PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Southland Times, Issue 24592, 14 November 1941, Page 6

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

MEMBERSHIP SHOWS INCREASE A report presented to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church at Timaru showed that the membership had advanced to 56,166, while there was a slight decrease in attenders at worship, though not equal to the number of members and attenders with the forces. Prayer meeting attendances had dropped. Another increase in revenue was noted and many stipends had been raised. Missionary giving had dropped a little while debt had been halved since 1936.

The Assembly passed a resolution congratulating the principals and staff of the Kharer school on the particularly fine work which was being done in the school. Last year 20 candidates sat the matriculation examination and all passed. The Assembly extended congratulations to Sisters Annie and Edith on the completion of 25 years’ service on the Maori mission field. The Assembly agreed to a resolution instructing the Missions Committee to explore the possibilities of sending out a third missionary to the New Hebrides and report to the next Assembly. It was agreed that the Assembly issue a special appeal in the name of the moderator for men of suitable character and gifts to offer themselves for maintaining the work of the church in the emergency created by the absence of ministers and students on war service.

The Very Rev. G. H. McNeur was granted the status of missionary emeritus.

Speaking to the report of Knox College Council, the Rev. H. J. Ryburn said that Knox College gave a real service to the student community. In the college students lived together, shared ideas and polished one another’s minds. The real purpose of the college was to be a Christian community where students lived under Christian influence and discipline.