PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23045, 23 November 1936, Page 10

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS PROPOSAL TO RAISE £250,000 LIQUIDATION OF CHURCH DEBT (Per United Press Association) CHRISTCHURCH, Nov. 21. At a meeting of the Presbyterian Assembly to-day eight nominations for the position of moderatordesignate were received. Of these, the Rev. W. H. Howes and J. L. Robinson were duly proposed, and on a ballot being taken- Mr Howes was chosen. An overture was received from the Auckland Presbytery concerning the celebrations of the centenary of the Presbyterian .Church, which coincides with that of the Dominion. It was suggested that the stimulation of a forward movement in the church by raising a thank-offering would be a suitable method. The thank-offering would •be used to assist the churches in the liquidation of their debts, which were now seriously hampering their work, and for an extension of the work of the church at home and 8 Speaking to the overture, Mr H. B. Burnett said the idea in mind was the raising of a quarter ot a million pounds, which meant Jess than £5 per member, spread over three years. He considered it possible for the church to do this. The details could be left for further consideration, especially as regards the use of the money raised. The Rev. J. Allan, supporting the overture, stressed the depressing nature of the debt upon congregations, and the fact that this was a sf urce of much friction. The Rev. R. S. Watson moved the appointment of a centenary celebrations committee, to be located in Wellington. This suggestion was made because of the necessity of a close connection with the plans made by the Government. After discussion of 'the details, it was decided to kave the matter of the arrangements in the hands of a small committee to co-ordinate the ideas and suggest a plan of procedure The Presbytery of Auckland invited the assembly to meet in Auckland for the next year, and the invitation was accepted.