BAPTIST CHURCH.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20473, 30 July 1928, Page 3

BAPTIST CHURCH.

YOUNG WOMEN'S BIBLE CLASS UNION. The tea, annual meeting, and mission•ary rally of the Otago Young Women's Baptist Bible Class Union was hold in tire Cavorsham Baptist Church on Saturday evening. There was a large attendance of members, and the whole of the proceedings were of an enthusiastic and inspiring nature. After the tea a “ round the table ” talk was given by Miss Gray, who is leaving shortly for China to do missionary work. Mrs W. J. Bardsley (president of the union) introduced Miss Gray, and said it was an inspiration to have with them two missionaries—one a veteran, Miss Beckingsale, and one who was just going to begin mission service. Both of them, she added, were eager to get to their field of work. Miss Beckingsale had been on furlough, and was returning to India next month. Miss Gray's message of faith and love was listened to with deep interest, and at the close the president fittingly commended her to God in prayer. At a quarter to seven the annual business meeting took place. Greetings were read from the Dominion president (Miss Rainsford), and also from the Owaka an i Tahatika classes, the other classes responding to the roll call. The president made reference to the loss of the Rev. Eric and Mrs Evans, and in suitable words spoke of the good work of both. A greeting was forwarded “ We love you still and miss you much.” The secretary (Miss Winnie Smith) presented a comprehensive and encouraging report. There are 17 classes, with a membership of 214. During the year close on 100 have joined the various churches, and many have passed through the waters of baptism. The class activities are varied, and apart from their special obligation to the mission field, help has been rendered to manse funds, the Manuewora Orphanage Home, support of foreign orphans, classrooms, church funds, and thr installing of a manse telephone. The usual philanthropic services of visiting hospitals and the aged homes has given much cheer. An interest also is taken in the Temperance Reform Council and extension church work. The president reported upon the gratifying unity and co-operation she found amongst the class leaders and their classes. Every class member was truly loyal to class and leader, and the leaders were most anxious to help and understand their members, and were aiming to build up characters worthy of the highest and best womanhood. She desired to thank the staff—secretary, treasurer, and executive—for their splendid help and cooperation. It was with deep regret that she handed in her resignation after a service of four years. Mosdames Anstice, Hiett, and Jenkins spoke in appreciative terms of the fine service rendered by Mrs Bardsley, and said it was almost a calamity that she was compelled to relinquish the work. Her organising ability an I deep interest, with the personal visitation to each class, had been of very great value to the union. Mrs Anstice, on behalf of the union, spoke a few fitting words to Mrs Bardsley, and presented to her a bowl and palm. In thanking the members, Mrs Bardsley said she would ever take an interest in the classes, as she felt she was part of them. The election of the officers resulted as follows; —President,, Miss Jeannie Calder (North-East Valley) ; vice-presi-dents—Mesdamcs Anstice, Jenkins, Chant, Tuckwell. North ,and Miss Dallas- j ton; secretary, Miss Winnie Smith (reelected) ; treasurer, Miss Stella Jones (re-clccted) ; Baptist and press reporter, Miss Edna Lowe (re-clected) ; Temperance Council, Misses Black and D. Mason. The latter part of the meeting was of a devotional character, the missionary gifts being received by Miss Beckingsale. The classes handed in the fine total of £124 13s 3d. Mrs Hiett offered the dedicatory prayer. Miss Beckingsale, in her address, said she wished she could take all those young lives to India to work, but she would do so in mind. The speaker urged the members to an even deeper interest and sacri- | fice, for the work was so well worth j while, and in comparison with this country the need was so great. Though there seemed to be a lot of money sent out, after all it, too, was very small in comparison , with money spent on Christian work in New Zealand. Miss Beckingsale pleaded with the girls for a deeper and fuller consecration. The meeting closed with the hymn “ Blest be the Tie that Binds.”