WESLEY AN METHODIST CHURCH HAMILTON CIRCUIT.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2221, 2 October 1886, Page 2

WESLEY AN METHODIST CHURCH HAMILTON CIRCUIT.

The quarterly meeting of the above circuit, took place at Hamilton on Thursday last, at 2.30 p.m. There was a good attendance uf office-bearers, and financial and other matters connected with the circuit were discussed, after which a tea was partaken of, provided by several ladies of the congregation, to which a large number of members and adherents sat down, An adjournment was afterwards made to the Church. Mr Dellow opened the meeting with prayer, and then detailed some of his experiences in the commencement of his work as a preacher in the South Island. He spoke of several matters pertaining to to the last quarter's work, and showed that the Hamilton Church was part of the Methodist connection of New Zealand and a* such was bound to take its share of contribution to several funds. They had many claims to meet and all funds were sustained by voluntary contributions. During the last quarter they had lost one of their best local preachers, Mr Neil, but a worthy successor was to be found in Mr Bycroft, of Avondale. Mr French, circuit Stewart, was sorry that he could not present a clear balance sheet. The debt had increased from £53 last quarter to £73. They had dcci ied to appeal to the Conference for aid to prevent this debt growing larger. He would ask each one to do what he could towaids the reduction of this debt. He would tell them that Mr R. N. Buttle, who was well known to them as a gentleman moat liberal towards the Church, had, although removed from this district, signified his willingness to forward a contribution, and he (the speaker) was confident the people more nearly concerned would do what they could. He had no fear for the future, and felt confident that the debt would be wiped out. Mr G. Bycroft, of Ngaruawahia, addressed the meeting on matters in connection with his end of the circuit, which, he said, were in a flourishing condition and they hoped soon to be in a position to build a church. They must be just before being generous, but if each individual were to do his share, the debt, which certainly looked very ugly, would be no more. Several hymns were sung during the meeting, which closed with the Benediction.