DOMINION CONFERENCE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 194, 15 August 1936, Page 8

DOMINION CONFERENCE

BIBLE CLASS MOVEMENT PRESBYTERIAN FIXTURE WANGANUI NEXT SI MMER Coinciding with the carnival to be held in Wanganui from December 26 to January 3, a Dominion-wide conference, representing every branch, of the Presbyterian Bible Class movement, will also take place in this city. A large attendance, comprising members drawn from the various >outh organisations of the Presbyterian Church, is expected to participate in the conference and arrangements on an elaborate scale are being made. It is considered fortunate that 1 Wanganui has been chosen as the ! \ enue for this important conference. No fewer than 500 young people from every part of New Zealand are expected to be in attendance. It has already been ascertained that parties are coming frem as far north as Auckland and as far south as Dunedin. The week during which they will assen.ole is to be devoted to a consideration of what should be the \ iewpoint cf Christian organisations on the question of “The Church and l he World To-day.” The purposes of the conference of this nature are really four square; spiritual, educational, recreational, and social. The first-named will, of course, be the main aim of the conference and to this most of the time will be devoted. Every morning, for Ihe most part, is to be taken up with study circles, devotional meetings and also sectional meetings. The afternoons will be given over to athletic r.nd swimming sports, or excursions to the city’s scenic and pleasure resorts. December 30 will be entirely taken up with a picnic at Hipango Park. The task of preparing for a conference of these dimensions is in all probability known only to those who have performed similar services. As an indication of the magnitude of the work, it may be mentioned that 1800 posters will be forwarded to all Bible Class teachers and Sunday School superintendents during the present month. This will be followed by a similar number of final posters in about two months’ hence. About 500 beds will have to be prepared, nearly four tons of straw being required to till the palliasses. Lhe catering for so many guests will be A formidable task also. Arrangements are now being made with a view to obtaining the use of suitable schools for camps. The study book to be used at Hie conference is being prepared by the Rev. Theo Paterson, M.M., 8.D.. of Kirwee and will bear the title of lhe main theme, viz. “The Church and lhe World To-day." Addresses will play a prominent part in the mass evening meetings a subject which will receive particular attention being the application of Christian principles to daily living. The evening of December 3C will be set apart for missionary topics, when the Rev. W. M. Ryburn, M.A.. principle of the Kharan High School. Punjab, India, and Miss B. J. Hardy, also a mission worker, will deliver interesting addresses. On New Year’s Eve, ‘Roll Call Night,” the permanent youth secretaries will speak. The majority of delegates will return to tneir homes on Monday. January 4. on which date the annual meeting of the Presbyterian Young Women's Bible Class Union will be held. The conference secretary is Mr. D. F. Glenny, Box 318, Wanganui.