The British and Foreign Bible Society Meeting.

Manawatu Herald, 4 August 1900, Page 2

The British and Foreign Bible Society Meeting.

A large number of people gathered in the Methodist Sunday Schoolroom on Wednesday evening. Mr Alf. Fraser occupied the chair, which he filled in his usual able way.

The chairman opened the meeting by announcing the beautiful ■ hymn " Jesus shall reign, etc.," the congregation standing and singing the words thrown upon the sheet by the magic !an tern . MrS. H . Baker accompanied on the organ. Upon conclusion the Rev. W. Woollass offered a short prayer. The secretary's report was -cad and adopted. From the report we are pleased to learn, that progress is being made and that funds are on the increase. Mr S. H. Baker, sec^ retary, stated that he had great difficulty in making a footing at first. He asked Rev. Leach to become President, but Mr Leach could not do so, and was also too busy to assist in any way. Rev. Woollass, however, gladly accepted that position and called a meet* ing in which Mr S. H. Baker was appointed as hon. sec. Later on Mr G. Stiles became treasurer. No one else held office. An active committee was needed as Mr Baker felt unable and incompetent to do all the work alone. He wished to see at least two persons from each of the local churches acting on such. The item of the evening was then voiced by the chairman who briefly introduced the lecturer, Rev. F. H. Spencer. Mr- Spencer is a first-class speaker and appears very zealous in the cause of the Bible Society, which he described as being related to «K Churches and Missions kt tontts 'jfio different languages asrthe main spring is to the watch and the arsenal to the army. He coald only touch upon one small branch this evening in his lecture upon " Malaysia." A very interesting lecture was then given, illustrated by first-class pictures with the magic lantern. During the lecture the Rev. gentleman spoke upon the great storm in China, and predicted the turning of the tide of evil there. He expected the gospel shortly to advance very quickly in China. Storms always brought a calm. Christ's gospel always went forward after such. Mr Spenoer pointed out that the demands for the gospel in Malaysia alone were far beyond the supplies, and funds were greatly needed. He asked for help. The beautiful hymn " From Green-" land's Icy Mountains " was then thrown upon the sheet and sung by all present, Mr G. Stiles accompanied with the organ. Atter which a collection was made which totalled up to 245. The chairman announced this as a great increase upon last meeting held 16 months ago, as then only 5s was taken. I Votes of thanks were passed to the the lecturer, chairman, collectors and subscribers, the Methodists for loan of school, and to the secretary. The meeting was closed by the Rev. Woollass pronouncing the benediction. We understand that up to date over £5 has been given or promised this year as against £1 6s 3d for last year, a good increase and more to follow.