C.E.M.S.

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume 30, Issue 4, 1 June 1939, Page 1

C.E.M.S.

The Dominion Conference of the Church of England Men's Society, held at New Plymouth m May was an inspiration to all who were privileged to be present. Inspiring addresses were given by the Revs. E. J. Rich (Masterton), I. L. Richards (Christchurch) and Mr F. W. Gilligan (Wanganui College). The subject of the conference was: — "The Church Advances." Discussions were held m groups, and as a result it was generally agreed that the Church should make more definite demands m order to win the best

response from her young people, and that the work of evangelisation must be regarded as a responsibility of the whole congregation and not of the clergy only. Recorded activities of some of the C.E.M.S. branches gave an indication of what could be achieved if only every. parish possessed a keen body of men pledged to co-operate, work, and pray for the "Advance of the Church" m their district. The C.E.M.S. is particularly strong m the Dioceses of Wellington and Waikato, and it must be our policy to bring Waiapu up to their level. Amongst others this Diocese was represented by the Bishop, Rev. G. S. O. Gibson (Tauranga) and Mr. H. N. Fowler (Hastings). The genial chairmanship of the Bishop of Waikato, and the warm hospitality of Archdeacon Gavin and the parishioners of St. Mary's contributed much to the success of the conference.