METHODIST SYNOD

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18235, 20 November 1924, Page 13

METHODIST SYNOD

i « NORTH CANTERBURY district; The sessions of the North Canterbury j Methodist Synod were continued yesterday. After the Communion service at 9.30 a.m., the chairman of the district (Kcv. ■\V. A. Jlay) extended a welcome to the representatives, and in view of the , amount of business dispensed with the : usual address from the chair. The following representatives were present: Kcrs. .W*. A. Hav, E. W. HaffifS, C. Abemcthv, T. A. Joughin, S. Lfcwry (°°nnexioiml uecretary Y.P. Department), Messrs Vf. Tuck, J. C. Prudhec, Durham etrect. Revs. E. D. Palchett, P. T. Bead. B. DudIcy, F.8.A.5., J. Guy, Messrs J. Lennic, VT. C. Francis, S. Harrington. J. Buxton, Christ, church East; Revs. J. Harris, C. E. Ward, F* K. Turner, Messrs H. Chaplin. E. TiU, Cambridge Terrace; Rcva. J. T. Walli", «• J. "Williams, T. Fee, Messrs T. TV. "West, H. \Y. Hos'.op, "Woolston; Ker. P. R. Psr.s, Messrs W. DoKis. "W. Hnlbcrt. Sydenham; Rev. R. B. Tinslcv, Messrs J. 11. Jones, C. Comber, Addicßton; Rev. E. J. James, Messrs "K\ S. Lovell-Smiih, F. Campion, Riccarton; Revs. L. B. Neale, S. J. "Werren, Mc.*sr3 S. R. Webb, "W. Simpson. E. R. Christian. St. Albans: Revs. ~. Ryan. A. Peters. Meeßrs J. Quielev, F. J. Carr. Papinui: Rev. S. Bailey, Messrs W. T. Foster, F. Co'cman. Lylitelton: Kov. J. TV". Parser. Messrs Sowtlen, W. Pcryman. Sprinsston - , Rev. VT. Laycock, Messrs J. Gilmour. J.P-> W. Brav, Tai Tapu; R«f. A, Cr. Harris, Cr. Shcnt, R. Birnett. Leeeton; Rev. W. B. Scott, Mrs Wi!!i«cr«ft. Mr O. Hol'flTid. KaiapM; Rev. F. T. Harris, Mows F. "heat, C. V. "WoorinVld, Ohoki; Rev. C. B'air. Messrs J. Tull, M. H. Hamilton, Ransiora; ReV. O. Burnet. Messrs G. Hi<=ht, •T. D. Anderson. Greendale-Milvcrn; Mr J. j Bashaw, Greondale-Malvern; Messrs F. J. Bicksxo. B. Anderson. Hswflrdnn; Messrs i T. VT. D. J. Oxford; j Mr F. E Foot, B&ugiora. (Woodend). j

The following officers vrero elected in connexion with the Synod:—Secretary, Eev. E. D. Patchctt; assistantsecretary, Eev. H. Eyan; journal secretary. Rev. E. W. Hamcs; reporter to the Press, Eev. V 7. B. Scott, assistantreporter, Eev. 0. Burnet; reporter to "Methodist Times," Eev. S. J. Wcrren. Dispensations for absence were granted to the Eevs. "W. Bauniber, E. P. Blp mires, and J. E. Clark.

The Eev. A. A. Benslcy, from the Solomon Islands, was welcomed to the Svnod and s»ivcn a seat. 'The Eev. W. J. Williams moved a motion of sympathv with the relatives of the late* Rev. TV TV. Griffin, which was carried in silence.

The Eev. W. Laycoek made application to become a. supernumerary after 41 years' service* in the Church. After the" application had been spoken to, it was unanimously granted.

Notices of Motion. Notices of motion were handed in by the Eev. S. Lawry as follows: — Assistant to Chairmen 6f Districts.— In the judgment of this Synod it is desirable that the chairmen of the districts should have better opportunity for assisting the outlying Circuits and Home Mission Stations of the districts, without serious loss to their own Circuits, by visiting such Circuits and Stations for the purpose of meeting the officials, conducting inspirational and evangelistic meetings, and also, where desirable, acting as deputation at home and foreign missionary meetings. The Conference is therefore recommended to direct the Home Mission Board to consider and report to the District Synods of 1925 whether ot not a practicable scheme can be devised for securing the above objects by setting apart, each year.a probationer to work under the direction of the president of the Conference, or by any dther method that may be considered more effective." That if the foregoing proposal be adopted the recommendation of the Home Mission Board for the employment of an assistant to the Bev. A. J. Seamer bo indefinitely postponed.

Election, of District Chairman and Secretary.—That the resolution of Conference 1923 relating to the election of Synod secretaries be rescinded, and the following be adopted in lieu thereof: "Tho secretary of the. District Synod shall be a minister appointed by Conferonce after nomination by the ministers and lay members from each district present at the Conference. For this purpose the ministers and lay representatives from the sevoral districts shall meet separately as soon as convenient after the final reading of the Station Sheet, ministers meeting with the representatives of the district to which they arc appointed for the ensuing year. The voting shall bo ballot without nomination and an absolute majority of votes shall be required. In the client of a minister so appointed being for any reason unable to fulfil his duties the Synod shall, after its opening, elect by ballot, a secretary from the ministers of the district."" .That Paragraph 10S of the LaW Book be rescinded and the following be adopted in lieu thereof:—"The chairman of the district is a minister appointed by Conference after nomination by the ministers and lay representatives from each district present at the Conference. Tho method of nomination shall be the same as provided for in the case of Synod secretaries. The term of office is for one year only and dates from the first day of April." Division of Circuits. —That in paragraph 211 there be added after the words "quarterly meeting" the further words, "and the recommendation of the District Synod," and no memorial shall be accepted by the Conference unless these conditions have been complied with. Status of a Circuit.—That the following new rule be recommended: —No circuit shall be reduced to the status of a home mission station without tho consent of its Quarterly Meeting, and the recommendation of the District Synod. ' Mr T. W. Feathorstone gave notice of motion regarding alterations in the Home Missionaries' Retiring Fund, and the Eev. T. Fee on the question of dofining doctrinal position of tho Church. An animated debate took place on tho motion to divide the WoOlston circuit. Eventually ,it was decided to allow the circuit to remain as at present, with an ordained minister and a probationer, who will reside at Sumner. Tho secretary (Kev. E. D. Patchett) presented the reports of the circuit funds of tho district. These showed that the credit balances totalled £46 10s 9d and the debit balances totalled £234 Is 7d, which indicated a" much better position financially than last

year. A number of Christchurch laymen entertained the Synod to luncheon m the school-room. The tables were loaded with good things and were beautifully decorated. The Rev. S. J. Warren and Mr S. Shcat expressed the appreciation of the guests to the hosts and those who waited on the tables. Seamen's Institute. Synod received a deputation in the person of Mr K. A. Stewart Missioncr of the British and Foreign Sailors' bocicty at Lyttclton. Mr Stewart appealed for the assistance of the Christip : Church for the work of the Sailors' Institute at Lyttclton. Every sailor was practically a stranger in every port, and the Institute made him feel at home. lEverv clergyman was welcome to work amongst the men, and through the Ini stitute the Church was able to find the onlv means of dealing with the sailor. i Mr" Stewart gave an outline of the methods of work undertaken Dy the Institute in order to make visiting sea-

men feel at home and to counteract the temptations that abound in every seaport. He stated that this work was pre-eminently the work of the Christian Church' The sailors testified that in New Zealand they received a warmer welcome than in any other part of the world. In closing ho said that last year 12,000 seamen visited the Institute. No fewer than 6000 letters were received and delivered. A. concert was held every week and ihe clergymen in town held services. One hundred and seventeen suppers wero given and also 796 free beds and meals. He commended tho work to the generosity and support of Canterbury Methodists. He had found the Methodists of Lyttelton always willing to open their homes and help in every way that it w;is 'possible for them to"do. (Applause). The work of tho Institute was commended by the chairman and the Eev. S. Bailey. Statistical Eeturns. The Eev. E. D. Patchett presented tho general returns for the district, after whieh the following resolution was moved and carried: "That this Synod having heard the statistical returns for the district desires to acknowledge the goodness of God in the blessings that have been bestowed upon the Church during the past year, which has been one of devoted and faithful service. This Synod resolves to promote and foster by all means at its disposal a revival of true religion and spiritual purpose in all our congregations." The returns showed that there were 67 churches in the district, 28 schoolrooms, 26 parsonages, 3732 Church members, 1235 junior members, 1808 members of voung people's societies, and 10,355 attendants at public worship. Properties and Loans. The'district secretary of Church property (Mr F. Thompson) presented his report, which showed tho purchase of parsonages at. St. Albans, Edgeware road, and Sydenham, besides minor improvements "in various pans of the district. The balance-sheet showed that the credit balanco and the amounts held in hand for special purposes totalled £3 14s. Some of the properties showed a debit balance, which amounted to £6Ol. Of tho 76 separate trust 'accounts in the district, 61 showed little variation, 9 a marked improvement, and seven had not maintained the position they held lust year. The insurances totalled £90.163. Synod, on the motion c( the Eev. S. Lawry, accorded its Jicarty_ thanks to

Mr Thompson for the very accurate manner in whieh the report had been presented, and it was unanimously decided to recommend to conference that Mr Thompson be re-appointed. The report on tho Church Building and Loan Fund was presented by the Eev. S. Lawry. The' amount advanced on loan during the year was £5932 15s lid, and the amouut repaid £2925 2s Bd. The assets of the fund w.ere £20,025 16s Id. It was expected that this would be added to during the' year by a contribution from the Centenary Fund. The outstanding loans totalled £19,171 14s 3d. The following were recommended as tho members of this committee for 1925: — Chairman of tho district (ex officio), eonnexional secretary, the superintendents of Durham street, Christehureh East, Cambridge terrace, Sydenham, St. Albans circuits, the Eev. F. T. Read, and Messrs J. A. Flesher (treasurer), A. C. Bead, T. T. Eobson, W. Dobbs, S. H. Maddrcn, H. Harrison, J. H. Jones, H. J. S. Harrington, and Y. A. Sharp. Insurance Fund. The Fire Insurance Fund report was also presented by Mr Lawry. It stated that the business of the Fire Insurance Board continued to increase. New business with risks amounted to £47,425. Three fires had occurred during the year, but fortunately the losses wore not heavy. The following amounts, voted by last conference, had been paid during the year:— Deaconess House Fund, £100; Foreign Mission Fund, £100; Home Mission Fund. £100; Benevolent Branch of the Supernumerary Fund, £IOO. It was recommended that the Board be strengthened by the appointment of two additional members. The report was adopted, and the following were recommended to conference for appointment to tho Board:— The eonncxional secretary, Eevs. T. Fee and A. Peters, Hon. G. J. Smith, 0.8. E. (treasurer), H. Holland, 0.8.E, S. E. Webb. F. H. Christian, and A. A. Sandford. If the rules wero amended it was suggested that the following two members be appointed: Eev W. Layeock and Mr W. J. Spratt. New Theological College. A discussion took ■place on the proposed new Theologieal College, to cost, when completed, about £40,000. The of £IO,OOO will be available in 1926. The complete scheme provides for a college chapel, principal's :. JSkor/s- accommo-

i Nation for 50 men, including Univerl sity students, three classrooms, a library, a common room, dining-room, ; and kitchen, accommodation for the domestic staff, and suitable bathroom and lavatory accommodation. The- opponents of the scheme declared it to be too ambitious, and advocated that it should ba modified so as not to exceed a cost of £30,000. The voting showed a majority of three in favour of the College Committee's scheme. When the amendment favouring the scheme was put as tho motion, it was unanimously carried. Home Missions. The Homo Mission Fund's report was presented by tho Kev. L. B. Ncale. The following grants -were recommended: —Greendale-Malvern, £45; Hawarden, £6O; Eiccarton, if minimum stipend, is paid £!SO, otherwise £45; Deaconess Institute, £75. v The amounts raised in tho various Circuits Merc as follows:—Durham street, £160; Christehnrch "East, £160; Cambridge terrace, £43; Woolston, £79 lis sd; Sydenham, £3O Ss 6d; Addington, £69; Eiccarton, £36; GreendaleMalvern, £47 6s 9d; Ohoka, £97 6s 3d; St. Albans, incomplete, £80; Papanui, I £55 4s lid; Lyttelton, £2O; Springston, £53 10s 7d; Tai Tapu, £-19 13s 4d; Lees- ', ton. £54 13s sd; Kaiapoi, £SO 2s 9d; ; Eangiora, £B7; Oxford, £ls 13s; Hawarden, £l3 17s- Bd. Tho Circuits as a ' whole had raised more, than their as- ( sessments. The estimates for 1925 L were fixed at tho same amount as last •. year. The Synod recommended that the apJ pointment of an assistant to tho Eev. ! A. J. Seamer be postponed for one year, in view of the Spiritual Advance Campaign next year. ■ Spiritual Welfare. Tho recommendations in connexion > with tho Spiritual Advance Campaign > for 1925 were considered. It wa ' I • agreed that the Home Mission Board J • be the Central Executive for the cam- • paign; that the District Home toeatot* ■ Committees act as District B«*"" v A e *: that tho District Executives bo ««°? mended, where advisable, to district; into - mittees acting under tho snch , the District by B areas and commJttees be nonu 8 the District Comm^ **j & Mis . " ' lCnaeß ?°Co d Xen TilS «P to ™. «

nexion with the campaign were awfc&fteA with slight alteration. The Welfare of the Commit - tee report was received, sad g&v* sisr to a fair amount of diseasaasii. K» »e----commendatioa was made vit& regami to the suggested Cttureh Calendar. Wk* suggestion in regard to the visifc»4»» of Circuits was rejected, as 'uaneowsswrjr. The principle of a mora digsiScd auta spiritual type of meeting for tne »e~ ception of incoming ministers tbksaffirmed, but the suggested ©rde? EC same was rejected. Invitations to afigojstetx. An animated disenssioa took ffata *a I the report of the committer ap]«6sa.te« by Conference to consider taa qp«*£*a. of the caucus meetings and tfet savisation and stationing of miaistsra. It was unanimously agreed that t&« SSra©** express its strong disapproval of t&m practice of eaueus meetings as at japesent so frequently eonstitEtefli. After an hour's discussion, the Syasi had made no progress beyond tb* feat. clause of .the report. The clause «E#fining the constitution of the Bseeiiaf: to invite ministers, as moved by *i* Eev. H. Eyan, was defeated, an amendment moved by Mr P. T&&»&~ son. It was nnanimo&kly ****:■■ ~' Circuit stewards or other oißdafr !sjjS:?: : '' not approach moro than ea» : * simultaneouslv concerning *» iiSS!® tion to a Circuit. It was that ministers shall give *** tf stewards due notice as to With regard to * ing it was agreed.^*ffjTSSV given and accepted /&/**■■ «• "* *^ proval of Conference. Syatsi SwSaJ* » c ~„,? racial W tel£ in tte £«8»J £-or Jl May cxteaded to tfeo na^sfi-*--~,<,»>x words of welcome. AdKos and C. Btair. Aa cneJtt I musical prograaiwa was pre* e» IS* St. Albans choir. The Be*. Ju ». Patchett moved a hearty vet* of iias&B to the speakers and singers, and ais® to the ladies, for lis bountifnl aafpet provided.