Burnley Express
April 25 1959
Haggate Minister now Baptist Union Leader
"We are not likely to be imprisoned for our preaching and speaking about Jesus Christ, In fact the reverse is true. We are often so weak and mild that no one takes any notice of us" said the Rev. R.T. Millerchip of Haggate Baptist Church, Briercliffe, when on Monday evening he was inducted as this year's president of the Burnley and District Baptist Union.
The service was held at Haggate Church, Mr. Millerchip, who succeeds Mrs M. Barton-Marshall being the first minister from the church to hold the office.
The theme of Mr. Millerchip's presidential address was "The Perils of the Christian." Basing his remarks on Luke 14, v 28, he enumerated the perils which Paul had to face during his ministry, dangers from robbers. from Jews and Gentiles, from false brethren, from sleepless nights, hunger and thirst, etc., perils to which the majority of Christian people were not exposed to-day.
Modern Dangers
Yet, he said, there were perils to-day which could bring the downfall of our Christian life, and not all came from outside. There were perils which we caused ourselves, either by our folly or by deliberately turning against the truth. We were urged, he said, and quite rightly, to read the Scriptures. Discussing the perils of reading, he stressed the need of reading with understanding, with true meditation, and with aim and purpose.
Mr. Millerchip then proceeded to discuss the perils of thinking, emphasising that thinking played a very important part in the Christian life. He pointed out the peril of wandering thoughts in worship. Further dangers were the placing of self before other people and the attitude that "I am right and everyone else is wrong".
Finally Mr. Millerchip stressed the perils in speaking, adding that they were more likely to be ignored.
He said it was essential for Christian people to refrain from compromise in their speaking, speaking without conviction, and boasting.
"There is a tendancy to boast of our connection with such and such a church, thus thinking that we are better and different from other followers of Jesus Christ.
The service was conducted by Mrs. M. Barton-Marshall, who assured Mr. Millerchip of the good wishes and prayers of all local Baptists. The congregation stood while Mr. Millerchip signed the President's Bible. The Haggate choir, under the leadership of Mr. H. Sutcliffe, led the singing and also sang the anthems, "All in the April evening" and "O Father whose almighty power". The lesson was read by Mr. W. Duff, who is the treasurer of the local Baptist Union.
Following the service refreshments were served in the schoolroom by ladies of the Haggate church, and later the Secretary of the Union, the Rev G. Williams, called upon Mr. L. Walker to express thanks to the Haggate church for their hospitality.
Thanks to David Barker for obtaining this article from Burnley reference library for me
_________________ Mel
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