METHODIST CHURCH.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XLVII, Issue 10888, 7 April 1927, Page 4

METHODIST CHURCH.

THE ASHBURTON CIRCUIT.

QUARTERLY MEETING BUSINESS.

The quarterly meeting of the Ashburton Methodist Circuit officials was held in the Baring Square Schoolroom last evening. There were • present the Rev. R. B. Tinsley (presiding). Sister Mildred, Mesdames W. R. Featherston, J. Moore, Miss Watson, Messrs F. Frampton and S. J. Graham (circuit stewards), John Moore, A. Protheroe, C. F. Horrill, Henry Wills, F. H. Steel, Joseph Watson, F. Wills, W. H. Higgins, C. S. Hawkey, W. R. Featherston, R. Buxton, J. Moore junr., D. McClymont, E. N. Johnson, B. H. Carter, 0. Bishop and John Watson.. Before proceeding with the business the chairman referred to the fact that during the quarter several members had suffered bereavement and letters of sympathy! had been sent to those bereaved. The meeting passed a vote of sympathy to the widow of the late Mr H. Robinson, of Christchurch. The number of members was reported to be: Adults, 299; juniors, 117; a total of 416.

The circuit stewards presented a satisfactory balance-sheet for the quarter. This showed ani income of £196 lg 4d and expenditure £lB5 T6s 2d, leaving a credit balance of £lO 4s 2d. Special collections were granted to the Baring Square Church on the occasion of its forthcoming anniversary, also to the Home Mission effort throughout the circuit. The chairman reported l in regard to the Home Mission Fund that the general secretary (the Rev. A. J. Seamer) with his Maori party would visit the circuit during the quarter and hold meetings at Baring Square, Wakanui, Seafield and Fair ton.

Mr Carter reported on the work of the Sunday School. The general average attendance of scholars was very well maintained,, and keen interest was manifested" by the scholars and teachers. The Cradle Roll numbered 41. The Young Worshippers' League had a roll number of 69, with a very satisfactory average attendance. The Bible Classes were showing satisfactory progress, the attendance and general interest being alike good. The Young Men's Class were making arrangements to attend the Easter camp at Kaiapoi while the Young Women's Class would attend the camp at Timaru. It was also reported that the Girls' Senior Bible Class had won the attendance banner for the Canterbury District. Through the agency of the Sunday School the Papanui Orphanage had received 166 jars of jam. The Junior C.E. Society was well attended and the members were keenly interested' in their work. They had raised £2 10s for the Foreign Mission Fund during the quarter. The chairman reported that a special appeal on behalf of the Young People's Department would be made during the quarter. Mr H. Money was re-appoint-ed local secretary for the young people, and with the superintendent deputed to make the necessary arrangements in connection with the effort. Mr F. Frampton (circuit representative at the recent comference in Auckland) gave a resume of proceedings of the conference, which had been a most successful one in every way. Mr Frampton was thanked for his services and for his lucid report. The meeting recorded appreciation of the work of Mr H. M. Jones as a local preacher during the last 60 years, and congratulated him on the attainment of such a splendid record. A vote of thanks was also carried to Mr John Moore for his services to the minister and to the church over a period of many years.