C.E.M.S. BRANCH FORMED AT WHAKATANE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 13, Issue 11, 22 October 1948, Page 5

C.E.M.S. BRANCH FORMED AT WHAKATANE

Dominion Vicei President's Visit

Encouraging movement in the Church of England in recent years, both in England and in New Zealand has been the steady growth of the Church of England Men’s Society, which exists for the purpose of mobilising the man-power of the Church for effective Christian witness, fellowship and service. A Whakatane Branch was formed on Wednesday night. In New Zealand the number of Branches is approaching 100.

A visit to Whakatane has been paid by Mr J. Snell, Dominion VicePresident of the Society, with the object of assisting in the formation of the local Branch. Preliminary organisation had been carried out by the Rev. J. C. J. Wilson and a body of laymen who had been examining the possibilities of the successful working of a Branch, and on Wednesday evening, a meeting of 19 men was .held in the Parish Hall, presided over by the Vicar, when Mr Snell detailed the recent activities of the Society, drawing special attention to the valuable contribution it was making to the investigation of certain social problems in rhe community. Subjects already dealt with included the Licensing problem, gambling and the important ques-

tion of harmoriy in industry. The constitution and working of a Branch was also fully described. At the conclusion of the address, a motion to establish a Branch of the Society in connection with St George’s Church was carried unanimously. Mr J. B. Slipper accepted the position of Secretary-Treasurer of the Branch, whilst the Vicar nominated as lay Chairman Mr D. S. Wilson. v

Twelve men present signed forms of application for membership, and it is known that several others contemplate joining the Society. Next meeting of the Branch will be held on November 2, when the Bishop of Waiapu, the Rt. Rev. N. A. Lesser, will be present. ' The success of Wednesday’s meeting was 4 increased by the presence of the Rev. K. Liggett and a delegation of members from the Opotiki Branch of the Society. The new branch decided to adopt as its first book for study “The Ten Commandments in the Twentieth Century,” by John Drewett.