CHURCHMEN’S CONGRESS.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 197, 20 August 1931, Page 1

CHURCHMEN’S CONGRESS.

Christian Endeavour Group Meets in Sydney. United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. SYDNEY, August 19. The first Pacific International Christian Endeavour Convention opened today in Sydney, when upwards of 2000 delegates from all parts of Australia and New Zealand were present. The Rev Lionel Fletcher, of New Zealand, president of the movement, is representing the World President, Dr Daniel Polding, of the United States. Mr Fletcher conducted the inaugural proceedings in the Sydney Town Hall, and he will play a prominent part in all the subsequent sessions, until the closing day next Tuesday. Mrs Fletcher officially opened the Junior Exhibition to-night, and a huge welcome rally was arranged in this connection in the City Town Hall. The Rev Lionel Fletcher, who belongs to Auckland, is an ex-president of the Movement of Great Britain and Ireland. Though he has only just returned from a year spent in England, he has gone to Australia. Dr Polding, the world’s president, who was unable to leave America, sent the following cable:—“With tremendous suddenness most serious difficulties have arisen consequent on the financial depression, which absolutely prevent my leaving the United States. I am quite heartbroken as I convey this position to you, my beloved Endeavour friends.”