METHODIST SYNOD.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 December 1915, Page 8

METHODIST SYNOD.

On Tuesday morning some of tlie mcnjliers of the Methodist Synod now sitting in Hawera were taken by Messrs James, Hurrell, Pacey, Chivers, and McCallum to the banks of the lnaha stream, where, guided by Messrs Foreman and MeOalluni, the site of .the earliest mission station in Taranaki was located, a short impromptu meeting being held. The Rev. E. 0. Blamires briefly explained the historic associations of the spot, and expressed regret at the absence of the Eev. T. G. Hammond, whose recent publication "In the Beginning," made several references to the Heretoa Mission Station. It was 75 years ago that the Rev. Messrs Ironsides, Buttle, and Aldred traversed South Taranaki, and almost the same length of time since the Eev. James Skevington and his wife took up their abode as the first resident missionaries. Like the bulbs growing around them, the influence of the missionaries' lives and the fragrance of tUe'yr deeds continues to the present. Mr. E. Dixon also referred to the splendid character of the early missionaries. To their credit it could be stated that with easy opportunities of enriching themselves by securing land from tne natives, they had resisted the temptation, and devoted themselves wholly to the work of uplifting the people to whom they had come, and they had died with their wealth found entirely in the affections of those who had helped. The Rev. J. W. Griffin, of Waitara, conducted the devotional session with which the Synod opened, preaching from the text: "Have Faith in God." At the conclusion of the service the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper was administered, and a brief period spent in intercession. I'he District Ministerial Committee commenced its business in the afternoon under the direction of the Rev. T. G. Hammond, chairman of the district. Tlie session having been opened with devotional exercises, a ballot was taken for the position of secretary, the Rev. A. B. Ohappell, M.A., being elected again. On his nomination, the Rev. C. H. Olds, 8.A., was appointed his assistant. G. W. Jackson, a candidate for the ministry, recommended by the aimarino circuit, was submitted to an oral examination. Reports upon his preached and written sermons and other necessary information being considered satisfactory, the committee heartily recommended him to Conference for acceptance for training, subject to his written examination being satisfactory. Percy I. Cook, probatione., of the Waimarino circuit, was recommended to be passed in his first year of probation, subject to passing in his written examination. The Synod expressed its appreciation of his enlistment, and especially commended him for having p-tepared thoroughly for his church examination together with having considered hf* nation's call. J. A. Lister Minifie, probationer, of Taihape, was also recommended to be passed in his first year of probation. Concerning the woik o? H. H Marshall. had left tor the tiont while supplying at Trinity Church, Wanganui, appreciation was expressed at his circuit work and study, also at ins joining the forces. , At the continuation of the committee s session held on Wednesday, the report from the principal of the Theological College was presented. Hearty appreciation was felt and expressed at the work of the principal, especially in view of the difficulties created by the war, a number of students having enllsted.Hawera Star.