BIBLE TRAININGINSTITUTE OPENED

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 129, 22 August 1927, Page 16

BIBLE TRAININGINSTITUTE OPENED

BUILDING FREE OF DEBT Tj” 1 NT! RELY free of debt the new " Bible Training Institute, Queen Street, Auckland, was opened on Saturday afternoon by Mr. R. L. Stewart, chairman of the Board of Directors. Representatives of the various denominations interested in* the establishment of the institute rejoiced in the knowledge of this achievement. Practically the whole of the £16,000 required, it was stated, was raised by voluntary contributions. The building is two-storeyed, of ferro-concrete, and contains over 80 rooms. It has accommodation for £6 men and 24 women in separate wings. In addition, there are classrooms and administration offices. Its cost is in the vicinity of £11,750. The total expenditure, however, in connection with the site, construction, and furnishings will be over £16,000. The whole has been covered by voluntary contributions from different parts of New Zealand. The contractors were Messrs. McKenzie Bros., of Papatoetoe. Mr. R. J. Emerson was clerk of works. Quite a large number of citizens accepted the invitation of the board of directors, and were present at the ceremony. The directors include: Rev. Joseph W. Kemp, Rev. E. R. Harries, Dr. W. H. Pettit, and Messrs. Stewart, C. J. Rolls, R. A. Laidlaw, H. R. Jenkins, A. F. Ellis, Bruce Scott, A. E. Wilson, F. S. Battley, H: T. H. Grave. T. R. Cameron, J. O. Sanders, and E. M. Blaiklock. A gold key was handed to Mr. Stewart by Mr. Emerson, who said: “May this door lead to such influence and service that no man might ever shut it.” “Though this building is free of debt,” said Mr. Stewart, when performing the opening ceremony, “there is a debt of gratitude to the many associated' with the establishment of the institute that can never be repaid.” The Rev. J. W. Kemp, who was responsible for the inauguration of the scheme, was described by Mr. Stewart as “the father of the institution.” “VISION OF MY HEART” “Since I arrived in New Zealand seven years ago,” replied Mr. Kemp, “the institution has been the vision of my hfeart.” Students sent from New Zealand to Australia and the United States, he explained, seldom or never returned. For that reason it was essential that the Dominion should have its own training institute. Mr. Kemp also hoped to see a branch institute eventally established at Ceylon. When Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Scott left for that colony at the end of the year, they would possibly be authorised to set up such an establishment. When the great Churches divided on the principles of unity, said the Rev. Lionel B. Fletcher, it was indeed gratifying to see the smaller denominations joining together and establishing such a training institute for students who would carry the message of the Bible to all the quarters of the earth. The Rev. Evan R. Harries also extended his congratulations. Prayer was offered Dr. W. H. Pettit, and Mr. H. T. H. Grave read from the Scriptures. The choral singing of the students’ choir was directed by Mr. A. E. Wilson. Mr. C. J. Rolls also delivered an address.