Church of England Men's Society.

Waiapu Church Gazette, 1 October 1910, Page 2

Church of England Men's Society.

TFatohword: "Prayer and Service" Provisional Diocesan Council : Yen. Archdeacon Ruddock, Canons Mayne and Tuke, Rev. J, Hobbs, Messrs McCarthy, Williamson, R. Williams, Oapt. Lake. Seobktaby : Rev. G. Coates. Branches. Cathedral Parish ; St. Augustine's, Napier; Gisborne; Danevirke; Havelock; Waipawa; Rotorua ; Taradale. Annual Meeting of the m England. The annual meeting of the Council was held m the Convocation Hall, Church House, when the Archbishop of York presided. Amongst those who were present were representives from Southwell, Oxford, Lancashire, Southampton, Gloucester, and the Channel Islands. The annual report was presented and adopted, and is now m circulation. It shows a wonderful increase m the growth of the work. The total number of branches stands at 3,321, with a membership of 103,000. The 55 Army branches reported last year have grown to 73. and the total of Seamen's Guild branches stands at 65. Overseas, the 127 branches of twelve months ago have become 194. The Scottish Episcopal Church Men's Society has also increased from 34 branches to 46 ; whilst it is notable that after considerable negotiations, extending over a long period, the Church of Ireland Men's Society has been established, and is now affiliated with the O.E.M.S. The latest report shows that 28 branches already exist m Ireland. Encouraging though it is, the Council wish to emphasize the point that numerical progress is not everything, and it is convinced that the great obligations of prayer, communion, work, and fellowship, are being loyally and increasingly observed. The reality of this is borne out by the fact that associationship has come to be generally recognised as a stepping-stone to full membership, and many who joined as associates have become regular communicants. Members are encouraged to take up work amongst boys, and branches are interesting themselves m the work of Brigades, Scouts, and Guilds, and the Council hopes that the time will come when almost every branch will be able to show that at least one or more of its members is actively engaged m.

such work, and so prove that the men of the Church are not unmindful of their younger brethren.