CHRISTIAN CONGREGATIONS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22266, 19 May 1934, Page 2

CHRISTIAN CONGREGATIONS

MEETING OF COUNCIL The quarterly meeting of the Council of Christian Congregations was held on Thursday, when the Rev. Percy Paris, who presided, returned thanks for his election to the office of chairman at the recent annual meeting. Correspondence was received from the Rev, J. Pringle intimating that the Presbytery of Otago would-be celebrating its eightieth anniversary on July J next, and it was decided that the Rev. H. E. Bellhouse should represent the council at those celebrations. The Rev. L. B. Neale wrote intimating that lie had been in communication with the Rev. Dr Norwood respecting his visit to Dunedin at the week-end of June 17 next. The doctor would preach at Knox Church in the morning of that day (Sunday) and in the Central Mission premises at night. The writer asked that the council accord Dr Norwood its support and proposed a meeting under the auspices of the council in the Town Hall in the afternoon. Dr Norwood would be lecturing on (lie Monday evening.—lt was decided that the council should act with Mr Neale, and the arrangements were left with the executive for the Town Hall meeting and also to arrange a luncheon with Dr Norwood.

A letter was received from the Rev. J. D. Smith on the subject of the newly proposed formation of a Christian Social Council. —The Rev, H. E. Bellhouse (secretary) intimated that he had arranged for a deputation to address the council later in the evening.

A report was given from the executive as to its decision, on behalf of the council, to decline to accept responsibility for the visit to this city, on financial grounds alone, of the proposed visit of Dr Graham Scroggie.—lt was voiced by several that the decision was greatly regretted, but in view of the council’s low finances it was felt that no other decision was possible. It was reported that Dr Scroggie’s visit was being arranged by another body in the city. Regarding the matter of Sunday night services in the Y.M.C.A. for the members of the Unemployed Club and others, it was reported that this would entail a lot of extra work for the staff of that institution and without any special need being apparent. It was mentioned that the Central Mission amply catered for all those in the centre of the city. It was reported that the Anzac Day and Good Friday services were well attended, and special thanks were accorded to the choir of the United Congregational Church for turning out in full strength and rendering such good service on the Good Friday.

In respect to the Unemployed Men’s Club in the Y.M.C.A. it was reported that the average attendance had been 20 during the last few weeks, and that the numbers attending were sometimes higher than 30. With the advent of the winter months it was expected that the attendances would be greater, and the need of funds and reading matter was very insistent. Several men had been helped with clothing. All literature that had been read through was sent to the minister at Cromwell (the Rev. D. Hcggie) for use of the men in the various mining camps there, and was greatly appreciated. The Treasurer’s report showed a balance in hand of £3O 11s sd. CHRISTIAN SOCIAL COUNCIL. Mr P. H. W. Neville, as one of the deputation, briefly reviewed the aims of the proposed Christian Social Council. The Rev. J. D. Smith spoke of one of the needs of the present day as being more co-operation amongst people, and pleaded for the support in its aims of the Christian Social Council. He stressed the point that the proposed body was not in opposition to the Council of Christian Congregations, but sought to work out some of the problems that the council was always up against, such as gambling, Sunday trading, etc. The same constituency would largely be used, and he asked that all members of the council should supply the names of those in their respective congregations who would like to join the movement and attend lectures and receive guidance in any way as to the scriptural attitude towards the problems confronting them. Mr Smith mentioned one book (quoted) that he thought specially helpful towards the abolition of war, but the chairman interpolated that the Bible was the best text book for that and most other problems. The Rev. W. A. Hamblett said that the council was very necessary and quoted Professor Hunter as saying at the recent capping ceremony that some such teaching was very necessary for the rising generation. Miss Lynn, of the Y.W.C.A., stressed the fact that the youth organisations were very much in evidence already, and that the new movement could very well work through the existing machinery instead of creating any new membership of their own. The following motion was passed: —“That this council, having heard the deputation from the Christian Social Council, welcomes the formation of the movement and will give its support to the aims as reported to-night.” A letter was received from Mrs JonesNeilson as to a petition that she was presenting to the Prime Minister asking that this Dominion’s old age pension scheme be linked with that of the Old Country so far as the residential qualification was concerned, immigration or emigration from one country to the other not to be a barrier for qualification. The matter was referred to the executive. A member mentioned the fact that in a letter in the press recently a statement had been made that relief workers had to work on Sundays to make up lost time. The executive was asked to make inquiries into the position, and was given power to act.