Presbytery’s Comments On Progress Of Knox Church Works

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 12, Issue 9, 23 December 1947, Page 5

Presbytery’s Comments On Progress Of Knox Church Works

After hearing the report of the Presbyterial Commission to Knox Church, Whakatane, the Presbytery of the Bay of Plenty adopted this finding:— “The Presbytery of the Bay of Plenty, having heard the report of the visitation to Knox Church, Whakatane, gives thanks to God for the progress manifest in the life and work of the Church. It rejoices to note the increased attendance at the quarterly Communion Services, and also the splendid leadership among the young people. “Presbytery sympathises with the youth workers in the inadequacy of the present buildings but assures them of the Presbytery’s support of the Management Committee in the plans it has in hand to cope with the situation. It notes with gratitude the zeal of minister and people in their support of all the schemes of the Church and especially of those pertaining to the missionary work.

“The Presbytery shares with the congregation its regret at the severance of the pastoral tie which brings to a close a ministry so full of promise but commends the minister and his wife for their obedience to the Divine leading. Presbytery commends the Rev. H. M. Bell and Mrs Bell and all their future to Almighty God and prays that they may be richly blessed; it rejoices at the prospect of an early settlement to the charge and commends anew the congregation to God and the Word of His Grace.”