BAPTIST UNION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2208, 11 October 1907, Page 4

BAPTIST UNION.

Tress Association. AUCKLAND, Oct. 10. The Baptist Conference endorsed the appointment of tlio ltovs. H. Hobday (Mosgiel), N. A. Davis (Kaikoura), Guv Thornton (Sydenham), A. S. Wilson (Wanganui). At a short service after the business session reference was made to the relation of the Church to labor, and the too common lack of careful consideration of this question by the Church, and it was stated the subject would receive due attention during the conference. Rev. Carter, the first president of tlio Baptist Union in New Zealand, said this year they were celebrating their jubilee. Twentyfive years ago fifteen delegates met and constituted the Union. This year eighty delegates were present. The annual report reviews the progress made by the denomination in a quarter of a century. The Union was established in Wellington 25 years ago, the membership of the churches being 1901. This year there were 4165 members. 'Over 20 new churches and branches had been established in a quarter of a con-, tur.v. The Union had more (than doubled .in .members. Sittings of churches and power membership increased at the rate of 25 per cent, every five years:- The net increase during the year was 207. During the year a large reduction had been made in debts on church property. The congregations had given very generously, and the denomination was perhaps less encumbered than any other religious body ill the Dominion. The New Zealand Baptist had had a successful year; its circulation had substantially increased, and considerable profit accrued on the year’s working. The churches had done vigorous work in many places and successful aggressive efforts were reported. New churches had been established and .new buildings erected at Epsom and Hamilton; new churches had also been erected at Caversliam, Riccarton, and Feilding. The report concluded by staking that urgent appeals had reached the Union for vigorous extension in many places, and it was hoped the churches would vigorously respond.