BAPTIST CHURCH

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9796, 20 October 1917, Page 10

BAPTIST CHURCH

EXECUTIVE OF UNION

BUSINESS AT COICGLUDIXG MEETING.

Tbo Baptist Union executive concluded its sittings yesterday. Mr A. F. Carry, .on behalf of Mr R> S. Abel, presented the report of the Annuity Fund. It showed receipts for the. year Xo\JS 17s 3d, expenditure. .£SO li*» Id. The investment, account now stood at J 23603 14» 6ci, an increase of .£434 5s 2d for the year It would be the nim of the treasurer to add -£SOO during the ensuing year. Regret was expressed that so few- of the ministers availed themselves of the benefits of the fund. The Revs. Bowen James, Reuben Bailey and C. I>. Garii.ner were received into tho ministerial membership of tho union; also Messrs Hallle and Bushfxeld, who had completed their course of study as presented by the students' committee.

The Rev. W. Rollins, convener of the students' committee, presented, tho annual report. It stated that four of the students, Messrs A. Stuart, F. A. Parry, Arthur Hoare, and Harold Goring, were away under tho colours. Messrs E. Chard and E. Goring had pursued their studies at Xvnox College throughout th© year with satisfactory results. Messrs 0. McHattie and’ L. B- Bushfield had passed the examinations proscribed under tho Homo Mission course, and were recommended for ministerial recognition. The Rev. John Laird, one of the examiners, was complimented on securing his B.A. degree during file year. Thanks were accorded to Revs, S. Jenkin, J. Laird, 5.A., B. H. K, Kempton. W. Lambert, W. H. Hinton, F. Jones, 8.D., and C. Mann for aid as supervisors or examiners. Tho report was adopted. Mr A. S, Adams and Rev. R. S. Gray were requested to inquire into the- question of the incorporation of tho union and report at the next conference. A deputation was appointed to interview (Sir James Allen to assure him of tho union's desire to see the war carried on to a victorious issue, and ita concern for the position, of th© oonecientous objector. It was moved by the Rev. J. J- North, seconded by the Rev. R. S. Gray, and carried:—"That tho Baptist Union of New Zealand, while recognising the devotion and Sacrifice of two of tn* churches of the Dominion in cctablishirig primary schools, cannot view this development in the educational outlook without anxiety, since the maintenance of the national system in full strength seems to be essential to effici®ncy and tx» national well-being, the union urges on the Government and on the nation the absolute necessity of maintaining the unequivocal refusal recently # expressed bv the Minister for Education of all grants in aid to sectarian schools, however admirable the schools may bo in themselves." , . % .

It was also unanimously decided; 'That the union joins with all teachers' institutes and education boards of the Dominion in emphatic protest. against the suggested exemption of Mnrjst teachers from th« sacrifices in which State tcaohors aro involved. Tho union repudiates the idea that the private views imppsed by a Church should be used to shield these men from their obligation to the State. The union desires no persecution, and recognises tho devotion of these teachers, bnteeots equity in the interests of everyone.” Mr H. 11. Driver moved, and it was unaninwusly decided"(lj That this executive of tho Baptist Union of Ne« Zealand desires to express afresh its admiration of the loyalty and valour displayed by the young men of our Churches «nd of the families associated with our Churches in their. readiness to defend tho liberties and rights of the Umpire against tho aggressiveness of a mighty and a merciless enemy. (2) That we express our Warmest sympathy, with the men who have suffered injury through the war, and pray that they may be sustained and comforted in their pain and disablement, and, if it be the will of God, may be reinstated in health and fitness for remunerative employment. <3> That we express our affectionate condolence with the bereaved and broken-hearted in the heavy losses they have been caTISd upon to bear through this prolonged and desolating war, aiid commend them to the pity and comfort of the Father of all mercies. (4) That we urge our people to nray unceasingly and earnestly that victor-- may speedily crown the warfare of Britain and the Allied nations, and that tile peace of God may soon return to the distracted earth.” A message o? greeting was ordered to be sent to the Baptists of Russia, coupled with tho hope that the Revolution will help to secure for them a larger measure of civil and religious liberty. It was agreed that £2O be remitted to Chaplain T. A. Williams to assist him in his work among the soldiers at Hornchurch.