CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOUR

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23648, 4 November 1938, Page 13

CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOUR

MEETING OF OTAGO UNION The ninth annual meeting of the Otago Christian Endeavour Union was held on Monday evening, the Rev. A. W. Armstrong presiding. Opening Addresses . After the opening devotions, greetings from the New Zealand Union were read. Mr Armstrong (retiring president) then delivered a brief address, taking as his text the words of Luke xix: 13—“ Occupy till I come." Mr Armstrong stressed the responsibility which Christians bore in the use of their stewardship till Christ’s return for His Kingdom, and urged Endeavourers to make full use of their opportunities. Welcoming Mr E. P. Wilkinson to the presidency for the coming year, Mr Armstrong referred to his interestin, and long association with, the movement, and wished him a happy and profitable presidential year. On behalf of the Union Endeavourers, Mr Armstrong was presented with a gold C.E. badge as a token of appreciation of his work during his term of office. The solo “Just For To-day" was rendered by Miss Molly Brown, following which the president delivered his address from i John 4, showing the necessity of love to God and man. The Christian Endeavour should be the spear point of the church, God alone could save the world, but he had ordered it so that He could not save it alone. Only as Endeavourers realised and were motivated by his love would they be able to fulfil the Christian’s divinely given commission. Election of Officers The officers for the year 1938-39 were appointed as follows: President, Mr E. P. Wilkinson; past-president, the Rev. A. W. Armstrong; president designate, Pastor J. P. Miller; vice-presidents— Pastor E. P. Aderman, the Revs. C. 6. H. Bycroft, J. A. Daglish, J. K. Reid, J. Sands, Mr J. H. Shilcock; convention secretary, Mr A. S. Hancock: union secretary, Mr D. M. Paulin: treasurer, Mr R. S. Miller: superintendents of departments—Senior, Missioner D. I. Robertson: intermediate, Mr I. Chivers; junior, Mr G. S, Munro. Financial Statement The financial statement revealed that the finances of the union were satisfactory, the convention reserve account being £lB 16s 7d in credit and the union account Is 10d. Annual Report The annual report stated, inter alia: The intermediate and junior rallies were well attended and interestind addresses delivered by Mrs Turner and the Rev. C. G. H. Bycroft respectively. The senior rally on May 21 was attended by 200 Endeavourers, the speaker being Pastor J. P. Miller. This date also marked the end of an era in the life of the union, for at this rally Endeavourers took opportunity to make a presentation to Miss Jean Miller as a token of their appreciation of her services as secretary for upwards of eight years. The good wishes of all Otago Endeavourers will be extended to Miss Miller on her approaching marriage to the Rev. K. A. Bell. A welcome was tendered to the nominion president in August, when 100 delegates gathered to hear an address by Dr Hodge on “ Christian Endeavour as Maximum Christianity.” Following the tea an inspiring rally was held, when Dr Hodge again addressed 300 Endeavourers and friends. The Easter Convention at Mataura was attended by 230 Endeavourers. It was with deep regret that members heard of the death of Mr Eric Taylor, whose willing help and friendly spirit had deservedly earned him wide respect among his many Endeavour friends.

The following societies have registered during the year:—Coal Creek Methodist Senior, Mornington Church of Christ Intermediate, St. Kilda Methodist Intermediate and Milton Methodist Senior. It is encouraging to note that most societies record an increased membership, although illness has adversely affected the average attendance of intermediate and junior societies.