BAPTIST CONFERENCE,

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2637, 20 October 1909, Page 5

BAPTIST CONFERENCE,

DELEGATES ENTERTAINED

fPmi Pkksh Association.! WELLINGTON, October 19

Delegates to the Baptist Union Conference were entertained at luncheon yesterday by the Wellington Ministers’ Association. At yesterday’s business sitting an important motion dealt with was the relations between the Union ad the auxiliary. A. number of alterations were, on the recommendation of a special .committee, made to the constitution in the direction of securing a greater degree of co-operation between the two divisions, the iiim of the amendments being to consolidate the efforts of the denomination and secure greater supervision and co-operation. A proposal to substitute local for Dominion representation on the auxiliary governing body evoked considerable discussion, and was eventually ruled out of order. Other matters adopted were the admission of Mr. Robert Mayhill. of Christchurch, as a properly constituted minister in charge. A report on the Union’s official publication, the “New Zealand Baptist,” ivas submitted by Mr. J. R. Carey. A committee Ava-s appointed to revieAv the whole question of the management of the paper. The committee appointed for the purpose advised as to to the best means for increasing the general income of the- Union. It was decided to depute a visiting committee to endeavor to secure additional subscribers, the committee to draAv up a scheme of canvass also to observe a home mission Sunday during March in each year. A considerable number of adherents Avere present in the afternoon, when, addresses on the spiritual life of the church Avere given by the Revs. A. S. Wilson and Guy Thornton.

CLOSE OF THE SESSION

The election of officers for the ensuing year occupied the Baptist Union Conference iioav in session for the greater part of to-day. Mr. A. F. Carey, president of the Union, presided.

Among other questions considered was the extending of the benefits of the annuity fund to home missionaries. The report of the committee charged with the amending of the regulations governing the fund was delivered by Mr. A. S. Adams, and was adverse to the proposal. The report was adopted. Mr. John Nicol moved in accordance with notice—“ That the Sunday School Committee be requested to prepare a report for presentation to the next conference on the whole question of improved methods in the teaching and AA-orking of the schools, particularly in relation to the establishment of <normal classes for teachers, and bringing the schools into more prominence in our church life.” The motion Avas adopted.

The election-of officers resulted as follows: —President, Rev. W. Hay (Dunedin); vice-presidents, Mr A. Chidgey (Christchurch); secretary, Rev. R. S. Gray (Christchurch); treasurer, Mr. A. F. Carey (Christchurch); “New Zealand Baptist” editor, Mr. H. H. Driver (re-elected); manager, Mr. J. R. Carey; recorder and registrar, Mr. W. R. Woolley (re-elected); financial secretary, Rev. Chas. Boyall (re-elect-ed) ; Union preacher, Rev. J. K. Archer (Napier); deputy Union preacher, Rev. Stanley jenkin; annuity fund secretary, Mr. H. M. Smeaton (Auckland); annuity fund treasurer, Mr. W. H. George (Wellington, re-elected); convener of Board of Advice and Introduction, Rev. A. North (Auckland); Union solicitor, Mr. A.-S. Adams; auditors, as for the previous year. Committees were elected as follows: Annuity Fipjd—Messrs A. S. Adams, T. E. Toneyclitte, W. Speddiug, W. H. Lamb, and A. F. Carey. Manse Fund —Messrs H. M. Smeoton, S. R- Ingold, G. C. Garlick, C. Cathie, H. Lamb, and Drew. Students—Revs. J. J. North, E. A. Williams (convener), It. S. Gray, A. S. Wilson, and A. Dewdney. General—Revs. J. J. North, H. Knowles. Kempton, A. Dewdney, A. Nor the, A. S. Wilson, C. Dallaston, F. •G. Buckingham, E. A.. Kirkwood, and Messrs A. S. Adams, H. M. Smeeton, S. H. Driver, W. H. George, J Carson. A Hoby, R. Milligan, Chas. Cathie and J. Iv. Archer. Sunday School and Young People s —(As for the previous year). Messrs W. Nieol (Wellington), W. Brick (Nelson), A. McHutcheon (Caversham), W. Edish and Captain Cumming (Gisborne) were elected personal members of the Union. The Bible Class Union was invited to serid delegates to the next Assembly. It was unanimously decided, to hold the next conference at Dunedin. A resolution’* was carried expressing profound pleasure at the formation of a Bible Class' Union, and wishing both its branches rapid growth.