PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Southland Times, Issue 18983, 18 November 1920, Page 5

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY. FINANCIAL STATEMENT. (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, November 17. At the Presbyterian General Assembly today the treasurer (Rev. W. .1, Coni riel reported that contributions to the general funds of the church had again exceeded till previous records, largely due to the special appeal made to meet the crisis in foreign mission work arising from the adverse rate of exchange. Most of the other funds also showed an increased income. The Theological College fund was in a, most unsatisfactory condition. Its income was not only far less than required, but was £SO less than for the previous year. All the larger Presbyteries showed lessened contributions, the falling off being greatest in Wellington, Christchurch, Oamaru and Dunedin. One hundred and .twenty-three ministers and home missionaries were insured against accident and sickness and premiums amounting to ITB2 had been paid to the Standard Insurance Company. Compensation totalling £ 125 had been paid to ten ministers and home missionaries. The treasurer's report was adopted.

The Rev. W. H. Hornes, a member of the Statistical Committee, reported that, throughout (he church there had been a decrease of membership of 374. 92 in Ihe North Island and 282 in the South Island. The largest decrease was recorded in the Wanganui Presbytery, 144. In the matter of al’endance at public worship there was. a decrease of about, a score over the decrease in membership. In connection with pastoral care there had been an increase of some 1300, but the increased pastoral can; had not. shown itself in increased membership nor yet in increased church attendance. The results were intangible in those directions, The increase in pastoral care was confined to the North Island. There were 142,263 Presbyterians in the South Island, and 110.173 in the North Island. The total ordinary revenue of the church showed an increase, of over £36,000. The South Island raised £105,315 and the North Island £80,304, making a total of £185,619. In the effort last year for missions the South Island Island £108,191. The loal debt was £108,190. The report was adopted; SUNDAY SCHOOL STATISTICS. YOUTH OF THE CHURCH MOVEMENT, WELLINGTON, November 17. A report was presented to-night in connection with Sabbath schools, showing an increase of twelve schools and 244 scholars. The teaching staff showed a net decrease of 37, The large decrease in the number of entrants in the Sabbath school examinations was deplored, being about 5 per cent, only of the average attendance'of children over nine years of age. The Assembly discussed the necessity for stimulating interest in the examinations. The Youth of the Church Committee presented a report- on the duties of the proposed Director of Youth, and finance in connection therewith. It proposed an expenditure of £1650, this amount to he raised by the united efforts of the congregations. Among other recommendations was one that the Rev. J. G. Jamieson be appointed director. The report was adopted, but further resolutions concerning the appointments under the scheme will be moved to-morrow.