A CHURCH'S TRADITIONS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23341, 5 November 1937, Page 15

A CHURCH'S TRADITIONS

MORAY PLACE CONGREGATION ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS THE DUTY OF RELIGION The traditions of the Moray Place Congregational Church were reviewed together with the task that faced the Church in general at a public meeting held in the View Street Hall last evening as part of the celebrations of the seventy-futh anniversary of the Moray place congregation. The meeting had been preceded by a tea and conversazione, and there was an attendance of about 150 members of the church and friends, over which the Rev. A. Mead presided. The main speaker of the evening was Mr W Downie Stewart, who emphasised the great task that confronted religion and the noble work of the men who had accepted the responsibility of advancing the message of.the Church. His own pleasure and that of the deacons and members of the church, that so many friends of the church had taken an interest in the jubilee celebrations, was expressed by the chairman. " This church has a very proud record," he said, " and it is worthy of mention in these days when there is criticism of a fallingaway in active interest in the Church." Mr Mead said that there were four members who had been in the church almost 60 years, eight who had been members from 50 to 59 years, 16 from 40 to 49 years, 21 from 35 to 39 years, 45 for more than 20 years, and 29 from five to nine years. "These members have heard all kind of talk about the alleged fading out of Christianity, and criticism that the Church was dead," he said, ' but these members have remained steadfast. They are typical of the spirit of this church. Mr Mead spoke of the history of the church, the sound state of its finances, and the outstanding work that had been done by some of its members. "It is well to remember what has been done for the church and by the church," he said, "but there is a great work ahead, and our attitude now should be one of 'Hats off to the past, and coats off for the future."' "A Radical Section" The adoption of the seventy-fifth annual report and balance sheet was moved by Messrs J. A. McCall, the secretary to the church, and W. J. McFaul. Both referred to the exj cellent work being done by the various branches and to the splendid service of its minister. The report and balance sheet were adopted. , .. The greetings and congratulations of the city were conveyed by the Mayor (the Rev. E. T. Cox). I am delighted to have this duty, he said, "particularly because the history and records of your church show that it is one of the most radical sections of, religion. I myself am a radical, and therefore I feel that there is a bond between u*" Mr Cox spoke of the traditions of the Congregational Church and of the great influence exerted from one of its famous English PU The greetings of all the churches of the Order through the Executive of the Congregational Union of New Zealand were expressed by thei Key. Harry Johnson, and those of the other Congregational Churches of Otago by Mr E. E. Wilkinson. Both congratulated the church on some of its notable leaders of the past and present, and referred briefly to the fine traditions of the Moray place congregation. Brief messages of congratulation and goodwill were expressed, by the Rev. C. H. Olds (representing the Council of Christian Congregations), the Very Rev. Dean Cruickshank (representing the Anglican Church) and Professor S. F. Hunter (representing the Presbyterian Church), all of whom wished the Moray place congregation success and happiness in the future. Inspiration of the Church The celebration was an event of great importance in the history of the Moray Place Church, Mr Stewart said. It was worthy of note that many bodies in Dunedm had reached the stage of important anniversaries.- "Mere age is not usually anything to be welcomed, he said,"but in an institution such as a church, bound together by tradition and family connections, it is an attribute of great value. From its earliest days your church has had the interest and service of many men who played important parts in the public life of Dunedin. It has fine traditions, and you should be proud of it." Mr Stewart spoke of the activities of a former minister at Moray place, the Rev. W. Saunders, in organising a group for the purpose of discussing current problems. That was a fine effort, although it had to surmount natural difficulties. "Legislation can accomplish much," he continued, "but it can never inspire man with real earnestness and faith. That is a duty which can be accomplished best by the Church. The Church helps to draw men together intr common fellowship, to build up society, in opposition to the forces which seek to disintegrate society. That is a great duty, and an all-important one. It is a work which cannot be appreciated too strongly T he work of tne Church, or the fruits of that work, might not always be given public acclaim, but its influence is reflected subconsciously in community life."

Mr Stewart paid a tribute to Mr Mead and his colleagues of all the branches of the church. "I think those men lead the most unselfish and valuable lives in the community," he said. "They have accepted a heavy responsibility, and I admire them for it." Again, he congratulated the Moray Place Congregational Church on its traditions and on its present strong position, and wished it a future that would add lustre to its past. Two anthems, " Great is the Lord " and " Turn Back, O Man," were sung by the choir during the evening, and the Revs. C. C. H Bycroft and A. H. Wallace assisted, the former leading the meeting in prayer and the latter pronouncing the benediction.