THE CHURCHES

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 29 July 1915, Page 2

THE CHURCHES

METHODIST CHURCH

The quarterly meeting of the Methodist Church, for the Helensville Home Mission station, was held in the Church at Helensville on Friday evening last. The Rev. C. H. Laws, 8.A., Chairman of the Auckland District, presided. There was a fair attendance of officebearers and preachers present. The membership was reported as 53. The income for the quarter was £38 8s 6d, and the expanditure £50 8s 9d, leaving a debit balance of £12 0s 3d. The Rev* Laws urged that the wish of the Conference be met if possible in raising the missionary's stipend from £120 to £130. The meeting unanimously agreed to try and do so.

The business meeting closed at 7.30 p.m and the members of the Church, with their families and friends, were admitted a pleasant evening being spent. Mr Lamond presided, and introduced Mr Laws to the meeting. Mr Laws gave a very stirring address on Methodism, and spoke of John Wesley as a man second only to St. Paul for greatness in many respects. He contrasted the. times in which Wesley lived to these days, and mentioned that the many difficulties and opposition which Wesley had to meet showed that those days were the " bad old times." These days, he said, were the " good times." He urged members to be loyal, and to worthily represent their Church in Christ; which is the largest Protestant Church (except Lutheran) in the world.

Miss Rimmer presided at the organ, and Mrs Baker also added pleasure to the meeting by singing " Nearer my God to Thee." A dainty supper was handed round by the ladies, and all enjoyed themselves thoroughly. A hearty vote of thanks was acccorded to the Rev. Mr Law for his able address; also to the ladies'who helped to make the evening so enjoyable.