METHODIST QUARTERLY MEETING.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVII, Issue 158, 4 July 1916, Page 2

METHODIST QUARTERLY MEETING.

The officials of the Auckland Central Circuit of toe Methodist Church met List evening at Pitt Street Church for their Quarterly business meeting, the Rev. (\ H. Laws. R.A.. presiding. Resolutions were passed In expression of appreciation of (he valuable work of the late Rev W Gittns and the late Mr. F. 1,. Prime, both gentlemen having rendered extraordinary service in the cause of missions In this country. A Innre portrait of Sir. Prime is to be hung in the church parlour at Pitt Street. A stronirl.v worded resolution of protect against" the attitude of the Government with reference to petitions and requests of deputations on the subject, of early closing of hotel bars was submitted by Messrs. 0. A. Buttle and G. Higgott, and passed unanimously, and ordered to be telegraphed to the Prime Alinister and Auckland M.P.'s. A welcome was extended to Revs. J. J. Lewis. H. Ranston, M.A.. P. R. Paris and G. T. Marshall, who have recently come to the circuit. The Rev. J. J. Lewis replied on behalf of those gentlemen. The membership returns showed an increase in both senior and junior rolls, and a decrease in Sunday school scholars and 'heir average attendance, the latter being partly accounted for by mpnYbers of Bible classes having gone to the war. The balance-sheet showed that the expenses for the past quarter hart been exceptionally heavy, and a small debit balance was reported. The net. income for foreign mission funds was stated at £4S 4/G. Mr. Robert Clarke was appointed home missions treasurer in place of the late Mr. V. L. Prime, and Mr. .1. McElwaln was added to Homo Mission Committee. Arrangements have been made to hold a united intercessory service at Pitt Street Church on tho anniversary of the declaration of war. and appropriate services in the various cbur-.bes i"n the following Sunday. September 17 is to be observed as Home Mission Sunday in all the churches of the circuit, and the jubilee of the Pitt Street Church is to be celebrated at the beginning of October, when the Rev. Dr. Moriey. of Melbourne, who was present at the opentng of the ennroh, has been Invited to ,t*k» DM*.