CHURCH WORK SOCIETY.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1835, 9 January 1880, Page 3

CHURCH WORK SOCIETY.

The inaugural meeting of the Church Work Society took place last evening in St. John’s schoolroom. His Lordship the Primate presided, supported on the platform by the Very Rev. the Dean of Christchurch, the Yen. Archdeacon Dudley, the Yen. Archdeacon Harper, the Revs. W. O. Harris, H. O. M. Watson, A. Davidson, and Messrs W. C. Walker and H. R. Webb.

The meeting being opened with prayer, The Chairman opened the proceedings by explaining at length the objects of the society, which had been established at the last meeting of the Diocesan Synod. Its underlying principle, he said, was its comprehensive character, which took in every member of the church, whether communicants or non-com-municants, It was the duty of all to take an interest in their own salvation ; nor was this interest to be limited; it should extend to both parochial and diocesan interests. As members of the church, it was their duty to do their utmost for its interests, and to stimulate the zeal of others in the same direction. All could not take an active part in Church work, but every one could contribute their money as a recognition of their membership. Wonderful efforts were now being made in the parishes of the old country. The zeal of the clergy was great, but their efforts were seconded in every direction by the laity. Some engaged in Sunday school work, others in visiting the sick and afflicted, but throughout the lay members of the Church the same zeal was a prominent feature, and that which was being done in England might be done here. He trusted that many would come forward to assist in bringing each other into closer communion for the purpose of Church work. The Yen. Archdeacon Dudley then addressed the meeting on the subject of the Church Work Society as a means of promoting union among members of the Church. He pointed out the great assistance that would be derived if the practice of parochial visiting on the part of lay members of the Church were thoroughly carried out. This would establish a bond of union which would be of the greatest value. The ministrations amongst seamen and soldiers was an instance of the great amount of good that might be done. The results of the charitable ministrations of certain ladies was an instance of what might be accomplished by individual effort, and showed how powerful an instrument for good would be a deaconesses’ institution, in which ladies could find a field for the active exercise for their faculties.

The Rev. W. O. Harris approached the subject by saying the name of the society sufficiently indicated its objects. The committee had their special work to do, but beyond this they had to try and awaken a personal interest in everyone in the way of vigorous work and active co-operation. The personal interest they wished to inspire was not of that negative character that sever stretches forth its hand to work, but the personal interest which led persons to offer themselves for the work of the Church. The co-operation they needed was a wise combination of all the members of the Church. For this they must be talkers and workers both, and try to inspire others with the same thoughts that animated them and the arguments they need. When this interest was awakened they would then have to direct its operations. Some might find their appropriate work in visiting the sick in the Hospitals, others had peculiar powers of speech which fitted them to minister amongst the seamen and laboring population of Port Lyttelton, others again could devote themselves to the visitation of the gaols and reformatories, and endeavor to reclaim the fallen, and lastly, those who were not qualified for any of these phases of active work, might be so situated as to be able to contribute liberally of the means which God had given them. In conclusion, they must not forget the claims of the outlying districts, which demanded from them all the assistance they could give. Mr Webb, the next speaker, dwelt on the society as a means of raising funds for Church purposes. He referred to the kindred society which had been formed in New South Wales as an instance of what might be achieved by parochial associations. A later society established in Tasmania was likewise in a prosperous condition, and doing good work. A great deal of their hopes of the success of the new formed society depended on the help and co-operation of the ladies in the matter of collecting subscriptions. If the districts were mapped out, and each had its appointed visitor, a great deal would be done. The success of the Bible Society in Lyttelton was a proof of this, and at the same time an encouragement to adopt the means which had led to this result.

An interval of music took place here, the choir singing “ The Glory of the Lord,” and Miss Hi. B. Rowley “ He shall feed his flock,” from the “ Creation.”

On resuming, the Ven. Archdeacon Harper said the subject matter of his address was Parochial Associations, viewed as an organisation for furthering the church work of the parish or district. He first ran through the various means by which, by co-operation of working members of the church, the work of his own parish was accomplished. He then gave the substance of a conversation he had had recently with a friend upon the objects of the Church Society just established. They both agreed that the greatest drawback they had to contend with was a want of zeal; The cure for this was to stimulate the supineneas of individuals into active life, and then maintain the newly roused activity. There was work for all to do, if the work was pointed out to them. The first means to the desired end was the establishment of Parochial Societies, which would bring the clergy and laity into more intimate communion. There were many who were ready to come forward and put their hand to the work, if it was only indicated to them. If these institutions were formed, he believed that in six months’ time his Lordship the Bishop’s aspiration when forming the association, would be in a fair way to be realised.

Rev. H. O. M. Watson followed on the same phase of the subject. He believed that as the Universities is at home stimulated the respective colleges, the existence here of the Church Work Society would have the corresponding effect of vitalising the dormant energies of the individual Church workers in their parishes. The Rev. Mr Flavell apologised for the absence of the Rev. E. A. Lingard, and in hie place took up the next aspect of the same question which had been dealt with by the last speaker. This bore on parochial associations viewed as an organisation for furthering the church work of the diocese. Briefly put, the speaker said what they required was an active faith, energetic workers, and lastly, funds. With the two first the third would follow.

Solo and chorus—“ O Thou that Tellest.” Mrs E. B. Rowley and choir. The Very Rev. the Dean of Christchurch next addressed the meeting on the work of the Central Society as distinguished from parochial associations. He did not see how they could do more than contribute and collect funds ; they could not do the diocesan work. The Cathedral and its officers would be a great agency in that direction. A large voluntary choir who would do the daily choral

services, that would be another necessity, and then they came to the divine work of charity. The central society would here find their speciality in the visitations to the Hospital, the Gaol, and the Reformatory at Burnham. The speaker enlarged on the necessity of quickening the spiritual life of the Ohursb, and thought that the two general meetings of the society for devotional purposes would be a moat potent agency.

The Rev, A. Davidson was the last speaker, the subject of his remarks being on the mode of doing the work of the Church among seamen. He referred to the work done in England by the St. Andrew’s Waterside Mission, a record of the benefits which had resulted therefrom offering the greatest encouragement to- the Church Work Society to prosecute the work amongst the seamen in Lyttelton. The conditions out here were far more favorable than in English ports, as there the men were scattered far and wide on their arrival in port, and could not be got at. Here, on the contrary, the seamen were easily reached, and were far more amenable to the efforts used on their behalf. The speaker concluded by mentioning the various agencies which could be employed by the societies in this particular branch of their labors for the benefit of seamen generally. The Primate, in his concluding remarks, enumerated the various special objects in connection with the society for which money was wanted, and explained that it would be at the option of the committee to decide to which object subscriptions should be devoted, unless the donor, when he gave his subscription, particularised the special object to which he wished the money devoted. In such cases it would be so appropriated. He then moved a vote of thanks to the ladies and gentlemen who had contributed the musical selections which had been given. The proceedings were brought to a close by those present singing the hymn appointed to be sung at the meetings of the association, after which the Primate pronounced the benediction.