The Spike: or, Victoria University College Review, June 1922
Christian Union
Christian Union.
This year somewhat of a change has been adopted in the policy of the Union. It was felt that the C.U. in the past had not been catering altogether for the wants of a University College such as this, and that it was advisable to try and find abasis which, while being in touch with the Church on the one hand, was yet suitable for a student organization. With this aim, a series of general meetings has been arranged with the Professors or men in touch with student thought, as speakers, on problems facing educated men today, to which we think Christianity can offer a solution.
The opening meeting was addressed by Professor Hunter, on the subject of "Idealism." Some subsequent addresses are "Immortality," by Professor Kirk, "Law as a Social Benefit, by O. C. Mazengarb, and "Education," by Mr, Gould.
Study Circles have been formed, and in these also a change has been effectedInstead of studying a text book, a series of questions fundamental to the Christian faith have been arranged and these will be discussed by the circles from their own knowledge and private reading. The Rev. J. Baircl is conducting the leaders circle.
A Social Study Circle, under the direction of Professor Hunter, and led by J. G. Myers, has been instituted and promises to be a success.
Miss England is again conducting a Circle for the Study of the Old Testament from the point of view of Higher Criticism. This Circle meets every Sunday morning at 10 a.m., in St. Andrew's Classroom.
A Programme of Missionary Reading has been drawn up, the purpose being to acquaint those interested in missionary work with the conditions and problems to be faced. From time to time papers will be read dealing with the fields the individual students have been studying. All interested are invited to join this group.
The social teas in the Y.W.C.A. have been continued with moderate success. It is expected that the attendance will increase during the Winter term. The monthly boatservices have been discontinued owing to their apparent useleseness.
At the beginning of the term a Picnic was held at Karori Reservoir. Some 60 attended. Short addresses were given by Miss Grant, the President and the VicePresident. A very enjoyable time was spent.
During the long vacation six vacation studies were held, dealing with the relation of the Church to the various sections of the community. Addresses .were given by Canon Taylor, Dr. Gibb, Mr. G. A. Troup, Revs. R. Orr, J.Baird, and Watson.
The Student Day of Prayer was observed on February 26th. Special inter. cession was held after Church in St. Peter's. Rev, Watson conducted the service. There was a large attendance of both students and parishioners.
The annual Summer Conference was held in Ashburton. Victoria College was represented to the number of about fifty, including present and past students.