METHODIST SYNOD

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 50, 22 November 1917, Page 8

METHODIST SYNOD

WELLINGTON DISTRICT

INCREASED CHURCH MEMBERSHIP By Telegraph—Press Association. Levin, November 21. The AVellington District Methodist Annual Synod commenced its session at Levin yesterday. A welcome social was held in the Century Hall last night, and was well attended. It was presided over by Mr. Blenkhorn (Mayor of Levin), who extended a cordial welcome to the representatives, and was supported by Mr. J. Prouse. Tho Revs. E. Drake and J. Ward responded in appropriate speeches. Chaplain Rands gave a most interesting address on tho work of tho chaplains among the soldiers in camp. Musical items and supper helped to mako a most enjovablo gathering. The financial session opened at tho Century Hall at 9.30 a.m. to-day. Present:. The Rev. E. Drake (chairman of district, who presided) and tho Revs. J. G. Chapman, Knowles Smith, A. Reader, James Richards, William Itowe, D. J. Murray, Chaplain F. Rands, A. M'Bean, J. Enticott, J. Ward, -T. A. Hosking, C. B. Jordon, B. A., W. If. E. Abbey, Hedley White, Messrs. J. H. White, G. H. Cule, and C. H. Earwaker (home missioner), and the following lay representatives:— Wellington—Taranaki Street: Messrs. W. S. Osborne and W. A. G. Skinner; Central Mission, Wellington: A. Moncrieff; Thorndon: Messrs. AY. I. Clark and E. J. B. Haddou; Wellington South: Mrs. J. L. Wright, Messrs. S. Martin and F. J. W. Fear; .Tohnsonville: Mr. B. Lynneberg; Hutt: Mr. C. J. H. Trim; Petone: Messrs. F. Lockwood and W. H. Melhuish; South Wairarapa: Mr. W. Sadler; Masterton: Mr. W. T. Newcombe and Sister Constance; Eketahuna: Mr. S. W. Jones; Levin: Messrs. H. Sorenson and J. Prouse; Otaki: Messrs. Frank Penn and J. Howard Andrew; Sunday school representative: Mr. T. Sims. A dispensation was granted to Chaplains W. Walker, Leslie, B. Neale, and the Revs. J. Dumbell, C. H. Standage, J. Dawson, and W. H. Beck. , The session opened with an impressive communion service. A ballot resulted in the Rev. Amos Reader being elected secretary to the Synod by a large majority. The Rev. A. M'Bean was appointed assistantsecretary, the Rev. W. J. Enticott journal secretary, and the Rev. C. B. Jordon, 8.A., and Mr. Frank Peim reporters. Tho Rev. E. Drake (chairman), in the of a short address, said that in spite of the stress and strain of the times they had enjoyed the blessing of God for the Wellington district. There was an increase of 124 members. The Sunday school membership also showed a small increase. The foreign mission effort had resulted in . r °frui'ns being nearly doubled. Their hearts went out to those who liad lost loved ones through ithe war. After all,_ the war had not been in vain, as it had caused tho people to think of the things that really matter, and he believed would give a new insight into tho needs of man.

A motion was passed expressing appreciation* of the faithful services rendered by tho late Rev. S. J. Garlick and sympathy with tho widow'and relatives.

Statistical returns presented showed that the Church membership was 2717 an increase of 124. Junior members showed ail increase of 86, communicants 147, and members of junior Christian Endeavour societies 126. Sunday school scholars showed an increase of 155.

.I 11 was resolved that tlie request of the Wellington South Circuit for the circuit to bo subdivided, and Hataitailulbirme, Maranui, and AVorser Bay to form a new circuit, be acceded to, the new circuit to bo named Kilbirnie A married minister is requested, with a grant of £100 from the Homo Mission Fund.

Starting with the recommendations or the Committee of Temperance and Morals tho Synod passed resolutions regretting the widespread desecration or the Sabbath and urging the discontinuance of everything that would interfere with the sacredness of tho day; Also that the last Sunday in November be a Sabbath observance day'. 1 A resolution was carried condemning the State patronage extended to totialis#.tor bettmg, art unions, and raffles, calling upon all Methodists to discountenance such methods, and urging ministers and Sunday school teachers to instruct and warn children and young people in regard to the evils of gambling. A further resolution was carried congratulating the Minister and General Manager of Kailways on their refusal to run race trains, and urging on the National Government the necessity of abolishing racing or at least drastically curtailing it during the period,of the war.

In connection with the early closing of hotels, it was unanimously resolved:—"That this Synod expresses its profound thankfulness to Almighty God for the recent victory recorded for temperance and righteousness in the 6 o'clock closing of hotels and clubs throughout the Domjniou; to all those membors of the House of Parliament who have consistently supported and voted for such reform the Synod extends hearty congratulations." _ A full and lucid report, on the. position of the church properties' throughout the district was presented by Mr. E. Dawson (secretary) who was heartily thanked for his report and pain taking work. Regret was expressed that Mr. Dawson would not accept renomination.

The Synod approved a recommendation that advisory committees be set up in each district to assist the. church building loan fund committee. After a lengthy debate regarding the trust liabilities of the Petone and Thorndon (late Primitive Methodist) properties the S.vnod recommended the quarterly meetings " concerned to unitedly memorialise the conference to sell or make such disposition as will settle the dispute.