Reformed Presbyterian Minutes of Synod 1954

REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 79
The Fields
Through the pages of the Covenanter Witness, especially the
Missionary Number, the Church has been informed of fieldactivities.
Therefore it will not be necessary to review these activities
in this report, a few brief comments will suffice.
Cyprus
The Board has granted permission to the Girls' School in
Nicosia to start construction on their new proposed building. This
permission was granted with the understanding that no further
building fund requests will come before the Board; and no general
public appeal for funds will be made to the home church. It was
their intention to start work by the middle of June or as soon
thereafter as possible.
Japan
On January 13th, 1954, the Japan Commission met with the
Japanese converts and they voted to organize a congregation.
Elders and Deacons were nominated and elected. After several
weeks of interviews, examinations, etc., the Commission ordained
and installed these officers. One member, Mr. Koji Katamma, is
a third year student in the Kobe Reformed Seminary and should
graduate in the spring of 1955.
On Thur., May 13, 1954, Mr. Charles H. Chao was ordained to
the Gospel Ministry by the Japan Commission.
South China and Hongkong
Practically all contact has been lost with the South China
Presbytery. However, news from Canton indicates that the Canton
chapel is in the hands of our Chinese Covenanters and it is used for
Christian work. Reports from the mainland indicate that there is
a slackening of government persecution of the churches in large
cities, but a continued pressure on the churches in the villages
is reported. Their faith is put to the test. Many stand firm,but there
are some who compromise.
It is with sorrow we report the passing of one of our ordained
Ministers, the Rev. Hanna Besna, who passed away December 8th,
1953. He began his work with the mission in Turkey, was ordained
to the Gospel Ministry in 1920 and retired in 1951.
The Government granted the permits to operate the Boys' and
the Girls' Schools. The enrollment has increased, but the schools
are in need of better facilities. An additional problem faced by
the schools will be that of securing teachers. Mr. Harold Hutcheson
has completed his term as a teacher and is returning to the
United States. Mr. and Mrs. Sanderson will be returning to the
United States on furlough.
We recommend:
1. That inasmuch as it is possible for the South China Presbytery to
function, the Japan Commission be known as the Far East Commission
to exercise Presbyterial control of Reformed Presbyterans
in that area. That the Far East Commission consist of
David D. Hansen, Charles H. Chao, and Koji Katayma. The