BAPTIST UNION

Evening Star, Issue 22465, 9 October 1936, Page 16

BAPTIST UNION

THE ANNUAL ASSEMBLY [Per United Press Association.] AUCKLAND, October 8. The Baptist Union sermon was delivered by the Rev. C. B. Boggis, of Hastings, at the sitting of tho fiftyfourth annual assembly of the Baptist Union of New Zealand and the New Zealand Baptist Missionary Society. In the annual report of the union the secretary (the Rev. M. W. P. Lascelles) said the most notable event of tho year had been the opening of a new church at Greymouth. There had been marked progress in the erection of new buildings and extensions to existing ones in all parts of tho country. The total membership of the churches comprised in the union was 9,023, an increase of 165 in the year. The self-denial and thanksgiving offerings had amounted to £2,142, of which the union had received £714. the remainder being given to the Missionary Society. Tho sum of £1,503 had been contributed to the new church at Greymouth, where the membership had reached 33. Many important pastorates were now held by Baptist College trainees.

“ Great changes are passing over the modern world, which is looking for a new order of society,” the document concluded. “ The Dominion is venturing upon new paths. New problems are confronting Christ’s Church, but in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God we have a programme and resources vast enough for our utmost needs.”

Congratulations were extended to the Rev. C. B. Busfield on the continued success o.f the fire insurance fund, which was showing a good profit. Mr Busfield inaugurated the scheme seven years ago.

According to the financial statement, the total amount of cash passing through the union office during the year was £20,396. The statement for the union showed a deficit of £487. while that of the Missionary Society showed a deficit of £B6B. A prolonged discussion followed a remit from the Finance Committee that only two major appeals be made throughout the year instead of three as at present. This was adopted and it was agreed that the question of allocation be referred to the Union Council.