PRESBYTERIAN SUMMER SCHOOL

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 3022, 20 October 1908, Page 6

PRESBYTERIAN SUMMER SCHOOL

ITS FORM AND OBJECTS. THE CHURCH'S "CLARION CALL TO MEN." Seeing that some seven or eight hundred visitors will spend a week in Masterton at Christmas time in connection with the Presbyterian Summer School, an indication as to what its form will take and the nature of its objects will probably be of interest to readers. The following circular, recently issued by the Committee for the School, will give I an idea of the comprehensive character of the school : "Keynote of the School— The Church's Clarion Call to Men!" "To Ministers, Home Missionaries, Leaders and Superintendents:— ."Please peruse the following and help us and help the Church by making its contents as widely known as possible. The Summer School is the seed plot of the Bible Class and the Sunday School, which in turn are the Nursery of the Church. "The Summer School of the New Zealand Presbyterian Bible Class Union takes place in Masterton during Christmas Week, commencing on Thursday, December 24th, at 7.30 p.m., and concluding on Wednesday evening, December 30th, 1908. The camps will break up on Thursday morning, December 31st. "The Summer School combines the culture of the Body, the Mind, and the Spirit, in promoting athletic contests and healthy recreations, social intercourse and good fellowship, Bible study and teaching, and a knowledge of the best and most up-to date methods of successful Bible Class and Sunday Schojl work.

"Sectional meetings for young men and young women, for seniors and juniors, and for Sunday School workers are arranged. At each group lectures and discussions on all phases of the work connected with each are conducted by successful leaders and teachers acquainted with all the most approved methods. These sectional meetings form the morning 'session of the school.

"In the afternoon, excursions, recreations, and athletic contests are conducted, whilst in the evening combined 'mass meetings will be held, addressed by prominent Ministers and Laymen. "Membership in the School is open to all interested in the promotion of the Bible Class movement, whether Bible Class members or not, but the following are specially invited:— (1) All members of Young Men's and Young Women's Bible Classes. (2) All Ministers and Theological Students.

(3) All young men and young women interested from congregations without Bible Classes.

(1) All Sunday School Superintendents and Teachers, or thennominees as substitutes. (5) All members and persons of such institutions as shall be specially invited. (6) All Office Bearers and men interested in work for men and boys. "The registration fee for member ship is 2s, provided application is made on or before December 16th. Thereafter it shall be 2s 6d. In all cases the fee must accompany application for membership. The Registrar, Mr W. E. Chamberlain, cf Masterton, will receive names of delegates from November Ist onwards. To ensure the comfort of delegates, and give the Committee time to make the necessary arrangements, it is urgently requested that registrations be sent in before December 16th.

"The ladies will camp at the Public School buildings, and the men at the Showgrounds. Private board and lodgings will be arranged /or those desiring it.' Meals will be provided in camp at a cobt of 3s per day. Beyond travelling expenses the only expense is that of registration and meals. The Union Company grants concessions to registered members, and excursion rates will then be obtained on the railways. "Delegates are expected to bring their own rugs or blankets, and ladies wishing a list of camp requisites should write to Miss L. McGregor, the School, Masterton, who will be in cnargeof the Ladies' Camp. A Bible, Church Praise, pencil and note book are necessary. "Visitors are expected to wear a dark blue ribbon, and will be met by members of the Reception Committee on their arrival. "The following are some special features of the School: — (1) A full consideration of the Church's and Classes' work amongst men. (2) Model Bible Classes. (3) Syllabus construction. (4) Special aspects of Sunday School work. (5) The annual sports of Bible Class members, including swimming events. (6) The Basket Ball Tournament for Ladies. (7) Evangelism and Deepening of the Spiritual Life. (8) Social times at the Camps. "Make an effort to come for your own sake, for the sake of your class, the sake of your Church and Sabbath School, and pray that God's blessing may attend all your preparations and meetings. (Signed)— Rev. I. Jolly, Hon. President; Rev. A. T. Thompson, President Local Committee;--Edwin Feist, Secretary; W. E. Chamberlain, Registrar; G. H. Jupp, Genj H. H. Sutton, Convenor Sports Committee; Dr J. A. Cowie, Convenor Accommodation Committee." In connection with the School, a Committee of about forty members of Knux Church are working very hard in making arrangements for accommodation, and other matters.