ANNUAL SYNOD

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 60, Issue 29, 14 November 1939, Page 6

ANNUAL SYNOD

S. CANTERBURY METHODISTS. CONFERENCES IN ASHBURTON. MINISTERIAL SESSIONS TO-DAY. The annual synod of the South Canterbury District of the • Methodist Church was opened in Ashburton this morning with the holding of a ministerial session. Delegates from as far as Oamaru were present, and the meeting was presided over by the Rev. Angus Mcßean, who is chairman of the District. The delegates are as follow:

Ministers—The Revs. A. Mcßean (Ashburton), B. J. James (Banks St., Timaru), C. Blair (Woodlands Street, Timaru), H. lan Hopper (Kensington, Timaru), H. L. Richards (Waimate), H. G. Brown (Temulca), W. W. Avery (Willowby), W. B. Pickering (Oamaru), J. S. Waite (Rakaia-Methven). Home Missionary—The Rev. F. 0. Prosser (Geraldine). Deaconess—Sister Mildred (Ashburton). ■

Lay Representatives—Mrs R . McAlister and Mr W. Ellis (Banks Street), Messrs John Butcher and C. W. Keinan (Woodlands Street), Messrs W. Simmons and A. Field (Kensington), Messrs M. Hayman and A. Shearer (Waimate), Mrs E. Blackmore and Mrs A. Elder (Temuka), Mr and Mrs E. Undrill (Geraldine), Messrs F. Frampton and F. H. Steel (Ashburton), Messrs G. H. B. Lill and H. C. B. WSithell (Willowby), Mrs Bridgman (Oamaru), Messrs L. Hopwood and H. G. Ayers (Rakaia-Meth-ven). Women’s Missionary Auxiliary—Mrs A. Mcßean (Ashburton). District Secretary, Church * property —Mr A. L. Hudson (Timaru).

Young People’s Department —MI John Hayman (Waimate). Young Men’s Bible-class Union—Mr E. Cretney (Ashburton).

Local Preachers’ Association—Mr W J. Brown (Ashburton).

After the ministerial session this morning delegates were free for the afternoon. A Synod service of fellowship will be held in the Baring Square Church at 7.30 o’clock this evening, when the Revs. F. .0. Prosser, H. lan Hopper and J. S. Waite will he the speakers on the subject, “My Pathway to Christ; and Helps along the Way.” The Rev. Angus Mcßean will preside and the Baring Square Choir will present a special anthem.

The chief business of the session today was the examination of the probationers in the district.

The. Rev lan Hopper, of Kensington, was unanimously recommended to conference for ordination. This is his fourth and final year of probation, and all the reports concerning his work were entirely satisfactory. The Rev. J. S. Waite, of the. RakaiaMethven Circuit, is in his first year of probation, and he was cordially recommended to conferehce to pass* in his year. Encouraging reports concerning Mr Waite’s work were given to the committee. 1

The oral examinations were conducted by the Rev. C. Blair. The business sessions will start at 9.30 o’clock to-morrow morning, and will continue throughout the day. In the evening there will be a Synod social, when the Mayor (Dr. G. I. Miller) will welcome delegates. The choir will furnish the musical part of the programme.