PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY

Waikato Times, Volume 93, Issue 14521, 19 November 1920, Page 4

PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY

£VANGELISTIC EFFORTB.

AEPORT ON HOME MISSIONS.

By Telegraph—Press Association WELLINGTON, Thursday,

At the Presbyterian Assembly it was resolved that each presbytery take into consideration the matter of special evangelistic efforts in its different charges. ' Considerable discussion occurred on the recommendation that the sessions h e urged to aim at fostering a spirit of loyalty on the part of members to ihe services of the church. Several members took the view that strong efforts were needed to prevent a falling off in cjiurch attendance. Rev. J. Patterson did not believe in the efficiency of house-to-house visit-?. Well-advertised evangelistic services were needed.

Rev. R. Ryburn took an opposite view.

Mr J. H. .Toll made a vigorous attack on the attitude of the church. How many leaders of the church, he asked, when they went to the cities, went to places where there were congregated persons that it was desirable the church should reach.' Did they stay in democratic houses?' Were they not living in a fool's paradise? There was considerable interruption at this stage,, anl Mr Joll said it was a time for plain speaking. The question was ode of tho most serious the church had to face. All efforls would fail unless the church got down to bedrock and followed In the footsteps of Christ down to the people. Rev. E. Jolly supported Mr Joll.

The recommendation was adopted.

The report of the Home Missions Committee stated that Rev. Dr Gibb was successful in securing 12 ministers and 20 home missionaries at Home. As there is a good number of students at present preparing for the ministry of the Church it was deemed advisable to close the list of ministers at 12. The report stated that the time had come when the Church must face raising a sum of £BOOO in order to be entitled to the legacy of a like amount left by a member of the Church some time ago. The conditions were such that within five years the Church had to find this amount or else lose the right to the legacy. In presenting the report Dr Gibb urged that the salaries of home missionaries should be increased. The report was adopted. The report on the fire insurance fund stated that on August 18, 1920, insurances were in force amounting to £367,940. These were distributed ever 331 churches, 172 manses, 95 schoolrooms and other buildings, the property of 260 congregations and organisations. The levies unpaid at that date amounted to £69 16s Id. The amount to the credit of the fund was £45,169, an increase of £739 5s 3d for the year. No claim for financial loss had matured during the financial year. Referring to the loss of St. Andrew's Church, the report said that of £6900 insurance, £4OO was held by the dburch fund, the balance having been reinsured. A recommendation was made that in view of the greatly increased cost of replacement, all the deacons courts and committees of management be directed to see that their properties are adequately protected by insurance, The report was adopted.