METHODIST MISSIONS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1166, 17 June 1911, Page 3

METHODIST MISSIONS.

_—fr_ GEOWIXG SCOPE AInD ACTIVITY. The advance of aggressive evangelicalism is strikingly evident in the. growth and expansion of the .Methodist Missions that have been established in man}- parte, of the Umpire. The local Central Mission is a small institution as compared with its prototypes in larger cities abroad, but it has already come to bo recognised as a centre of activity and enterprise, and its sphoro of operations is being steadily extended to cover many departments of social and religious endeavour. As showing the potentialities for useful growth with .-which tho Methodist Missions are endowed, it is instructive to note the progress that lias been made, within a brief term of years, in.a city comparatively near a.t hand. 'Twentyseven years ago the Sydney Central Methodist 'Mission was commenced by tho Kcv. W. G. Taylor, who was appointed bv the Methodist Conference to au empty church in Sydney which had a member; ship of 17. "To-day tho membership runs into mnnv hundreds, and (ho great;. Lyceum Hall, in Pitt Street, is crowded each Sundav evening liy over 2000 people. The story of this marvellous development is one of the most remarkable of Christian history in the southern lands. Tho renort recently to hand shows that every variotv of Christian work is undertaken by the* mission workers. Under the heading of evangelistic work may bo mentioned, among others, the "People's Services, the open-air meetings, assisted ,hy the hand, children's services, the "Peoples Own," on Sunday afternoon, and special missions to men, to the bluejackets, to immigrant?, and to fallen women. Social and philanthropic enterprises of all kinds have been inaugurated: Alexandra Homo and Hops Haven for friendless and fallen girls Halmnr Home for Waifs and Strays, Workmen's Home and Men's Shelter; Seamen's Institute, rescue work agencies, factory visitation by mission sisters, people s banks, mothers' meetings, missing friends', and employment agencies, and servants registry all find their place in the mission activities. While under the classificatioi. 1 of "educational and general work" may lie mentioned the evangelists' traimnghomc, educational lectures, musical department., dressmaking and miliinerv classes the poor-man's lawyer, physical eyltnre, theological and Bible classes. Home of Kesl, and the "Peoples Own lioading-room. It is hard to conceive of o'ther forms of missionary steal upon which the efforts 01 the workers could be concentrated. Tho buildings of the mission, which cover two acres of ground in tho heart of Sydney, are a veritable hivo of Christian uclivVu Svdnev, as elsewhere, (he broadest principles lie at the foundation of the work of the Methodist .Missions. It i J unitarian in all its operations, it knows neither class nor colour, places iirst the spiritual regeneration of tlio man, but also includes i'he social nliieliorjlton of the unfortunate, and constantly seeks to aim ut prevention as well as cure.