CONGREGATIONAL UNION

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21420, 12 March 1935, Page 4

CONGREGATIONAL UNION

SESSION CONTINUED YESTERDAY The annual assembly of the Congregational Union of New Zealand was continued yesterday, the Rev. A. Mead presiding. The morning was occupied with council business. Congratulations were extended to the Rev. H. W. Newell, M.A., on gaining the degree of Bachelor of Divinity at the Melbourne School of Theology, and to Pastor A. E. Laybourn on gaining his B.A. in the University of New Zealand. It was decided to write to Lord and Lady Baden-Powell, showing the union's appreciation of the valuable work done by the boy scout and girl guide movement in training youth for Christian citizenship. Mr R. P. Stewart presented the registrar's report, which showed that there were 2896 church members and 2165 Sunday school pupils. Representatives from the laymen's committee presented several recommendations for the extension work of the church. The treasurer (Mr Thomas Forsyth) presented his report for the year ended December 31, 1934. This showed a very favourable financial position. Mr R. H. Fisher presented the report of the Rout Trust and also thr ministers' superannuation fund report. which showed that the capital account was more than adequate for all present and prospective demands upon it. The treasurer's report for 1934, presented by Mr T. Forsyth, showed a favourable financial position. The report of the ministers' superannuation fund revealed that the fund was more than adequate for all present and prospective demands upon it. Recommendations were forwarded to the superannuation board with a view to increasing the allowance for annuitants, and making provision for the widows of Congregational ministers. In his report on the "New Zealand Congregational Monthly," Mr Mead, the editor, praised Mr J. A. Wilkinson, business manager, for his efficient and conscientious conduct of his part of the enterprise. The generosity of Mr J. Reynolds (Wellington) had allowed a special picture supplement to be presented with the December issue. The feature of the magazine had been the special articles for young people, which were read widely and with much interest. Letters had been received not only from within the Dominion, but also from overseas, expressing admiration of the high standard of the production. Mr Mead reported that agents in the churches were working exceedingly well, but he urged them to try to increase the magazine's circulation. The report wiU be discussed to-day. In the afternoon the finance committee met. The balance-sheet showed a satisfactory position, and will be discussed to-day. A women's missionary meeting was also held in the afternoon. At the evening session an address, entitled "Wh,y a Church at All?" was given by the Rev. H. W. Newell.