WELLINGTON METHODISTS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2621, 17 November 1915, Page 8

WELLINGTON METHODISTS

DISTRICT SYNOD OPENS. Tho Wellington Methodist District Synod opened in the Taranaki Street Schoolroom yesterday afternoon, tho pre- ■ sident of the conference, tBo Rev. J. Dawson, in the chair. The following ministers and laymen are in attendance at Synod Wellington (Taranaki Street): Rev. J. G. Chapman, Rev. J. H. White, Messrs. W. E. Redstone, and i F. Chinchen; Central Mission): Rev. G. Knowles Smith, Messrs. C. D. Macintosh, and G.-Petherick; (Thorndon): Rev. 6. S. Cook, Rev. C. H. Stmdage, Messrs. J. G. Raine, and J. Lauron l sbik; (AYellington South): Rev. J. Richard's, Rev. W. G. Slade, Messrs. T. Fathers, C. M. Lulco, J. P. Shand; (Johnsonville): Rev. S. H. D. Pen-man, Messrs. B. Lymieberg, W. C. Clarke, W. J. Carman; .(Hntt): Rev. W. Beckett, Messrs. W. Walton', D. J. - Alders-' ley; (Petone): Rev. J. J. Lewis, Messrs. W. Trueman, W. Wakelin; (South Wairarapa): Rev. L. B! Nealo, Mrs. Hawke; (Carterton): Rev. J. Ward, Messrs. J. A. Ordish, D. F. King; (Ma-stcrt-on): Rev. S. ST. Serpell, Messrs. E. Jones, C. E. Daniel; (Eketaliuna): Rov. A. M'Bean; (Otnki): Rev. H. Cotton, Messrs. F. Penn, W. J. Rowo; (Levin): Mr. H. Sorenson. Tho Rev. J'. Dawson welcomed the tonresentatives. The death of the Rov. W. Kirk: (a supernumerary • minister) during the year was reported to tlie Synod. Tho Rev. S. J. Serpell and others spoke -in high terms cf the deceased minister's character and fine service in the years of his active min- [ istrv in the church. Tho Rev. J. J. Lewis made a request ' for superannuation at next conference on account of age. Although entitled to rotiro on account.of length of service, there was great disinclination on the part of the members of the Synod to endorse this request, and. it was resolved' that in new of tho great gifts and unimpaired physical and mental powers and continued efficiency of Mr. Lewis that his request should not bo endorsed, but that conference should be urged to provide a suitable appointment and,so retain his services. ' A request was made for an additional agent (home missioning) for' Wellington South circuit, which is undermanned at present. It' was recommended : to conference that an agent should be appointed with a grant 'of £60. '•, Statistics for tho district showing increases of senior and junior church members were presented, and it was decided to recommend that a brief statement concerning the' importance and meaning of the Sacranient of tho Lord's' Supper should bo placed.in tho hands of tho peoplo of the church. Sunday-school and Baud cf Hope returns were presented, and a considerable increase of Band of Hope members was noted. The Synod expressed its appreciation of tho excellent work of tlio Sunday-school officers and teachers. It recognises the difficulties under which the work is carried on, owing to the dearth of suitable teachers, tho indifference of many of the parents, and tho tendency to make Sunday a day of pleasure.