CHRISTIAN CHURCHES.

Wairarapa Age, 10 March 1927, Page 4

CHRISTIAN CHURCHES.

FRATERNAL GATHERING IN WELLINGTON. CONGREGATIONAL DELEGATES WELCOMED. WELLINGTON, March 9. Prior to the opening of the fortyfourth annual assembly of the Congregational Union of New Zealand tonight, the Wellington district tendered a dinner to the visiting delegates, numbering about 60. The Rev. A. M. Holland, 8.A., 8.D., presided, and welcomed the visitors. The Mayor (Mr. C« J. B. Norwood) also extended a welcome.

The Bishop of Wellington (Dr. Sprott) referred to his friendship of over 30 years with the late Rev. J. Reed Glasson and said that although he had not met them personally, he claimed to have many friends amongst the great writers of the Congregational Communion, from whose works he had derived great help. It showed that they could give and receive inspiration from each other’s writing, even if unity between churches was not as visible as it should be. He had no cut and dried scheme to remedy that, but he believed the time would come when the Church of Christ would be wholly united.

The Rev. W. Shirer, extended a welcome on behalf of the Presbyterian Church, arjL the Rev. F. E. Harry welcomed the delegates on behalf of the Baptist Church. Mr. Harry said he rejoiced unfeignedly at the advance the Congregational Church was making in New Zealand. Brigadier Macaulay, representing the Salvation Army, said he was sure the Christian churches had long gone past the days when they were disposed to tell each other to “Go to Jericho." Churches tfere fighting the one great fight. Pastor W. G. Car pentcr extended a welcome on behalf of the Church of Christ, and the Rev. W. Rowe for the Methodist Church.— (P.A.)