METHODIST SYNOD.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1905, 13 November 1913, Page 3

METHODIST SYNOD.

SITTINGS CONCLUDED.

The sittings of the Synod wero continued on Tuesday evening in the Taranaki Street schoolroom. The following resolution regarding foreign mis* sion work was unanimously passed: — "That the Synod notes with pleasure the continued interest in the foreign mission cause throughout the district, as evidenced by the contributions for the year; records its appreciation of and gratitude for the very effective deputation work done by Rev. H. K. and Mrs. Gilmour, the Native teacher, Madeu, of Now Guinea, the Rev. Karl Schmidt, and Mr. Harrison, of New Britain; regue-sts the best available help in this connection for the next year's efforts; urges tho' inclusion in the deputation's itinerary of all country circuits and their thorough forking; and commends to all our circuits the privilege of materially increasing their interest and. contributions, especialy in recognition of the Centenary of Methodist Missions." A discussion regarding the relation of Bible classes and young people's societies to the. Church, arising out of a notice of motion before the Synod, took place. The following questions were asked 1. Is a Bible class or young people's society, which meets on Sunday school premises during Sunday school hours, and which is represented on the Sunday School and Young People's Committee by its leader, a branch of the Sunday school? —Yes. 2. What part of the Church's organisation has jurisdiction over Bible classes and young people's societies P*— The Sunday School and Young People's Committee.

3. If a Biblo class or young people's society refuses to recognise such jurisdiction, what is the proper course for the Church to pursuo?-r-That tho Sunday School and Young People's Committee take the necessary steps to see tho rules of the Church carried out. 1

It was also decided:—"That, as the chairman of the Wellington district has ruled that the circuit quarterly meeting has no jurisdiction over the Sunday schools of the circuit, tho matter be submitted to the confcrm-ice for a ruling in view of Sub-section 4, Section 2, of the duties of the 4Quarterly Meeting in tho Basis -of Union."

Yesterday, after tho devotional exercises, the memoir of the late Rev. W. Tewsley was read. Several members of the Synod spoke in tho highest terms of his life and work. A letter of sympathy was directed to be sent. The estimated income of the district for home missions was £352, and grants to tho aided circuits were recommended for the consideration of the Missionary Committee.

At tho afternoon session the report of the. organising secretary of homo missions was received and adopted, and a suitable resolution relating to his work was adopted. The report of the Home Missions Executive, with alterations, was adopted. The Rev. J. Flanagan was most heartily welcomed by tho Synod, and delivered, a very interesting address especially to the mission work carried on by tho Methodist Church in Southeast- Loudon, of which ho was the founder. Ho also expressed his pleasure at finding a United Methodism in this Dominion, and hoped that the time would soon come when there would be one United Methodism throughout the world. , .'rub report of - tho Theological College, received . and ailopted, showed that good work had been done, and tho Rev. C. H. Garland was nominated for re-election as principal. The report of the "Methodist Times" was received. Great pleasure was expressed at the improvement made oil the paper, ami the Rev. W. J. Williams was nominated as editor for the next year. ' ,

The Rev. W.-S. Potter was appointed Synod representative on the Stationing Committee, and the Rev." 3. Ward as substitute. Appreciation of the good work done during the mis. sions of the Revs. Valance Cook, Val Trigg, and Sister . Frances was expressed.

Tho following resolution was carried unanimously:—"That this Synod rejoices in the continued progress of tho temperance work in our district. We have reason to know that throughout the whole of tho district our people are eagerly and strenuously engaged in the fight for total prohibition, throughout the Dominion, and we call upon nil our individual 'members to do their utmost to -carry the temperance banner to victory in the next campaign." -■ It was decided to rccommend tho conference to form a Conference Representatives' Equalisation Expenses Fund. The next Synod is to be held at Masterton.