PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 917, 12 November 1910, Page 2

PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH.

DISTRICT SYNOD

The Synod was ofenrd at 2.30 p.m., on Thursday last by the retiring president the Rev. W. S. Potter. Alter devotional exercises the representatives from the various stations answered to the roll call of the district representative, Rev. J. Southern. The following officers were then elected; —President, Rev. P. W. Jones ; vice-president, Mr G. H. Stiles ; secretary, Rev, J. Sharp ; assistant secretary, Rev. P. J. Cossum ; letter writers, Revs. J. Clover and A, O. Harris; reporters, Revs. W. S. Potter and P. J. Mairs ; timekeeper, Mr J. Clement. The Synod reciprocated fraternal greetings from the Otago-South-land District. It was also authorised that a letter of sympathy be forwarded to the Rev. B. Metson re his recent accident.

The retiring president was then called upon for his retiring address. Having recently returned from a visit to England, the Rev. W. S. Potter first expressed his pleasure and gratitude at being once more in sunny New Zealand. He then proceeded to read a paper on “Glimpses of the Home Eand.” The address gave considerable information re the,industrial, social, and religious conditions ot people in England, and on the whole was of an optimistic character. He was heartily thanked for the address and requested to publish the same as far as practicable in the New Zealand Primitive Methodist.

At 3.30 p.tn., a civic reception took place, when the Mayor (Mr G. H. Stiles) and Cr. W. Stewart waited upon the Synod and tendered a hearty welcome to its members on behalf ot the Council and people of Foxtou. In introducing the deputation the Rev. P. J. Mairs spoke in eulogistic terms of the civic and religious work being done by the members of the deputation. The Rev. J. Clover suitably replied to the deputation, pointing out that although the members of the deputation were connected with different sections of the Christian church, yet as all were working for the moral and spiritual advancement of the people, the utmost interest was felt in every movement to this end, and that as a church we rejoice in the successful missions recently held in the Dominion by the Anglican Church,

Church reports were considered showing returns as follows: Ministers 13, Home Missionaries 2, Local Preachers 48, Class Leaders 8, Churches 20, Other Preaching Places 12, Church Members 666, Increase 31. The state of the Sunday Schools received very careful consideration and resulted in an animated discussion. The numerical returns were as follows :—Schools 24, Teachers 155, Scholars 1397. During the afternoon the ladies provided afternoon tea for the members of Synod. Arrangements were made for the candidates and probationers to preach trial sermons.

A specially good vocal programme was submitted to an appreciative audience on Thursday evening. The anthem, “Daughter of Zion,” deserves special praise ; this was rendered in an artistic style by the choir, the phrasing all through being well worthy of comment, particularly the larghetta movement by alto voices. It had the desired effect of thrilling the audience. Also the “Gloria” (from Mozart, twelfth mass), was another item which added to the many gems given during the evening. Much praise is due to the conductor, the Rev Mr Mairs, for his patient and untiring efforts in bringing the choir to such a state of perfection. A pleasing song was sung by Mr A. Rimmer, “ The Bridge.” Miss Signal sang very sweetly “ The Dawn.” Mrs Boyes sang with good taste and feeling “ The Mission of a Rose.” Miss Rudd, a Canterbury lady, was heard with pleasure in “The Dink Divine.” Mrs Swannell, who was at her best, despite the fact that she had taken part in the choruses, sang with pleasing effect the song “The Nightless Dand.”, Mr Buclass was heard to advantage with his fine tenor voice in “The Dost Chord”; also Mr A. Jeuks, whose smooth, full bass voice was kept well under control in “ The Gates of Paradise.” An item by Mr Chrystall, “ The Holy City,” was sung with pleasing effect. Special mention must be made of those who kindly helped in the instrumental part. They added tone and harmony which gave a very finished effect to the choruses. Spirited addresses were given by the Rev. W. S. Potter, of Wellington, and Rev. J. Sharp, of Feilding. The Rev. P. W. Jones, occupied the chair.

At 8.45 yesterday morning two candidates for ordination to the full work of the ministry, preached trial sermons. The Rev. D. B. Ford Carlisle preached from the words: “A Glorious High Throne from the Beginning is the Place of our Sanctuary,” Jer. 17, 12. The preacher referred to the idolatry of the times, but said that amid the trying circumstances the prophet saw a throne and knew the foundation of God stood sure. The throne of God was declared to be man’s sanctuary where he may find rest and safety. In order that man may be saved he must come into right relationship with God, and if he would continue saved he must maintain that relationship. The throne is high i.e, above evil, distress, uncleanness, danger, etc. The throne is from the beginning i.e, our life is associated witht eternal principles and all our lif|

is ordered by Divine government. Loyalty to God was shown to be the law of liberty and the sanctuary of God’s throne the place of purity, peace and power. The Rev. F. A. Thompson selected for his text Phillipiaus 3, 13, 14. Reference was made to the historical setting of the text, and it was shown that although Paul was nearing the sunset of his life he felt that the goal in front of him was still distant. The preacher treated his subject under three headings. (1). The Buried Past.—He had been Saul the persecutor and done wrongs that could never be undone, yet he would treat his past as a sealed book. When a man has been by faith to calvary and obtained an assurance of pardon he is justified in forgetting the past. (2). A Present Aspiration.—When satisfied with present attainments we are in a bad way. The artist iorgets his first daubs, the musician his first discordant notes. We should not only forget our failures but even our successes if the memory of them is likely to hinder progress. To consecrate ourselves fully to work of self improvement is to get free from the dead hand of the past. (3). A Future Attainment. —Paul’s master passion was to become like Christ. The master passion determines a man’s career and destiny. The sermons were aptly illustrated and were listened to with devout attention. The business session commenced at 10 a.m. The minutes of the previous session were read.

Christian Endeavour and Bible Class reports were received, showing 8 senior societies with 141 active members, and 6 junior societies with 157 members. The state of the Trust copies was carefully considered and the following report was adopted : Churches 20, cost ,£12,906 2s, value ,£13,183 7s Bd, debt ,£5,035 xos, sitting accommodation 3,452 ; houses 8, cost ,£4,670 os nd, value £7,214 7s 4d, debt ,£785 ; Trust income, ,£1,658 ns 8d ; Outgo, £1,66411544; Paid off debt, £324. In addition to the congregations meeting in churches there are 12 other congregations that are mini lewd to in other buildings. The report of the District Sunday School and Bible Class Agent was read and evoked considerable discussion. The following resolution on the work of God was passed ; “That we express our deep gratitude to the Great Head of the Church for the measure of success which has attended the church in this district during the year. We rejoice that we have had an increase of 31 members, 3 senior Christian Ell- - and 47 members, 2 junior Christian Endeavour Societies and 76 members, but regret a decrease of 26 scholars. We realise that a larger baptism of the Holy Spirit would result in far greater success. We therefore urge upon all our people the cultivation of a deeper spiritual life and a more zealous prosecution of the work of God so that in the ensuing year the kingdom of our Saviour may be further extended. The following resolution was passed in reference to the evil of Sabbath desecration : “ We wish to bring the question of Sabbath observance beiore the notice of the people throughout the country, and urge upon them to refrain from all that will interfere with the Sabbath as a day of rest and worship.” Ke the gambling evil, the following reso.ution was passed unanimously: “That ministers, local preachers, and Sunday school teachers throughout the Dominion are urged to strongly denounce the evils of gambling. The members of churches are also recommended to discourage lotteries of every description.” In reference to the No-liceuse campaign, the following resolution was passed: “ That we view with great pleasure the growth ot public opinion regarding No-Eiceuse in the Dominion, and pledge ourselves to use every legitimate means to secure the above object.” The Synod expressed the hope that the Public Questions Committee would make some practical suggestions with regard to the Bible in schools question. yThe warm thanks of the Synod tendered to Mr and Mrs Stiles fox their splendid gilt of the erection of a church at Eoxtou Beach, the need ot which was so urgently felt by the generous donors.

The circulation of the New Zealand Primitive Methodist was reported to be 361. The work of the honorary editors gratefully recognised. Legislation was duly considered. The report of the Sunday school levies was received. The report of the Centenary Fund was presented, showing that for various purposes the amount raised was #65. The oral examiner’s report was received, and it was resolved that the application of the Rev F. A. Thompson for reception into the Approved List be tustaiued. A similar resolution was passed in reference to the Rev Id. B. Ford Carlisle, provided he made application to become a member ot the Preachers’ Friendly Society. A candidate for the ministry, Mr F, Frost, was heartily passed on to the written examination, he having successfully passed the oral examination.

L The Rev J. Sharp and Mr G. Hi' Stiles were appointed representatives to the Conference Stationing Committee. The Rev. C. A. Sims was nominated as district representative for 1911. It was arranged that the next District Synod be held at Den.axton on Thursday, October 21st, at '2. jo p.m.