Council of Churches.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXV, Issue 261, 3 December 1903, Page 4

Council of Churches.

The first annual report presented by the President, J(ev. S. S." Osborne, at the meeting of tjie Cpuncil of Churches last evening clf;pjt with the aims and objects of the Council, which consists of the ministers of the town and elected representatives of the churches. The constitution deiinpei t.he objects of the Council as follows ; To pfomote Christian unity and fellowship ; tp confer on matters affecting the social, moral, and religious welfare of the community, and to take such action us I'liiy be -deemed necessary to salegniaiil thy j/iterests of relig'ion and public morality. A fetter had been sent to the Minister of Justice re the •desiraib'ility of separating juvenile ollenders from long service prisoners in the gaols of the colony. By the eflorls of thy Council ten o'clock licenses were secured in New Plymouth this year, and the representations of the Council to the Borough Council resulted in the closing of billiard rooms at the same hour. Resolutions were passed expressing satisfaction with the Borough Council in its efforts to suppress betting in public plijces, and warmly commending the vigilance of the police in securing convictions. The report dealt with the establishment of a Band of Hope, Jfi'ii'rence was made to the removal of Rev. S. J. S.erpell, whose place had been wurtjijiv filled by Rev. J. N. Buttle, and tl.a'i " durinij th« year the Rev. Archdeacon Go veil, passed away, ripe in years, and with a U'autiful 'ecord of long and useful service as a good Minister of Jesus Christ. A message of sympathy to the bereaved fnmiiy was sent from the Council." Serious consideration -had bgeif given to the increasing desecration of U>'-' Lord's Buy, and representations ha-fi been made to the secretaries of various clubs, with tile request that the matter might be brought before general meetings of members. The proposed visit of the Australasian Students' Christian Onion was noted as an event of more than local imiKirtance, and the assistance of members was requested in making! provision for the comfort ajid enjoyment of fjelagutea. The report ex-* pressed satisfaction with the Council's service in mating possible combined efforts for the mora/ mid religious advancement of the community, and it has helped to Imk the churches together, not with the iron fetters of compulsion, but with tho golden chains of love and brotherhood.