METHODIST SYNOD.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 December 1920, Page 5

METHODIST SYNOD.

TARANAKI-WANGANUI DISTRICT. YESTERDAY'S PROCEEDINGS. Tho Taranaki-Wanganui Methodist Synod met under the chairmanship of Rev. B. Dudley, P.R.A.S., yesterday morning. The business of the day commenced with the election of various officials. The Rev. J. A. Hosking was elected secretary of the Synod, Rev. L. J. Neaie, assistant secretary; Rev. F. B. Lawrence, journal secretary; Rev. P. Martilt, correspondence secretary, and Rev. A. A. Rensley, reporter. The chairman made reference to the illnes sof Rev. H. L. Blamires, which | led to his resigning the chairmanship, and his own appointment. Before the full Synod the chairman delivered his official address, which consisted in a call to new devotion and a fresh campaign. "We are dealers in heavenly treasure," lie said, "we must make men feel that wo have what it is worth their while to possess." He also referred to Christian leaders as being Christ's husbandmen and that the primary and ailimportant work consisted in reclaiming the waste places of life and ranking the desert of our civilisation to blossom into fruitful abundance. DECREASE OF MEMBERS. Rev. Arthur Liversedge presented the statistical returns, and these showed a decline in Church membership; but progress in relation to tho young people's departments. Members 'of the 'Synod emphasised the importance of expert training for Sunday School teachers, and the need of definite temperance instruction among the children culminating in pledge-signing. Reports were received relating to the centenary celebrations next year, and provision was made for the setting up of committees to formulate arrangements- It was urged that a great musical festival be part of the celebrations.

EDUCATING ISLANDERS. Rev. W. A. Sinclair told of his recent trip to the Solomon Islands. He said Hint, there was only one word that would aptly describe the transformation that had taken place among the so recent savage peoples, and that word was "miracle. - ' Eighteen years ,-tgo these people were hcsul-lumtcrs, and this year they had contributed .€3OOO for the forwarding of work j:i Heir midst, and they wero pathetically clamouring; for the teachers that were not forthcoming. By ballot, the Rev. ,1. A. Hosking was elected to be representative to the" conference and to the Stationing Committee. Mr. E. Dixon, Mayor of Hawera, invited the Synod to Hawera next year, SYNOD SERMON. To a good congregation at Whiteley Church in the evening, the Rev. .1. A. Hosking presented the Synod sermon. His message thrilled his 'hearers with hope, as he spoke of the eternal purpose of Cod that would most certainly he realised even though the night was dark, and great hampering forces flung themselves in the way. The service was concluded by the celebration of the sacrament of the Lord's Supper.