CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 157, 29 March 1939, Page 5

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

Union President In Wellington Wellington Gougregationalists assembled in good numbers in the Cambridge Terrace Hall on Monday evening to welcome the Rev. A. B. Campbell, 8.A., minister of the Burwood Congregational Church, Sydney, and president of tlie Congregational Guion of Australia and New Zealand. After the opening hymn, the Rev. K. Bell led in prayer. The Wellington district chairman, the Rev. H. W. Newell, M.A., presiding over the gathering emphasized the pleasure and inspiration the presence of Mr. Campbell at the recent assembly in Christchurch, and now in Wellington, bad given to the churches. The union of the Congregational churches on both sides of the Tasman was, he thought, unique, and this made the president’s visit the more significant. Mr. Campbell had completed an outstanding ministry of more than 30 years in Kiliara, Sydney. He was welcome in his official capacity, and for his personal standing in tlie ministry of tlie church.

Mr. Campbell delivered an impressive address on lhe Christian Church. "Where you find Christianity practised,” he said, "it breaks down all barriers. It is necessary to think greatly of the Church of tlio Living Christ, and get past our poor and imperfect perception of the Church down to the true meaning of our Lord’s mind and intention.” God’s creative purpose had been with it from the beginning. The ■British people needed to stay and refleet on the many benefits which had come to them through the Church’s agency. Many a man who was not in fhe Church failed to realize that, the Church was in him. The Church was the greatest moral and spiritual asset in tlie world today. Its influence could never be told in church reports and balance-sheets. .Nowhere had Jesus taught that the Kingdom if God was like great congregations of people gathered together, but as seed sown in the field, as leaven hidden in tlie meal. 'When one thought greatly of the Church, then one would speak greatly of her. Referring to the rapidly changing conditions of recent years. Mr. Campbell said it was not desired to go back to tlie old conditions. Imt necessary adjustments must lie faced. Were they giving Christ here a body which Tie could use? Tlie call to move toward its witness in the world could only be answered by tin* living members of the Cliiirch. By loyalty and faithfulness. the Kingdom o'’ God would come, ami Ills will be doin' “Ou earth as in Heaven." The Rev. A. Muriel. 8.A.. in a motion of thanks, described Mr. Campbell's visit as a loving gesture from their brethren in Australia. Songs were contributed by Mrs. D. McGregor. Miss Saunderson. and Mr. T. L. Cocks. Misses Bowen and Ilutchin and Mr. 11. A. Reynolds were at the piano. Members of the Federation of Congregational Women served supper.