CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22825, 9 March 1936, Page 6

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

NEW ZEALAND UNION ANNUAL ASSEMBLY OPENED The opening session of the fifty-third annual assembly of the Congregational Union of New Zealand was held in the Moray Place Congregational Church on Saturday morning. After a short devotional service, the iuduction of the new chairman, Mr Harry Sturge, of Christchurch, was performed by the retiring chairman, the Rev. Albert Mead. Mr Sturge was handed the insignia of office, and in a short address he urged everyone to concentrate on loving service to Jesus Christ and to and for one another. The chairman welcomed two new ministers—the Revs. A. Nelson and Arthur Muriel —who had come to New Zealand since the last Assembly, and also extended a welcome to two younger members— Pastors J. Gilkinson, of Wellington, and W. M. Garner, of Onehunga. As a mark of respect to those members who had died during the last year, delegates stood while the deceaseds' name'" were read out. It was decided to send greetings et those who were unable to be present. In view of the Rev. Albert Mead's departure for England on Wednesday, ha was appointed to represent the New Zealand Union at the meetings of the Union of England and Wales in May. Arising out of the moderatorial report, it wae decided that a committee should be set up to prepare a report on the question of celebrating the centenary of New Zealand Congregationalism in 1940. The Ministers' Superannuation Fund report showed an alteration in favour of ministers' widows, who are now to receive 50 ~er cent, of the husband's annuity. The Assembly also recommended the alteration of the basic amount of the annuity from £2O to £4O.

DELEGATES WELCOMED At a tea held on Saturday evening, opportunity was taken to extend an official welcome to the visiting delegates. Mr J. A. M'Call, chairman of the Otago District Committee, said that five years ago the assembly had been held in Dunf.din and the committee regarded it ns an honour once again to make the arrangements for the meetings. In those five years there had been many changes here, particularly in the ranks of the ministers. He referred to several who had been present on the former occasion and who were now elsewhere. Reference was also made to Mr and Mrs J. Wilkinson, who had taken an active part in the affairs of the church and who were no lonizer with them. The delegates would find much to interest them about Dunedin and ho advised them to spend their _ leisure in looking round the city. A special welcome was extended to Miss Eipe, viceprincipal of St. Christopher's Training College at Madras. India. The Dunedin City Council was represented by Cr D. C. Cameron, who also welcomed the delegates to Dunedin. He was a staunch supporter of the church, he said, ar.d for that reason he had particular pleasure In welcominu them._ He si>oke of the work of the Congregational Churches in Dunedin and referred to the ministers of those churches whom he had known and paid a tribute to their good work in the community. He was sure the assembly would result in a wealth of cood, not only to the church, but also to the whole of the Dominion. The Rev W. A. Hnmblett. on behalf of the Council of Christian Congregations, said he regarded it as a mandate to him to join with Christian gatherings wherever the opportunity occurred. All who were sincere lovers of the Lord were as one in fellowship. He was sure they would find the people of Dunedin hospitrble. Their church had been born in a day which was very d'fferent from to-day. Had thinsrs been otherwise, the church might not have been split up into so many sections. He trusted that the sessions of the assembly would be successful in every way. Miss Eipe expressed sincere appreciation of the welcome that had been extended to her in New Zealand. She gave

a brief outline of the history of St. Christophers Training College 6ince its inception to the present day. Mr H. Fisher, on behalf of the visiting delegates, returned thanks for the welcome which had been extended by the Dunediu committee. The presidential address, a summary of which appears elsewhere, was delivered on Saturday evening by the newly-elected president, Mr H. Sturge, of Christehurch. YOUNG PEOPLE'S RALLY Yesterday afternoon a special young people's rally, conducted by the Rev. Arthur Muriel, was held in the United Congregational Church. |

TO-DAY'S SESSIONS

To-day there will be a women's prayer meeting, a meeting of the Federation of Congregational Women, and a Women's Missionary meeting. The remaining delegates will take part in council meetings this morning and evening, and in the afternoon there will be a meeting of the Finance Committee and an address by the Rev. W. H. Newell.