CHURCH SYNODS.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 1057, 26 November 1903, Page 2

CHURCH SYNODS.

Pei Press Association. Christchurch, last night. The Wesleyan Synod opened yesterday and continued its sittings to-day. In the course of his address the president, Rev. J. A. Luxford, referring to the question of tho uniou of tho Methodist and Presbyterian bodies, suggested that in some districts a partial union of the local unions should bo effected. He referred to the evident indications of substantial and steady progress.

Feilding, last night. The Wanganui District Wesleyan Bynod is sitting here. There is a large attendance. The Rev. Haddon, a nativo minister, was recommended to full connection. The Bovs. Eaton and Patcbett were recommended for passing examinations in their rospectivo years. Between £4OO aud £SOO was raised in tho district for tho borne mission fund. A successful conversazione was hold last night. Dunedin, lost night.

Tho pastoral session of the Otago Methodist Bynod opened this morning. Tho chairman was welcomed by the representatives. Tho Conference was requested to appoint a probationer to tho Cargill road circuit for the work at Brod Bay and Sfcyld, and to create a new circuit to bo called tbe Bivertou-Orepuke circuit, with a probationer. The following grants were recommended :—Probationer Cargill road £SO, Mosgiel £lO, Milton £3, Gore £35, Riverton £4O, Otatau £3O, Eoxburgh '£2s, Cromwell £35, Tapanui £35. President Luxford addressed the Metho dist Synod this morning, dealing with the loss sustained by the death of the Bev. W. G. Parsonson, the bicootennary of John Wesley’s birth, church union, tho licensing question, Bible in schools, and supernumerary fund. The Conference was recommended to sanction tho constitution of Durham street mission as a separate circuit and division, subject to the approval of the quarterly meeting of the Springston circuit, with a probationer for three years. Mr G. E. Smith presented an unusually healthy report on church property. He was cordially thanked for his services, and his reappointment recommended. The Home mission income of £451 was a considerable increase on the Inst year. At the evening session tho Bev. B. J. Murray presented tho generul returns, which included members34S4, attendants 1651, and scholars 5300. The Rev. J. Serfell delivered a special address on the needs of the church. After gonernl conversation on the work of God in the district tho Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper was administered.