COUNCIL OF CHRISTIAN CONGREGATIONS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20354, 10 March 1928, Page 21

COUNCIL OF CHRISTIAN CONGREGATIONS.

ANNUAL MELTING. The annual mealing of the Council ot Christian Congregations was held in I'irst Chinch class room on 'J hursclay, when there wore 41 people pre.-ent. in the ahseneo of tho elunrinan, the Rev. \N. Walker was voted to the chair. CORRESPONDENCE. The Wellington Ministers’ Association wrote asking tho council to pass a resolution protesting against the increased lacilii.j: provided for the desecration ol the Sabbatic, The following resolution was passed: "That tins Connell strongly protests against the increased facilities provided, and extensively advertised hy the Railways Department, the City Council, and motor bus companies, which lead to the desecration of the Lord’s Day."— It was decided to forward tho resolution to tho Prime Minister, the Minister of Railways, the City Connell, and motor bus companies. Letters regarding the subjects of immigration, broadcasting ot racing hews and the Incensing Bill wore received. The Rev. E. O. Blamires. organising secretary of the New Zealand Bible in Schools League, wrote asking the council to arrange to hold a " Bible in Schools Supday ” on May 6.—Agreed to. Mr Bush, superintendent of the Central Mission Sunday School, wrote drawing attention to the selling of racing materia! by boys in the streets, and indicated its baneful influence.—This matter was referred to tho executive tor investigation. Miss E. S. Bart (general secretary of the Y.W.C.A.) wrote requesting that two representatives of tho council should he appointed to act on Miss Maud Roy,ls i s Welcome Committee.—The Rev, Geo.go Miller and Bister Hazel were appointed is representatives. The president (Dr Merrington) arrived, and took the chair, REPORT AND BALANCE SHEET. Tho secretary read his report on the work of tho year, which stated that the council had arranged for the special services on Good Friday and Anzac Day, and had co-operated with the School of Religious Education in trying to secure one or two to be associated with Dr Dunlop in treating the subject; “ Essentials of Christian belief.” Tho council had also interested itself in the Scripture lessons in tho public schools and had supplied a syllabus of Scripture lessons (1000 copies) and 200 copies of the New Testament for use in the schools. Tho report further stated that the following matters had been dealt with durum the year: Compulsory military training, appointment of Bible in schools Sunday; combined prayer meeting; Sunday trading: protest against the Gaming Amendment Bill; sympathy with unemployed, and the taking np of a retiring collection in congregations to help the same; telegram to Piinie Minister urging (Tic importance of bringing the Religious Exercises in Schools Bill before Parliament; unsavoury matters in court cases: the picture shows as stimulating crime, and the need of providing an educational programme for children: immigration and the need of greater facilities for meeting immigrants; block advertisements; the council’s support given io a Rill to regulate the publication of judicial proceedings in such a manner as to prevent injury to public morals; the broadcasting of racing news; the endorsing of the New Zealand Alliance’s attitude towards the licensing Bill; and tbo utilising of boys for the sale of race books, etc. The report stated that quite a large amount of useful work had been done, and that it was gratifying to find,, that increased interest had been shown in the meetings of the council. The President, Dr Merrington, in en dorsing the report presented by the sec rotary, referred to the challenge to the Clmrcn, which was being given at .no present time. The world was testing omreligion by our ability to come together mid to speak with one voice about the essentials of our Christian faith and life. He referred to the address given by the Rev. Lionel Fletcher, as chairman of the Congregational Union, then in conference at Christchurch, in which a strong pica had been made for clearing the air in regard io our Christian .fellowship. On the whole the Council ot ChnisUnfl■ Congregations had done something toward? presenting a united front to the world; and ho hoped that these activities would bo the means of bringing real Christian unity nearer than in the past. The remarks of the president concerning the need for fuller eo operation between the churches -were endorsed by other speakers. Tho Rev. 11. E. Bollhonso stressed the need of the local churches organising some big effort that would reach those who wore untouched bv tbe churches; and that would have a decided effect in winning many who are outside the Christian fold. The treasurer, Mr E. Ror-ovear. presented tho balance sheet, winch showed a credit balance of £163 6s 4d. The report and balance sheet wore adopt t-d. Thanks wore passed to Mr E. J. Johnston, of Messrs Leslie and Johnston, for auditing the balance shoot. GENERAL. The Kcv. J. Richards submitted tho re port of the Bible Classes in Public Schools Committee, which stated that good work had been accomplished. Tho head masters were sympathetic, tho parents, almost without exception, ‘highly approved of tho work, and the children were appieciative. He mentioned that there was a shortage of teachers at George Street, Moray Place, High Street, Macandrew Road, and Normal School. It was suggested that retired teachers ami ministers and laymen might be able to give assistance in teaching tho lessons. — The report was adbptod. The Rev. 11. H. Barton mentioned that the committee of the Dunedin branch of the Dominion Council of Religious Education was anxious to co operate with tho Council in tho Bible in Schools work. Tho Rev. 11. E. Belihouso moved, and the Rev. A. 11. Wallace seconded; ‘‘That the council gratefully accepts tho offer made, and that the Revs. H. 11. Barton and I. Richards be appointed to act. in this capacity.”—The motion was agreed to. It was decided that a united communion service should he hold in Trinity Methodist Church on Good Friday and that the arrangements be left to ’the. executive, and it was also decided that the arrangements for Anzac Day be left to tho executive. . The election of office, bearers resulted as follows:—President, Rev. W. Walker- vice presidents, Dr Merrington and tho Rev W. A. Hnmblott: treasurer, Mr E. Rosevoar: secretary Bible Classes Schools, the Rev. J. Richards. As the secretary declined to bo re-elected, tho filling of tho position was left to tho executive. The following members of executive were appointed :—The officers of the council and tho Revs. H. H. Barton. W. Saunders, II E Bellhoufc. G. Miller. V/. D. More. E. S. Tuck well, Tulloch Yuille, Brigadier Burton, and Mews W. 11. Adams. \\. Crawford, and J. W. Stokes. —It was agreed that il’.e executive should Have power io add to its number. ’ It was decided to p'oee on record the splendid services of Dr Merrington in connaction with his work as president.