Limerick, Ireland – In a gathering marked by religious leaders and advocates, the annual meeting of the Church of Ireland Jews’ Society took place on Tuesday afternoon at the Gregg Memorial Hall in Dawson Street, Dublin. Presided over by Rev. Canon F. C. Hayes, M.A., the event drew a substantial attendance, including notable figures such as Rev. Provost Crawford, D.D., Rev. H. MacVittie Taylor, and Rev. T. E. Hackett, among others.
The meeting delved into the activities and challenges faced by the Church of Ireland Jews’ Society, shedding light on the progress made and the hurdles that remain. Rev. W. J. Mayne, the Secretary, presented a comprehensive report outlining the Society’s endeavours and financial standing.
The report highlighted the longstanding commitment of the Church in engaging with Jewish communities globally for over a century. Despite significant achievements, it acknowledged the persistence of prejudice and a lack of sympathy from Christians, emphasizing the need for continued efforts. The reopening of the Warsaw Mission was cited as a recent success, generating unforeseen positive outcomes.
Financially, the Society reported an income of £4,747 0s. 9d. for the year ending March 31, 1912, with expenditures amounting to £668 4s. 11d. on mission work in Ireland. The funds also supported the Hamburg Industrial Home and organizational expenses. A substantial sum of £2,269 17s. 11d. was forwarded to London for foreign missions, including £458 13s. 10d. earmarked for the construction of a nurse’s wing in Safed Hospital.
In addressing the state of mission work in Ireland, the report acknowledged the census figures indicating a Jewish population of 5,101, reflecting a notable increase of 1,303 or 30.0% compared to the 1901 census. However, it noted a decline in Limerick, where lingering hostility had driven many away. The Jewish population in Ireland has risen steadily over the past fifty years, except for Limerick.
While nominally adhering to orthodox religious practices, the Irish Jewish community was not immune to the prevailing spirit of indifference towards religion. The Society’s work among the Jewish people received praise for fostering increased awareness of Christ’s teachings and dispelling fanaticism and bigotry.
During the meeting, Rev. Canon Leslie, S.D., Rector of Clonmel, urged the adoption of the report, emphasizing the Society’s mission to return the religion to the Jews that they had once given to the Church. He highlighted the potential lessons that modern society could learn from the Jewish community.
Dr P. D’Erf Wheeler seconded the motion and drew attention to the notable work being done in Jerusalem. He emphasized the changing attitude of Jews towards Jesus Christ, attributing it to efforts focused on demonstrating love rather than persecution. Dr Wheeler underscored the importance of churches, industrial work, and medical missions in bringing Jews closer to Christianity.
As the meeting concluded with a hymn and Benediction, the call for prayers and support echoed through the hall, emphasizing the critical role of understanding, empathy, and collabouration in fostering positive change. The annual gathering in Limerick served as a focal point for reflection on the past year’s achievements and the path forward in the Society’s mission.
Dublin Daily Express – Thursday 18 April 1912
