METHODIST CHURCH

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 2419, 20 April 1922, Page 2

METHODIST CHURCH

A meeting of the Circuit and Trust officials of the local Methodist Church was held in the school hall on Thursday evening last. Rev. L. Minifie occupied the chair. A cordial welcome was extended to Mr James Banks, whose transfer as a local preacher and official was received from the Patea circuit. Membership returns showed an increase for the quarter, although there had been two or three removals. Financial returns were considered most satisfactory. 'The Circuit disclosed a credit after meeting all extra expenditure of the past year. The returns for the quarter i were again of record standard. Sunday schools at Foxton and Shannon reported increases of scholars'in attendance, whilst Orona Downs attendance is well maintained. Mr E. A. Oxley was Appointed secretary and treasurer of Foreign and ITmne Missions for the Circuit. Mr A. K. Osborne was elected envelope steward. The meeting decided to increase insurances on certain buildings in the Circuit. The Rev. L. Minifie, acting on medical advice, applied for several weeks’ leave. The officials unanimously granted Mr Minifie the desired rest period from circuit duties, and expressed marked appreciation of his excellent service during the past twelve months. The opinion was expressed that never before- had church accomplished so much, or been in as strong a position as at present. Mr Minifie, in thanking the officials, stated that whatever success had attended his ministry had been due to the co-operation of the officials and workers. He trusted to i eturn (thoroughly well and ready for continued progress efforts. The assistant steward (Mr L. Bullai'd) was instructed to write to nearby circuits, asking for supplies for Sunday services during the minister’s absence.

MEETING OF TRUST. The Trustees met at the close of the circuit meeting. Reports of the recent Festal Fair were received. It was decided to pay all amounts due in connection with the recent renovations, and to pay off at. due date the loan raised locally of £IOO in connection with the Beach church removal: Arrangements were also made-for the repayments to the New Zealand Methodist Building and Loan Fund.