BAPTIST ASSEMBLY

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21180, 29 October 1938, Page 22

BAPTIST ASSEMBLY

Record Delegation First Day’s Business Special to " The Timaru Herald." WELLINGTON, October 28. The annual assembly of the Baptist Union of New Zealand which commenced yesterday, promises to rank among the most profitable in all tire 57 years of the Union’s existence. A record delegation of 215 will be well occupied for six days with meetings ’both for business and spiritual inspiration. Reports of the past year Indicate splendid growth. No fewer than six new churches have been formed. Membership figures show a 3 per cent increase of 256. Baptisms for the year totalled 434, an increase upon last year. Enthusiasm has been shown for the work of the Church Extension Committee, which has encouraged four new churches by substantial assistance. Sunday School figures have increased. Bible Classes have increased substantially in numbers and in contributions. Finances are very healthy, all funds save one showing a surplus. The record April Self-Denial Offering of £3716 eclipsed last year’s record by £4OO. Baptist Union account shows a surplus of £5OO. Total cash receipts of all Union funds reached £17,400.

Missionary Zeal Baptist Missionary zeal is shown in an increased total of £7,800 given to the work of the Indian Mission which work, in spit* of a yearly £1,200 exchange loss, has been considerably expanded during the year. A £750 motor-boat donated by the Young Men’s Bible Classes is being constructed for use in India. The annual meetings of the Baptist Women’s Missionary Union, under the presidency of Mrs J. W. Kemp, showed an increased membership to just over 2,000 and a record financial effort of £2,200. Officers elected for the coming year were: President, Mrs E. N. Goring; vice-president, Mrs E. Nicholls; secretary, Miss H. Rice; treasurer, Miss Wilkinson; rope-holder superintendent, Miss E. Beckingsale. Welcome Tea At a welcome tea, the delegates were welcomed to the city by the Bishop of Wellington, Rt. Rev. St. Barbe Holland, who spoke of the supreme necessity of co-operation between the various branches of the Christian Church, and expressed his joy at being associated with a group of Christians who were so eager for extension of the Kingdom of God.

Rev, A. L. Silcock, president of the Central Auxiliary, extended a welcome on behalf of Wellington Baptists. The first evening meeting of the Assembly was addressed by the president, Mr F. W. Horner, who spoke on the subject, “Tire Church in a changing world,” and Rev. P. L. A. Crampton whose subject followed naturally, “The Christian in a Changing World.” Both speakers stressed the need for the church to act as a training ground for fighters who would engage personally in extending the Kingdom of God.

MISSIONARY DAY COUNCIL ELECTED By Telegraph—Press Association WELLINGTON, October 28. To-day was Missionary Day in the programme of the New Zealand Baptist Assembly now meeting in Wellington. Three missionaries at present in New Zealand on furlough from the East Bengal, the Rev. B. N. Eade and the Misses Eunice Ogilvie and Eileen Coad. They were welcomed by the president (Mr F. W. Horner).

Following is the Missionary Council for the ensuing year:—Dr. A. Hodge (Auckland), Dr. C. North (Dunedin), Rev. S. Jenkins (New Plymouth), Mrs A. Anstice (Christchurch), Rev. J. Ings (Napier), Rev. E. N. Goring (Invercargill), Rev. F. A. Parry (Greymouth), Miss E. Beckinsale (Dunedin), Mr S. Barry (Auckland), Rev. J. Takle (Wellington), Rev. G. C. Reay (Hamilton), and Mr H. H. Driver (Auckland). The following are also members of the Council, ex-officio:—Mr F. W. Horner (Hawera), Revs. W. P. Lascelles, L. A. North, W. 8. Rollings (Wellington), Mrs E. N. Goring (Invercargill), Misses H. M. Rice and N. Wilkinson (Auckland).

In the missionary budget, which was adopted after a long discussion, receipts were estimated at £8245 and payments at £7849.