TRINITY WESLEYAN CHURCH, HAMILTON.

Waikato Times, Volume XXI, Issue 1735, 18 August 1883, Page 2

TRINITY WESLEY AN CHURCH, HAMILTON.

In response to an invitation given by the minister and circuit stewards, about 120 persons from nearly nil parts of the circuit assembled in tlic school-room, Hamilton, on Wednesday evening. Tea having been provided by 12 ladies, the trays were most bountifully supplied. After tea the company proceeded to the church, for the purpose of discussing the question, " Are we, a3 a circuit, prepared to fulfil our obligations to the Conference, by inviting a married minister to take charge of the circuit next year. The chairman (Rev J. Dukes) being unable to address the meeting, through a severe cold, called upon Mr Manners to read a paper which ho had prepared on the subject, and in which, as their minister, ho urged compliance with the connexional rule on the following grounds : (1) From the fact tint the circuit is due to provide for a married minister at the expiration of four years from the time that a probationer was appointed to Hamilton ; further, that division was obtained at the Conference of 1882, by the then superintendent of the Waikato circuit pledging the fidelity of Hamilton to this rule of the church. (2) From the fact that in the appointment of a fully accredited minister, the circuit will reap the advantage of having a man who, free from all studies for examinations, will be able to devote his whole time to its interests, more especially by pastoral visitation amongst the country settlers, which a probationer is unable to do. (3) From the consideration that it will consolidate our work, and give us a more influential standing among the other churuhes, and in the district. (4-) Because the state of the circuit, from its improved congregations, justifies the step, and proves that it is as well able to taku up its liabilities at the proper time tis it would bo in a ye.ir hence. He, therefore, urged them to take up tho responsibility cheerfully, heartily, unitedly, and with strong faith in Go 1, and each one doing his part, the burden would not press heavily. Mr Geo. Fiench and Mr R. "NT. Buttle (circuit stewards) spoke to the same effect, each expressing an opinion that tho newly constituted circuit had vitality enough (with the aid of a grant from the Home Mission Fund) to raise the extra sum required, viz., £80 per annum. After a full discussion of the matter, the following resolutions were moved, and carried unanimously :— 11 That this meeting, representing the various preaching places on the Hamilton Wpsleyan circuit plan, being informed that tho circuit is due at the forthcoming Conference to provide for a married minister, recommends the September quarterly meeting to fulfil its obligations, by inviting a married minister to take charge of the circuit next year." " That this representative meeting pledges itself to raise the increased sum required, in order to enable the circuit stewards to meet their liabilities." The meeting, which was very harmonious and enthusiastic throughout, broke up about 0 p.m.