WAIKATO PRESBYTERY.

Waikato Times, Volume 114, Issue 19013, 2 August 1933, Page 8

WAIKATO PRESBYTERY.

AUGUST MEETING.

HOME MISSION MATTERS.

WORK IN RELIEF CAMPS

The monthly meeting of Waikato Presbytery was held yesterday with the Rev. H. G. Gilbert (moderator) presiding. Sympathetic reference was made to the death of one of the highly esteemed elders of the Church who had given long and loyal service—the late Mr. Hugh Ross, of Walhou. Presbytery stood in silence as a mark of respect. The Rev. J. C. Young reported for the commission which’ had recently paid the triennial visitation to the charge of Tirau-Putaruru. The report showed that the faithful services of the Minister, the Rev. J. J. Heard were much appreciated, and that success was attending his labours. Mr. W. H. West was appointed to read the finding. A request having come from the Church at Otorohanga that it revert to its former status as a Home Mission Station, on the expiry of the present ministerial term, it was deemed advisable to enquire further before such a step be taken —a commission was appointed to investigate and report at next meeting. The commission is composed of the Revs. 11. G. Gilbert and J. Haslop, Messrs, A. Anderson and A. Hopkirk, in association with the Rev. George Budd, superintendent of home missions. Home Mission Grants. In the matter of extra grants to Home Mission Stations Presbytery was advised that the Home Mission Committee was not in a position to make such to Ngaruawahia or Hauraki Plains in the meantime. A request from the Huntly congregation to alter the foundaries between that charge and Pukemlro, whereby Waikokowai would be under the supervision of the Pukemlro minister, resulted in the appointment of the following commission to deal with the matter:—Revs. J. H. Starnes, J. Haslop, Messrs. D. C. McLeod and J. Riddell. Announcement was made of a forthcoming retreat for ministers which is to be held this year at Cambridge. for three days during the second week in 'October. Mr. W. Jones was accepted as Presbytery Elder for Rotorua in place of Mr. J. S. Gainsford who had resigned owing to pressure of business, i Young People’s Rallies. A report was received regarding successful rallies of young people which had recently been held in various centres throughout the Pres-’ bytery, resulting in intensified interest among the youth of the Church In spiritual 'things. Several speakers voiced their appreciation of the valuable work being carried on by leaders of youth within the Church, thus assuring for its future a new generation who would loyally fill the' ranks and maintain Its servioe to a needy world. Further information, was received with respect to the service the Church is rendering to men in relief camps, and recommendations made whereby the Presbyterian Church throughout the Waikato might co-operate with other denominations, in being of still greater usefulness in every way possible in the area covered by the Presbytery. r Devotional Service.

The members of Waikato Presbytery during their regular monthly meeting held on Tuesday, adjourned for an hour'in order to unite with the members and friends of the Presbytery Association —the women’s organisation for the promotion of Home and Foreign Missions —in a solemn Communion service.

It was very fitting that such a service should mark the beginning of the day’s celebrations In connection with the 21st birthday of the P.A. The Rev. H. G. Gilbert officiated at this service, and was assisted at Holy Communion by eight elders, members of Presbytery. The Rev. A. C. McLean, of Cambridge, preached an impressive sermon appropriate to the occasion. It was an unique event in the annals of the P.A., and will long be remembered as an inspiration and encouragement to the women of the Church as they go forward on, HTe next stage of their noble service in the cause of missions at home and abroad.