CONGREGATIONAL UNION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18509, 21 March 1922, Page 7

CONGREGATIONAL UNION

YESTERDAY'S CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS. (Pi* United Pehss Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, March 30. ’ At the Congregational Union Conference to-day the report of the London Missionary Society’s work was read. It showed that a record contribution was ensured for 192122, the amount for Australasia standing at £15.400. which other returns yet to come would bring up to £16.000. The Rev. .1. Paterson, on behalf of the Christchurch Presbytery, extended greetings to the council. While it gave him pleasure to do so, lie also expressed his sorrow that he could not ignore the position that had arisen, yet ho felt the derision the council had arrived at in regard to union had been made under Divine guidance. He tUted frankly that when the Congregational.proposals' were placed before the Presbytery they were surprised that more had not been asked for. The verdict of tho union would fill the Presbyterian Church witn, infinite regret. He hoped that what had happened would be an impetus to the life and sorvice of the church. , ■ • ■ The Rev. J. J. North, representing the Baptist Church of New Zealand, stated his conviction of the large difference* that existed between the various denominations. There was a great gulf dividing the heirarchical and evangelical minds, he’ felt intensely the large place the Congre-ational Church had held in the development ot the general community.