METHODIST SYNOD

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 65, 11 December 1918, Page 3

METHODIST SYNOD

WELLINGTON DISTRICT PROPOSED CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS The Wellington District Metliifcl.gt Synod, postponed on account of the epidemic, commenced its session at Trinity Church, Newtown, yesterday , / morning. The Rev. Edward Drake , (chairman of the district) presided, and there were also present the following ministers:—Revs. J. G. Chapman, G. K. Smith, A. Reader, J. T. Pinfold, D.D., F. T. Eeed, AV. Rowe, D. J. Murray, A. M'Bean, W. J. Enticott, J. AVard, J. W. Parker, J. H. Haslnm, and Hedley "White. Tlie following i representatives were present:—A Veilington—Taranaki Street, Messrs. J. Korshaw and F. Chinchen; Central Mission, Messrs. J. R. Burlcy and J. F, Read; Thorndqn, Messrs. J. La\ireuson and AV. I. Clarke; Wellington South, Messrs. S. T. Martin and It. Herron; Kilbirnie, Messrs. F. J. W. Fear and M. Cable; Johnsonville—Mr. B. J. Lynnebcrg; Lower Hutt—Mesdames AV. Knight and W. Hall; Carterton-Mr. ,T. A. Oldish; Masterton-Mr. C. E. Daniell; Eketahuna—Mr. J. H. Baillie; Otaki-Measrs. Frank Penn and W. J. Row; district secretary of church property, Mr. T. Fathers; S.S. representative, Mr. T. Sims. The chairman welcomed the members of the Synod, especially those who had recently come into the districts. He referred to the unique circumstances in which the Synod met, and the profound thankfulness to God that they were ablq to assemble in view of all that had transpired. Feeling response was made to the loss the Church had sustained in tlio decease' of some of its ablest and most successful ministers. The chairman also referred to the great problems which awaited solution in the near future, due to human selfishness.

.As the result of a ballot the Eev. Angus 51' Bean' was elected secretary .of the Synod, the Rev. A. Reader was appointed assistant secretary, the Rev. Hedley White minute secretary, and the Rev. Enticott and slr. F. Penn Press reporters. . ;

It was resolved to send letters of sympathy to the Eev. AV. Beck, the relatives of the . Into Principal C. H. Garland, and the Eev. G. H. slann. The Synod devoted considerable time to a discussion of the connexional Sunday School and Young People's Board's report. The proposal to appoint an organising secretary for the Sunday School and young'people's work was negatived by fifteen votes to thirteen, on a division. _ It was resolved; "That the Syn.od rejoices to hear of the arrangements for holding a Dominion -Y.M. Bible Class camp in Wellington, and urges the ministers and office-bearers of our Church to support the movement in every way." Eeports of the Wesley Training College and the Theological College were duly received and accepted without discussion.

It was reported that the sum of ,£713 Us. Hid. had been received during the year _ throughout the district for foreign missions, Levin holding the proud distinction of contributing the highest amount of the circuit, ,£lls Bs. 7d. Ihe statistical returns showed an increase m many of the most important particulars. One new church had been opened during the year (Paekakariki). Ihe membership returns showed an increase of 11; junior members had increased by 97. Sunday School members had increased by 59, and the average attendance, of Sunday Schools showeS an increase of 149. The young people's Bible Classes, however, showed small decreases in attendances.

The Synod resolved: "Thai; we rejoice tohear of the success of the evangelistic missions conducted by the Rev. Val Tngge, and cordially .support the recommendation of the committee that he be invited to remain in New Zealand another year. i

.The report.of the Home Mission Executive was accepted as read. In order to prevent the clashing of interests between the foreign and home mission efforts, it was resolved to recommend - that the foreign mission effort close on June 30 of each year. The home mission assessments in 1919 were adopted as under: Taranaki Street, i!12o; Central Mission, JSI2 10s.; Thorndon ,£3l ss. i AVellington South; ,£3O 55.; lulbirme, .£2O; Johnsonville, <£18 los.; Hutt, ,£25; Petone, .£27 10s.; South AVnirarapa, ,£l6 55.; Carterton, .£25; Masterton, ,£62 10s.; Eketahuna, ,£l6 55.; Levin, .£25; Otaki, ,£25. The home mission grants recommended for 1919 were-Cen-tral Mission, ,£100; Kilbirnie, ,£SO; Wellington. South, ,£80; South AVairarapa, £60; Johnsonville, ~£3O; Otaki, Eketahuna, .£SO; total, .£450. The Rev. A. M'Bean was duly elected ae representative of the district at ■ the forthcoming conference at Christchurch. connection with the epidemic the Synod resolved: "That we record our deep sympathy with the many homes to I which sorrow has come by reason of the recent epidemic. We note with deep satisfaction the untiring self-sacrifico of the many workers in connection therewith, and our gratitude to God for the staying of the fearful sickness."

It was resolved: "That the Synod rejoices that after four years of'struggle and sacrifice God has granted glorious victory to the Allies and the cause of freedom.. We earnestly pray that the Divine- .Spirit may. guide the members ot the Peace Conference that just and satisfactory settlement may be reached, resulting in an age of peace-and good will among all nationsr" A/report was read from a special committee recommending that a secondary school, under the auspices, of the 51ethodist Church be established in each island of the Dominion. Tho Rev. Haslam strongly approved the proposal,- while the Revs. Chapman, Read, and Knowles Smith considered the school to be unnecessary. The Rev. Smith , strongly deprecated s-etting up denominational schools as likely to'jeopardise the whole national scheme of education., The motion in favour of setting up the schools was negatived by U votes to 13. The report of a committee containin" certain recommendations for celebrating the centenary of the introduction of Methodism to New Zealand in 1922 was adopted. Among the 4 recommendations was that an effort be made to raise .£35,000 to be allocated as under— .£IOOOO to new theological college; .£IO,OOO to increase the capital of the Church Building and Loan Fund; .£SOOO to the new Wesley 1 raining College; and .610,000 for higher The Synod amended the last item, suggesting that this sum of J;10,0fl0 he devoted to. the training of Sunday bchool teachers and for Sunday School equipment. ■ Synod discussed a proposed amendment of the constitution of conference, reducing tho number of members A special committee proposed that conference be limited to 150 Europeans and two Maoris. An amendment to the effect that the number be reduced to 100 was negatived, and the committee's proposal was also lost on the voices.

. Conference agreed to strongly recommend the appointment of a second α-ent in the Thorndon circuit to be stationed at Karori. It was resolved that next Synod be held at AVellington Central, on a date to be arranged by tile chairman of the district. < After passing votes of thanks to the chairman, secretary, and assistants, the hosts and .hostesses, and representatives of the Press, the Synod closed.