PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY

Hokitika Guardian, 18 November 1920, Page 4

PRESBYTERIAN ASSEMBLY

(Per Press Association.) treasurers report. WELLINGTON, November 17. At the Presbyterian General Assembly to-day the treasurer, Bev. W. « Comrie, reported that contributions to the general funds of the Church had again exceeded all previous records, largely due to a special appeal made vo meet the crisis in foreign mission work arising from the. adverse rate of exchange. Most of the other funds also showed an increased income. The Theological College Fund was in a most un satisfactory condition. Its income as not only far less than was required, blit it was £SO less than for the previous year, All the larger Presbyteries showed lessened Contributions, the L-.1-ling ling off being greatest in Wellington, Christchurch, Oamaru and Dunedin. One hundred and twenty-three ministers and home-missionaries were insured against accident and sickness, and premiums amounting, to £192 had bean paid to the Standard Insurance Company. Colmpensation totalling £125 had been paid to ten ministers and home missionaries. Tlie Treasurer’s report was adopted. The Rev. W. H. Homes, a member of the Statistical Committee, reported that throughout the Church there had been a decrease in membership 00174 comprising 92 in the North Island and 282 in the 'South Island. The largest decrease was recorded in the Wanganui Presbytery, which numbered 144. In the matter of attendance at public worship there was a decrease of about a score over the decrease in membership. In eonnetion with the pastoral care, there had been an increase of some 1300; but an increased pastoral eaio had not shown itself in the increased membership, nor yet in the increased Church attendance, and results were intangible in those directions. The increase in pastoral care was confined to the North Island. There were 142-363 Presbyterians in the South Island aul 116,173 in the North Island. The total ordinary revenue of the Church showed an increase of over £36,000. The South Island raised £105,315 sod the North Island £80,304 making a total of £185,619. The total building property debt, or from rent, was £57,547. These were two lines of finance yielded in the May quarter, and d-d not include the effort last year for missions towards which the South Island had contributed £135,975 and tlie North Island £108,191. The total debt was £108,190. The report was adopted. A report was presented ill connection with Sabbath schools, showing an increase of 12 schools and 244 scholars. The teaching staff showed a het decrease of 37. The large decrease in the number of entrants in Sabbath school examinations was to be deplored, being* about 5 per cent only of the average attendance of the children over line years of age. The Assembly discussed the necessity for stimulating interest in the examinations for youths. The Church Committee presented a. report on the duties of the proposed Director of youth, and the finance in connection therewith. They proposed an expenditure of £1650, this ami int to he raised by the united efforts of thp congregations'. Among other recommendations was one that the Pev. : .1. C. Jamieson be appointed Diric- | tor. Tlie report was adopted by further re- - solutions concerning appointments under the scheme, will be moved to-mor- t row.