METHODIST HOME MISSIONS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XLI, Issue 9290, 11 August 1920, Page 7

METHODIST HOME MISSIONS.

NEED FOR CHURCHES' HELP.*

- The Rev. T. G. Brook, organising \ secretary' for the Methodist Honie i Missions, paid a visit to Ashburton in j the above interests, and delivered an address last evening. The officials of the Baring Square Church met the j visitor "'around the tea-table in the schoolroom, the repast being provided by the ladies of the Clnirch .Guild. A large number were present, and.after tea Mr Brook briefly addressed the friends, pointing out the "object of his visit and soliciting the co-operation of church workers.:. 'Later' a public meeting was held, which was largely attended, the schoolroom being fully The Rev. T. W. Vealie presided. In 1 a short speech he referred to the great work the Church was undertaking in seeking to further the interests of God's Kingdom in every corner of the Dominion, and of the prominent part their secretary, Rew T. G. Brook, onetime ..pastor of the Ashburton .Church,' was taking in the movement The Rev. T. G. Brook, was well received. In a-forceful, illummatin.c, and characteristic address Vhe set forth in detail ,the: forward policy that the Church had laid down with the object of extending its activities throughout New Zealand, with especial reference to the work among the Maoris. The policy of the Church was unanimously agreed to in 1918, but owing to the exigencies created by the war its operation had been suspended until' 1920, but it was now getting into its stride. Ordained ministers and Home Missionaries were being placed in > stations that had been long waiting for-such ministration as the Church could give, and as men became available vacancies were being supplied. By the aid of the Home Mission Fund the minimum stipends of ministers and Home Mis-: sionaries had been raised 25 and 50 per cent, respectively, and improved conditions generally were sought to be ■ attained. In a telling and forceful address the urgent needs of those in the backblocks were clearly set forth, and the Church's assistance and enthusiastic co-operation strongly urged. The whole address was eagerly listened to ,and much appreciated.

At the close a vote of thanks to Mr Brook was heartily accorded.