating, then, as to tho attraction on tho part of Jcsue which drew these disciples from their life-long interests and pledged them to a lifo of voluntary poverty, shame, persecution, and death, the proacher said ho thought this attraction had been simply love's perfect passion. His lifo was lived to ehow tho father-heart of God, and this the fishermen felt and followed, leaving all. Tracing the difiicultics which must have confronted the disciples in thoir effort to remain true to their determination to follow Christ, tho speaker showed how they miiet have been supported in this by the reflected light from tho Master which sustained theni in spite of natural filterings, etammerings, and uncertainty. But they had found the Messiah, and the later and fuller vision which became theirs enabled them to _ advance from disciplcship to apastleship— they were entrusted with the noble work of evangelising the world. In that path they laboured because it had been made sacred for them by the passage of the Son of Man. The obligation to follow, pointed out tho preacher in conclusion, was still tho rulo for all who had heard tho Master's voice. With a world situated as it was to-day, tho obligation was perhaps stronger than ever. Over the years tho same voice oaJled to disoipleship and the same pierced hand pointed out the path. To ignore the eternal self-offering and pain of J«Bus was to deny Him Who above all had a claim on the hearts and lives of men. Men could only be saved by eelf-giving. • Tho service throughout was of a deeply devotional character, and tho communion rervice afterwords (to which all remained) was at once solemn and impressive.