PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 262, 29 October 1908, Page 2

PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH

TAKANAKI DISTRICT SYKOD. The second synod of the Taranaki district of the Primitive Methodist Church opened iii Stratford on Tuesday, Mr. li. liellringer occupying the chair. The following ollicers were appointed:--Chairman, Mr. It. H. Robinson (Stratford); vice-chairman, Mr. W. Chatterton; secretary, Rev. H. White; assistant secretary, Mr. H. Sharp; timekeeper, Mr. 0. Collingwood; reporters, Rev's 10. Drake and J. Denning; finance committee, Revs. J. Guy anil E. Drake; ex officio district representative, Re-v. J. Guy. Mr. C. E. Bellringer, the retiring chairman, congratulated the Synod o.n the prosperity which had attended the work of the church in Taranaki district during the year. The Primitive Methodist Church took a foremost place in reform work in New Zealand, the church being the -church of the people. In doing work for the mass of men he contended that the church was doing Christ's wol.t. He was pleased to see the growing unity of the churches, as evidenced by unity in opposing the liquor, gambling, and' other evils. Jle -looked forward to the time when, the church being fully permeated liv the Spirit of Christ, there would come about an organic union. What Mich a union would accoiupli-.hl ill the life of New Zealand no one could tell. At the close of the address Mr. Bellringer vacated :(he chair and welcomed Mr. R. li. Robinson to that position.

The. report of members showed the total to be .'144. The church properties' . of llii' district were shown to be in a healthy condition, a new school having been erected at Wanganui. and the church renovated at a cost <ot £450, a sum of £225 having been raised towavis' , that amount; a parsonage had been acquired at Elthain at a cost of £3OO, The following statistics were received: Minister* home missionary 1, church' members 344, churches 13, preaching 1 places 33, local preachers 24, class' leadens 12. Cost of churches and parsonages:—Churches' (13) original cost, £4!103 10s lid; present value, £7430; paid oil' debt during year, £7U 14s lid; debt at present, £1050; insured for ,£3550; premiums, .£lB 10s; musical instruments, £2OB 10s.'. Parsonages' (5) original cost, £1933 (is !ld; present value, £4290; debt at present, £2492; insured for £llso.—Post.