BAPTIST UNION

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 20, 19 October 1942, Page 8

BAPTIST UNION

Diamond Jubilee Assembly

The diamond jubilee assembly of the Baptist Union of New Zealand has commenced in Christchurch in the Oxford Terrace Baptist Church. Two hundred delegates were present from all parts of the Dominion. A civic welcome was extended by the mayor, who was followed by the Archbishop of New Zealand, the Most Bev. Campbell West-Watson. His Grace expressed the welcome of other Protestant denominations, and stressed the growing unity of the churches in their conflict with social and national . evil. Replies were made by Mr. Ernest Nees, ■Wellington, and the Rev. H. G. Goring, Dunedin.

At the public meeting which'followed, the new president of the Baptist' Union, Rev. !•'. A. Parry, Gisborne, was inducted to office, and delivered his presidential address on the subject, "The Church of Our Times.” Mr. Parry emphasized the ‘pressing lieed • for the church’s, essential task of evangelism as the only means of bringing individual, social and national redemption to mankind. Comparing New Zealand of today with the England o’f Wesley’s day, he affirmed that as the Evangelical Revival saved England then, so the message of Calvary alone could save our country and our youth. ’ Reports were received from various committees, including the church extension, college and Yianurewa home committees, and the five auxiliaries of, the Baptist Union. The ccntraJ auxiliary, comprising the Wellington, Taranaki, Manawatu and Hnwkp’s Bay districts reported substantial increases, particularly in Sunday school scholars. The election of the church extension committee resulted as follows:—-Messrs. E. Nees. 11. Ormrod, B. E. Jones, J. R. Carey. H. W. Milner. K. Edridge, ami Rev. ij. A. North (all of YVellington), Mr. G. E. Burt and the Rev. A. L. 811cock!

The college committee for the ensuing year comprises Dr. A. ,T. Hodge, the Revs. P. L. A. Crampton, ,T. 'l'. Crozier, E. A. North. G. C. Rcay, A. L. Silcock, J. E. Simpson, N. R. Wood, Messrs. S. Barry, E. M. BJaiklock, 11. T. Falla, N. S. Gaze, E. AV. Horner and IT. F. Purnell. The union sermon was nreaehed by tlie Rev. I). B. Forde Carlisle, on the theme. “The Kingship of Christ.” Tie affirmed the necessity of a note of authority in the Church's message, and pointed our that -the choice before our country and our people was that of the “mailed fist” or the “pierced hand.” r . The assembly will continue till Yvettnehday, during which period special stress will be placed on the task of the Church in these days. Celebrations in connexion with the 150th anniversary t>f the formation of (ho Baptist Missionary Society will be observed.