BAPTIST CHURCH.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 15836, 5 June 1919, Page 6

BAPTIST CHURCH.

CENTRAL AUXILIARY MEETINGS. The annual meeting of the above was held on ( Monday and Tuesday in the Wanganui Baptist Church. The delegates, representing Nelson, Palmerston North, Hastings, Brooklyn, Berhampore, Petone, Island Bay. Yivian Street (Wellington), Wanganui, Wanganui East and Gonville, were welcomed at a tea on Monday evening, *by Rev. S. Jenkin, who warmly received them and encouraged all to expect great things at the conference. Rev. J. Laird, B.A. and Mr H. Ivory responded. After tea, to which some 120 sat down, a meeting was held, presided over by Pastor Chant, at which the Wanganui choir, under the baton of Mr Honeycombe rendered several anthems to a very appreciative audience, their oondne tor singing with fine effect the solo “Behold I Stand at the Door.” Mr Butler, of Island Bay, addressed the meeting on “Lessons of the War,” showing how. the Allies were blessed and led on to victory, as they recognised God. Tiie speaker appealed to all to recognise the Almighty in every venture —for only so can we hope for success. He also stressed the thought that nothing will kill war but the religion ot Jesus Christ. Rev. C. W. Dorn com he (Palmerston North) then addressed the meeting on “The Church After the War,” showing that the ministers of our churches mustspeak with no uncertain sound their message—a message of conviction born out of his own experiences. Tire members, too, said he, have a responsibility also to live a more virile life—a life that shall prove to all the presence of that life which Jesus Christ gives. TUESDAY. ft The meetings were continued on Tuesday morning, when Rev. Beckingham led the devotional meeting proceeding the business before the conference, after which the secretary, Mr Butler read the minutes, which showed good work done in the various churches. The treasurer’s report read by Mr John Nicol (Wellington) showed a credit balance. Feeling reference was made to Mr G. Carson’s absence through illness. Rev. A. North, who was present, received a very hearty welcome his weighty words of wisdom throughout the conference being most helpful. Rev. S. Jenkin introduced a discussion on how to secure greater efficiency in our auxiliary, and showed how much it depended on the influence of a true secretary. The executive too, must be able to give us the had—must keep an eye open for new work—to the future possibilities in the need places; showing a sympathy to the outlying districts. Much discussion took place on ways and means of greater efficiency, much of which will doubtless find an outlet in the various fields of labour represented. Rev. H. E. Adjudge (Hastings) wag billed to speak on “On How to Secure Greater Efficiency in our Churches.” He dealt with the subject in a masterful way; with great earnestness, pleading for a closer attention to the Sunday school; greater emphasis on prayer; a deeper passion in minister and people for the things of God. All felt the speaker had touched the vital spots, Many of the delegates took part. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The following officers were elected;— President, Rev S. Beckingham; vicepresident, Mr H. Ivory; secretary, Mr Butler; treasurer, Mr John Niool; recorder, Pastor Chant, In the evening the church was fairly filled with an eager audience. Rev S. Beckingham was in the chair. The choir contributions was again much enjoyed. Rev H. E. Eldridge gave a most earnest address on the mission of the church, showing the church to-day has to justify herself afresh. The masses outside can and must be reached, but we must get a grip of the bigger things. The needs are great, we have fallen on times said the preacher, when there is much desicration of the Sabbath, much selfish extravagance; that the evils of life can only be overcome by an appeal to the Word of God; a greater application of the power of prayer and consecrated use of the means of grace. The preacher made a passionate apeal for a definite consecration of each one personally to the Saviour and Hiss call. Miss Hamblyn sang very feelingly at the close of this address “Will there he any stars in my crown.” Rev. John Laird. B.A. (Nelson) followed by an address which was intently listened to, speaking on the lines of “The present times were the best times we had ever seen,” showing that all the signs of unrest breathed a spirit of discontent—that was healthy— making a demand upon us for loyalty—seeing in it a call from tire Master, Our seeking i s often, said the speaker, hut a selfish aim lor ones own salvation. Jesus did not urge men to save themselves, but called Ihem out tq a service, to a campaign. Tlie meetings closed with the celebration of the Lord’s Supper, presided over by Rev. A North. A solemn time of deep joy and as we wended our homeward way all felt the conference had been a time of great blessing and greater promise of better things to come.