METHODIST CHURCH.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 3, Issue 184, 3 April 1914, Page 2

METHODIST CHURCH.

Convention of Workers. A convention cf the workers in the Methodist churches of the Franklin circuit was held in the Pukekohe church on Wednesday. Soon after eeven o'clock the church was well filled, and the Kev. E. P. Blamires, who presided, gave an address on "ihe Summons to the Church of To-day." He declared that the church was summoned to pray, to plan and to sacrifice. The church could not accomplish her great task without the forces that come rnly from the unseen world. The ring cf reality waa needed in all religious life, aid the programme of the church in winning the world for Christ demanded personal service to the point of sacrifice. A conference on the tipic followed, ia which the following took part: -Messrs W. A. Porter (Ngaruawahia), F. Scusier (Buckland), G. Bycroft (Karaka). and W. H. Barriball (Waiuku). MINISTERS FAREWELLED.

The seating capacity of the Fukekohe Methodist Church was taxed to the utmost for the social on Wedntsday night. Mr Pilikington explained that the gathering was for the purpose of doing honour to the ministers of the Franklin Circuit, Revs. E. P. Blamires and Rev. A. Laybourn, and their wives, who were about to leave. Mr Usher, as senior circuit steward, he said, was willing but physically unfit t) preside, as also was Mr Stephenson, another holding a similar office, so that it fell upon the speaker, as a junior circuit steward, to fulfil that duty. The gathering, wtiich included many veterans, would he hoped have a happy hour or more and in a sc.cl.il spirit da honour to (heir guests. Mrs Blamires then rendeved a soner, "Nearer My God to Thee," with the feeling that always characterises her efforts. Mrs Honey for J followed with a recitation, "Church-going of the Period," which was much enjoyed. Resuming, Mr Pilkington said he had enjoyej his associations with Mr Blamir.s aa a worshipper and asi one of his officers. Mr Blamires bad the quality of being able to Kspire otheis to do work. He regretted that the conference had decided that he should go scmwbere else, but the speaker congratulated him upon his appointment to Mt. Eden. He then read soma comparative figures showing the prrgresa since Rev. Mr Blamires' and Rev. Mr Laybourn's ministry commenced. The membership was formerly 164, now 247; income formerly £ll9, to-day, £198; Foreign Missions increased from £3O to £125. The Horns Mission this year was £4O. This showed that the people had responded loyally and liberally, but he was bound to give credit to Mr Blamires for the way he bad led the people, showing tact and enthusiasm. He particularly remembered Mr Bldmires 1 work of last October when the offerings were so liberal as to form a sort of church landmark, also the missionary movements and their minister's untiring efforts in every phase of work, especially amongst the young people, inculcating good standards for the future that were most valuable. If all clergymen were as untiring as Mr Blamirea in gathering in adherents and new-comere, we should not hear sj much about declining congregations. He then asked Mr Blamires to accept a token as an indication of their feeling of affection towards him and as comiog from the hearts of his people The tiift took the form of a photograph enlargement of the members at the last quarterly meeting. Below the photograph an inscription in old Engli-h text read:—"Presented to Mr Blamir:s by the Pukekohe Methodist Church congregation upon the termination of his ministry in the Franklin Circuit as a slight token of esteem and appreciation of his faithful ministry." Mr Pilkington also asked Mr Blamires to accept a token from the choir and Sabbath school for Mrs Blamires who had always been ready to give her services as far as her opportunities permitted. A great deal was due to ministers' wives: they had a great deal of anxiety while their husbands travelled to their various outposts, many things to tax their patience, and they were only human. To them was owed a debt of gratitude. Mrs Blamires would be remembered for her beautiful voice and he hoped, as Mt. Eden was not so very far away, that they would have the privilege of a visit in the future. The gift showed discrimination and taste in its choice. It was a salad bowl of uncommon design, with server mounted on a silver plate. Mr Stephenson then rose to say he could do nothing further than endorse Mr Pilkington's remarks—every word. He regretted losing their minister and was sorry the conference had chosen tj change their ministers every few years. He, as an office bearer, would thank Mr Blamirea, who had spared no pains but had done his best always; none could do more. He also thanked him for the good address delivered that evening on "Prayer," He thought the church had beeo degenerating during th past 40 years through lack of prayer. Mr Pilkington added that the departing minister had not only won their esteem, but also that of other churches.

Mr Comrie said he could testify to both pleasure and privilege of coming in contact with such a Minister of the Gospel. On shaking hands with Mr Blamires he bad invaiiaUy felt htlp and warmth. Mr Hlamires was a worker and had a friendly feeling towards other churches, which would help to establish a union of the churches. He had looked after tha young people. The speaker felt deep regret that Mr and Mrs Blamires and Mr and Mrs Laybourn were leaving, but as the latter clergyman had attended to the other end of the circuit, the I'ukekohc congregation did not know him so v, ell. He hoped the people at the Waluku end would give Mr and Mrs Laybourn lull credit for their work. The loss of both parties was some one else's

gain. Mr Fred Souster said he felt he was usurping Mr Usher's place, fur Mr Usher served the church for 30 years, whilst the speaker had given Bucii a little bit of service. Waiuku, Mr Laybourn 'a end of the circuit, was the only place he had not visited as a preacher. Hut they had a much better church there than i'ukekohe had. Bombay he found a place of much enthusiasm with Mr Burton's work, lu.ikau'a congrega-

tlon seemed to have a lot of bottledup enthusiasm. La hoa was grow- [ ing steadily. He seemed to have ' b3en unfortunate at Whangarata; j poor congregation* but good work tJ ba clone. Buckland was warmhearted.

Mr Blamirts, id reply, (aid the speakers had 6aid many gcoi and nice things. Their kindly thought had arranged this mecling, and it was tut part anl pircel of the way they had treated himself and Mrs Blamires during the whole of his stay. No token h*d been necessary; he fdt that he had had their appreciaiion. He had not forgotten the cordial welcome and thoughtful arrangement at the parsonage and the reception and goodwill they had rendered him three years ago, 6ince which time the wheels had gone without friction. He could but inadequately reply to their kini expressions and to th* kindness of their hearts which had prompted the tokens, but he would cherish his telluwship here. It was the influence of Mrs Blamires that wa9 unknown to the congregation, that counted for mo;t. That influence none could measure. She was an able critic of highest value, both from their own stindpoint and that of the row, for she had high ideals of his responsibilities. (Applause). Mr Pilkington hai given them figures but they were inadequate as marks of progress: more might have been done. He recognised the limitations of his work in tne past; he hoped the work would picper and grow. He had been fortunate in the comradeship of hi.i workers. There hadu't been a "enag" in the circuit. He agreed with Mr Comrie that they-should stand shoulder to shoulder as one church, to establish one kingdom. Mr and Mrs Laybourn, he said, hjJ been consistent throughout tnd the appreciation of their work and hospitality had been manifested i.i Waiuku last we k. He thanked them cordially for their generosity and he and his wife would cherish memories of happy years in this locality. Mrs Filkiogtm was in spLndid voice for her rendering cf "Kathleen Mavourneen." Mr .Sousler's recitation, "The Hero of the Slums,'' gave wide scopa lor the display of dramatic talent. Mr Ashurat sang "The Village Blacksmith,'' idling further evidence of the entertaining poweis of this congregation. Mrs M. Wright, »cted as accompanist throughout. The ladicj provided a nice supper with their uaial hospitality, and th 3 pro:eedings were closed Willi the pronunciation of the Benediction by the Rev. Mr Laybourn.