BAPTIST CONFERENCE.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume L, Issue 12347, 18 October 1909, Page 5

BAPTIST CONFERENCE.

(i*er Press Association)

WELLINGTON, October 15. I' At the Baptist Confernce the report of the annuity fund showed increased interest on the part of tire churches and individuals. Na payment from the fund, save working expenses, had ibeen made. Income from church collection (28), and personal donations, amounted to £295 15s lid. Pastors' premiums amounted to £50 9s, and interest to £50 18s 2d, making a total of £379 3s Id. The accumulated capital, now amounted to £1403 13s.

The report of the Sunday Schools and Young Peoples' Societies Comimttee stated that there was a growing interest in the annual examination, and that the quality of the work done was distinctly good. The report advocated a, uniform date for holding examinations. Dealing with Sunday Schools, it stated that, compared with last year, the rate of progress had slackened perceptibly. Of the 55 schools, 36 had shown an increase aud 15 a decrease, but the increases had hardly counterbalanced the decreases. The total number of teachers was 706, scholars 5,460, Bible classes 857,—an increase of 31 teachers and 221 scholars and Bible class teachers. The various speakers emphasised the necessity for stimulating interest in the work of Sunday Schools. The receipts on behalf of the Manse Fund for the year amounted to £83 13s Bd, making a credit balance of £123 9s 2d. The sum of £82 had been repaid in deduction of Manse loans. The reports of the various auxiliaries rave a comprehensive review of the condition of the Baptist churches throughout the Dominion, and were most encouraging. The report of the registrar mentioned that very few additional names had been sent for insertion in the list of unattached Baptists. Reference wasl made to the lasting benefits to be derived from family worship. WELLINGTON, October 16.

At the Baptist Union Conference yesterday, the report of the Board of Introduction and Advice was presented, and showed that much useful work had been don-'-j during the year in the way of introducing pastors to churches, taking oversight of new enterprises, and giving counsel in cases of emergency.

Mr H. H. Driver (Dunedin) in reference to the decease of the Rev Silas Mead, of Perth, moved "That this Union desires to record its high regard for the memory of the Rev Silas Mead, M.A., L.L.8." The resolution explained the singular services rendered to the denomination by the late minister during a long and strenuous life, especially in South Australia and Western Australia. It was largely due to his initiative that the Indian Mission scheme was undertaken by the Australasian Baptists. (The Assembly rose and silently expressed its approval.

Mr W. H. George moved that every other conference be held either in Wellington or Christchurch, the alternative conference being at sonis place other than there. : This met with much opposition from Auckland and eventualy it was dec;ded to leave the matter to be arranged year by year. ■■■■, ■■'.-■■:■ , •- :: •.■ •.•.

The conference . adiourned till Monday.