METHODIST CHURCH

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 24, 23 October 1918, Page 6

METHODIST CHURCH

WELLINGTON CENTRAL MISSION,

At, the annual meeting of the Management Board of the Wellington Central Mission, the superintendent, the Rev. G. Knowles-Smith, presided over a full attendance of officials. ' The annual returns to bo presented to the district Synods and conference showed a membership roll of 237, an increase of 17 for the year, whilst the average attendance at the theatre service has been 850. The Sunday School has increased it roll of teachers and scholars, and the Junior Christian Endeavour has done good service. The Silver Baud, notwithstanding the difficulties of the war, still keeps up its high standard, and carries on effective open-air work, as well as lending special interest to the evening service. The finances, although giving a small adverse balance, were considered highly satisfactory. Special reference was made to the decease, of Mr. Enoch Tonks, who since the foundation of the mission had been an active member of the board, and had taken a desp interest in all its concerns. A very hearty,and unanimous invitation was extended to the superintendent to continue his work with the mission, and this wn£ accepted, thus making his seventh year with it. The report of the progress of tho movement for new premises to be erected in Cuba Street as a Soldiers and Sailors' Memorial Institutional Mission was deemed, highly satisfactory, and the connexion is asked to give it generous support. Messrs. J. R. Burloy and F. J. Read were appointed to represent the mission' at the forthcoming Synod, and Mr. G. Petherick, J.P., at the conference to be held in Cliristchurch. Deep regret vys expressed at the action of the Town Council in granting permits for increasing numbers of Sunday evening concerts which I do not profess in any way to be sacred, and the consequent secularising of tho day of worship and prayer.