PRESBYTERIAN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2311, 19 November 1914, Page 7

PRESBYTERIAN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

(By Telegraph—Press Associativa J Dunedln, November 18. The Presbyterian. General Assembly opened to-night, when the " Rev. A. Grabt, of Dannevirke, was elected Moderator for the ensuing year. Hβ delivered an address- on Sabbath observance. . ' The treasurer's statement,' which was adopted, showed that congregational contributions reached the large total of £23,630, as compared with £15,933 last year. The increase was largely due to contributions through the "every member" campaigfi for Canton sites and building -fund. The expenditure of all mission funds during recent years exceeded the ordinary income, and generous giving and careful management were necessary if a retrenchment was to bo avoided. Cue hundred and fifty ministers and,home missionaries had been insured vjaiuFt sickness and accident, : and five b-id recoived compensation amounting to £102 108.- . The report on general and finmoial statistics showed .a decrease in attendance at public worship over the whole ohurch to the net extent,of 1320. Ihe decrease was in striking contrast to last year's increase of considerably, over 2000. The total membership showed a net gain of. 1161, and now stood r.t 41,080, tho higTiest_yet recorded. The debt on church property had risen by £17,371 to £98,000, involving an annual payment of .£6OOO in interest. There was an increase of £12,888 in revenue, .uho gross total of which -as £167,226, which was much the.largest in the Church's history. The report was adopted. •