CHURCH WORK SOCIETY.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1966, 12 June 1880, Page 2

CHURCH WORK SOCIETY.

Yesterday, being St. Barnabas’ Day, the half-yearly devotional meeting of the Church Work Society was held in St. Michael’s Church. At 11 a.m. the celebration of the holy communion took place, and in the evening a choral evensong was held, with sermon, the Kev. W. A. Paacoo being the preacher. A conference in St. Michael’s schoolroom was held subsequently, the Most Bev. the Primate presiding. The proceedings were opened with a hymn, followed by prayer. His Lordship then delivered an introductory address, in which he stated the object for which they were gathered together, namely, for the purpose of joining in public worship, and hearing some account of what had been done in reference to the Church Work Society, the objects of which were to create united action among the mem-

bers of the Church for the extension of the work and the glorification of the Lord. In this connection ho pointed to the great good that could be effected by the lay members in ministering and setting an example to those outside the Church as well as those within it, and he appealed especially to the nsefulness of women in this respect, they by their sympathy and gentleness being more capable than men of doing good. The Bev, 0. Harris then delivered an address on the Church Work Society in the parishes, and read a report of what had been done under its auspices first, as to diocesan work, and secondly, church work in the society—the results shown being eminently satisfactory. At the same time he pointed to the necessity for sustained efforts in the good labor they all hod before them, in which Church members were called upon to take, all of them, a part. The Bev. H. B. Cocks then read an interesting paper on “ The means of promoting attendance at Holy Communion,” followed by the Hon. Mr Gresson, with a paper on the same subject. Mr Twontyman spoke to the question. In reference to Church work among the seamen and in the public institutions, the Bev. Mr Davidson, who is actively engaged in this direction, gave some interesting and satisfactory particulars, and the Yery Bev. the Dean of Christchurch then addressed the meeting on “The Spiritual Life—how to deepen it,” in reference to which he dwelt on the efficacy of earnest prayer. Mr Twentyman spoke on the same subject, and advocated the constant reading and study of the Holy Scriptures by all who sought the consolation and comfort of religion. Then followed a hymn, and the proceedings were brought to a close by the Primate pronouncing the benediction.