CHURCH IN ENGLAND

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 136, 6 December 1938, Page 13

CHURCH IN ENGLAND

REVIVAL OF INTEREST

USE OF RELIGIOUS FILMS

Signs of a revival of interest in the Church and its work were noted by the Rev. R. T. Hall, of Otane, Hawke's Bay, on his visit to England. "I certainly think that," said Mr. Hall in an interview on his arrival by the Awatea today. "It may be only just the beginning, but I do not think there is any, doubt about things being better than they were."

During the European crisis the church congregations naturally were considerably swelled. But, apart from that, the size of the congregations at some of the churches had rather surprised him. It was not uncommon to find, when there was a special preacher or when there was special music as part of the programme that the church was full some time before the commencement of the service. Even in churches where there was an absence of what one might call special attractions, but where there was a solid rather than a brilliant man who was one of the people and was putting his heart and his soul into his work, there was also a good response.

"I am inclined to think that that is always the case," commented Mr. Hall. "If a minister is a worker and the people feel that he has their welfare at heart they will support him."

Reference was made to a cablegram from England some months ago regarding the use of the motion-picture machine in the churches in England as a means of spreading .the Christtian doctrine. Mr. Hall said that the Bishop of Lichfield was chairman of this movement and was very keen about it, but as yet it had not got beyond its initial stages. Two requirements essential to the success of the movement were the production of good religious films and the finance with which to do that.

Mr. Hall was. accompanied by his wife and small daughter.^