THE WRITTEN WORD

Opunake Times, 31 March 1939, Page 3

THE WRITTEN WORD

SPREADING THE GOSPEL w

BIBLE SOCIETY WUKK

The work of the British and Foreign Bible Society could be likened to that of a hydro-elec-tric generating station, which received energy and radiated it, said Miss Wylie, organising secretary for the Dominion of the society, in speaking yesterday at the, annual meeting of the Opunake branch. Energised by the work of supporters throughout the world, the society, through countless agencies, disseminated the Word of God and placed i( in the hands of men of all nations.

Rev. Geo. Wood presided over

a good attendance of members, and extended a hearty welcome t t Miss Wylie, who was on her first visit to Ominake. Tire work of the society was one dear to the hearts of all, and enjoyed worldwide support from people of all churches, he said. The meeting- opened with a h'-nni and a scripture reading by Kev. J. H. Bailey, and Mrs Wood rendered a vocal solo. Prayers were led by Mr. Wood. Officers elected were: President, Mrs. G. Wood; vice-presid-ents, Mrs. -I. H. Bailey and Mrs. J. H. Datson; secretary, Miss Q. Sinclair; treasurer, Mr K. H. Ilughson; collectors, Mesdames C. Maindonald, A. Young, Alann, C .H. Humphries, C. TT. Smith, W. H. Haggett, Miss Sinclair (Opunake), Mrs. Coxhead (Waiteika Koad), Miss Kruse . (Awatiyra), Miss Pettigrew (Pihamn). Thanks were extended by Miss Wylie to all office-bearers during the past year, particularly Mrs. Humphries for her services as secretary, to collectors, who had been responsible for a substantial increase in the subscription from this district and to subscribers.

One of the principal achievements of the society in the past year had been the issue of twelve new issues of Scripture, and the total number of languages and dialects in which the Bible was issued, bv the Society either whole or in part, was 723. In addition, there were some 300 versions printed by other societies in operation. Miss Wylie referred to the difficulties encountered and the years of study necessary in the translation of the Bible into a multitude of tongues, a task which would be facilitated by the growth of education.

Too often the part played by the Society in the circulation of the Bible in British countries was forgotten, and people were sometimes inclined to believe that it existed for the support of missionaries only. While the work of the society at its inception. 135 years ago received greater emphasis in England and in British possessions, it was still being carried on. In New Zealand, for instance, the society accounted for over one-third of the total of 32,000 portions of Scripture circulated each year. While for the ten years, the society had maintained a record of circulation of 10 million copies each year, the unsettled conditions which beset the world today were making the work increasingly difficult, said the organiser. While it was a trading concern, the. society retained its religions and philanthropic character, and continued its work in these spheres. Mr. Wood conveyed thanks to Miss Wylie for her address. A further hymn was sung to conclude the, meeting, and tie BonodiHlpn was pronounced by the chairman. Afternoon t( a was then served bv the ladies.