CHURCHES OF CHRIST.

Colonist, Volume LIV, Issue 13316, 17 January 1912, Page 1 (Supplement)

CHURCHES OF CHRIST.

CONFERENCE~AT MOTUEKA. (From "The Colonist," Dec. 30.) On Tuesday last, Boxing Day, the sixth half-yearly conference of Churches of Christ in the Nelson district was held in the Masonic Hall at Motuoka. -The weather during tho day was beautifully fine. The proceedings opened at 10 a.m. with a short devotional session, led hv Mr J. G. Price (Evangelist), who also, on behalf of the Motuoka Church, welcomed tho visiting delegates and friends in a Sow well chosen remarks. The president, Mr S. P. Lang, occupied the chair, and gave a, short but helpful and inspiring address. The associated churches connected witli this conference, and tho names of tho delegates, are as follows :— Nelson, Messrs G. D. Verco S. P. L;'.ng, \Y. 11. Glover, Mrs Lang ; Richmond, Mr E. E. Tucker; Spring Grove, Messrs P. Boddington, C. Telenius, A. G. Knapp; Wai-iti, Mr l\ Iliggins; Tndmor, Mr W. 'Anglesey, jimr. ; Takaka, Mr X. Langford; Motueka. Mr F. Marshall; Lower Moutero, Mr E. Farley. Tho churches at Stanley Brook and Raiuham were not represented. The minutes of the last conference wore read h,v the secretary, Mr W. E. Voyee, and confirmed by the meeting. Mr P. Bolton (treasurer), submitted his report an<i linlanco sheet, which provoked an interesting discussion. Jt disclosed a credit balance of £1 17s Gd on the year's labour, and gave evidence of careful and methodical work in its preparation. EVANGELISTS' AND DELEGATES1 REPORTS. Mr J. G. Price gave an account of the work done by him in Motueka and tho vicinity, mid in Richmond. In addition to tho regular services at M'otuok'i and Lower Moutere, wool? night meetings are being held at Brookhn and Paiigatotara, and these continue to be well attended. Referonca was nindo to the great loss sustained by tho decease of Mrs C. K. Castle, oV Riwaka. Sho had been an active and much loved member of tho Church at Motueka. The delegates 'itood lor a few minutes, and thus boro silent testimony to their respect foi her memory, and sympathy for thu bereaved relatives. Mr John Griffith reported as to his work at Tnkako, liainham and Tad-n.-or. He spoke in appreciative terms of the earnestness and fidelity of the church members in those districts. Mr F. Marshall referred briefly to the joys and privileges of service. He had'been in tho Church only a short ti:-iu\ and appreciated very much the kind'expressions of the other speakers concerning his labours. He emphasised the groat need of more sustained and aggressive effort. The short reports of tho delegates were also full of interest. Additions to tho membership were reported at Richmond and Motueka ; new buildings erected at Richmond and Wake-lie-Td ; and the outlook for the future -nu.->- In-i^hb- mill Trrnfournsiujsi.. At.VIM tho delegates and visitors, wore, treated to a very Jiice luncheon, served in a. man)nee at the hack of the Hall. Aft-M- the luncheon adjournment business was again resumed. It was decided to offer a further engagement for I' 2 months to Mr Price, to carry on evangelistic work. A congratulatory message was received from tho Middle District Executive at Wellington, and it was resolved to forward a r.uitable reply, and also to send _ a greeting to thn triennial Dominion conference, which is to assemble at Wellington on January Ist, '2nd and 3rd. The election of seven members t() servo on the new executive for 1912 resulted as follows: President, Mr I*. lli""ins; vir:c-pn.-sidont, Mr G. DVoFeo ■ ticp.surer, Mr P. Holton ; secretary, Mr \V. R. Glover; Messrs. A. G Knapp, Geo. Russ and Jus Slurtlilf. The proposal to hold the next cotiI'orenc? at Wai-iti on June 3rd Mas agreed to. "Meartv votes of thanks were tendered to the retiring executive for past services, and to the member ol the Motueka and Lower iWoutero churches for their kindness and hospitality. At ii p.m. tho conference closed with ii. prayer hv the, president, and tho delegates anil friends sat down to a sumptuous tea, doing full justice to tho liberal supply of good things providKVENING MEETING. At 7.10 a public meeting was held, over which Mr P. Holton presided very acceptably. Thin was ;> happy and inspiring gathering. Invitations to bo present; had boon extended to and accepted by tho representatives of other rehV'ious bodies. fl he opening hymn (No M 3, Kankey's) was very heartily sung. After prayer by tb'V chairman apprnnriate and able suldresvos were delivered by Ensign b'Jlnru (Salvation Army). Messrs French (Presbyto.' inn). Harris (Methodist). Telonius, Marshall and Price Vocal items were contributed by Miss Cr.-i" and Merrick (duot), Miss M" Naldor, Messrs J. Hell, W. R. Glover, nud A. G. Knapp (quiirtettc), and Miss Craig (solo). Hcfore. dispersing the hymn, "God he with you tilt we meet again," was sung with fervour by the assemblage, and Mr ,1. -I. Lewis '(Methodist) ol' Nelson, prouoViuced the lieucdiction. thus closing ••(■■') p m tii" first conference of churches of Christ ever held in Motueka. Ve.rv pleasant recollections of tho happy day and evening spent will long remain in tho memory of all who woro privileged to be present.