PRESBYTERIAN BIBLE CLASSES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20086, 30 April 1927, Page 22

PRESBYTERIAN BIBLE CLASSES.

EASTER CAMP. About 160 Bible Class men and boys spent Easter under canvas at Mount btuart in a camp organised by the Otago District Committee ol the Presbyterian Bible Class movement, with the cooperation of the South and Nortty Otago, Gore, and Southland classes. The site was well chosen, lying in a valley rich with autumn foliage ol greens, browns, reds, and yellows, with its avenues of call 'English trees, and the mountain stream do wing by—the whole forming a picturesque scene never to be forgotten. Fine weather enhanced the happy out-of-door spirit, and all united with nest in the varied programme of the camp. . Th morning programs provided for Bible study groups held out under the trees, and talks for seniors and juniors on topics of life interest. The afternoons were devoted to sports, and the surrounding hills and roadways were tramped and explored by parlies of campers. The evenings provided for the addresses and camp concerts. The manner in which the subjects were treated by the speakers, made them a source of much enjoyment and practical help. A study circle for

the leaders oj the study groups was conducted very acceptably oy Rev. Roy Alloy, M.A. A fine moonlight night with scudding 1 clouds saw the arrival of the majority from north and south, and after a busy time of registration, all settled down happily in their allotted quarters. j On Friday morning Mr A. C. White- i law, LL.B., spoke to campers on “Christ the Great Companion,” and in the even- | mg the Rev. J. W. M'Kenzie, on “Christ j the Real Saviour.” A brief but striking 1 episode in the camp followed, when all j gathered round the blaze of a campfire ] with a cross lit up in the midst, to hear j the message of the Fire Spirit—the | story of "The Cross” in reading and song. The juniors hold their senior parliament on Saturday morning, under the leadership of Mr R. T. Dodds, while the seniors discussed the annual report of the movement. The afternoon was featured by the visit of the Otago Young Women’s Bible Class campers from Lawrence, arriving by special train, and joining in a sports gathering and afternoon tea. The Roslyn boys secured a good win with Knox | second, while the Knox girls carried off i the fine cup in their games. The camp concert in the evening provided an excellent programme, vocal and instrumental, by the different classes. The Sunday morning service was conducted by the Rev. Arch. M'Neur, of j Milton, his subject being “The Influence of the Resurrection.” In the evening the camp evangelist service was conducted by the Rev. R. Ferguson Fish, of Cavorsham. His strong and straight appeal resulted in a ready response of a number to follow Christ, and stirred the finest feelings in all. The juniors met with Mr Robin Adair (Y.M.C.A. Boys’ Director) on Monday morning, and talked over the subject “My Life Career.” How should a boy choose his life work. The difficulties were dealt with by Mr Adair—and the importance of making a life as well as a living was stressed. The successful man has to develop a love for work and a love for his particular work. The insistent call for leadens for Bible Class and the Church and the world at large, and the qualifications and training required, formed the subject of an interesting meeting for seniors. The speakers were Mr R. Blair, 8.R.E.. F.R.G.S., and Mr A. T. M’Naughton, M.A. The ’ final meeting on Monday evening took the form of an appeal by Bible Class men, who are studying for the ministry to their fellow members, for recruits for this great calling. The success of the camp was assured by the work and energy of the Dunedin Camp Committee and the Milton classes, and arrangements were of a high order. Great credit is due to the commissariat and campers were full of praise for the meals. Mount Stuart Easter Camp, the first district camp of its kind, will live in the memory as a time of comradeship and vision, and it is the precursor of many such camps.