PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY

Southland Times, Issue 16889, 14 November 1911, Page 5

PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY

(Per United Press Association.) DUNEDIN, November 13. At the Presbyterian Assembly the committee appointed to consider the question of Baptism, recommended:— (1) That before administering the ordinance the Minister ’ requite on the part of at least one parent a profession of faith in Christ and obedience to him. (2) As far a; possible the administration of the ordinance be in public at an ordinary diet of worship on tho Lord’s day. (3) When the ordinance is administered in private an intimation of time and place he made from the pulpit, so that members of th& Church may attend and religious service be held, and, If possible, an c-lder accompany the Minister. (4) That a certificate of Baptism be given to the parents.—The first, second and fourth recommendations were approved and the third was deleted. Tho Statistics Committee reported an increased membership of 1762, about 5 per cent, of the churches. The indebtedness showed an increase of £214. The increase in total revenue was over £IO,OOO, being £141,000. Tbo total liability was about £75,000. The Presbyterian population of the Dominion was 234,723, an increase in total revenue was over £IO,OOO, being £141,000. The total liability was about £7 5,000. The Presbyterian population of the Dominion was 234,723, an increase of 31,126 in the last five years.—The report was adopted.