CENTURY OF METHODISM.

Auckland Star, Volume LII, Issue 190, 11 August 1921, Page 2

CENTURY OF METHODISM.

PREPARING CELEBRATIONS. AUCKLAND'S GLFT OFFERING. NEARLY £9000 PROMISED. Nearly £POOO was promised towards the centenary fund last evening at an enthusiastic gathering in the Pitt Street Methodist Church. This brings the pre' sent total promised in Auckland to £13,01(1, and the suburbs have yet to be canvassed. It is intended to raise £4f),000 in the Dominion, and towards this the organisers have already been promised .C 22.800, with many parts of the Dominion still to be visited.

Auckland's campaign was begun last night with a tea in the Kast Street Hall, followed by an organ recital by Mr. Edgar Randall, and then by a big "family gathering" in the Pitt Street Church, which, as the chairman (Mr. W. .1. Holdsworth) pointed out. was a most appropriate meeting place, seeing that it was the mother church of the district. Mr. IToldsworth in his introductory remarks drew attention to the unrest and uncertainty prevailing in the world to-<lav, and urged that just as Wesley and Methodism had saved England from a revolution, now was tin- golden opportunity of the Church to do its duty and bring peace and harmony to a troubled wond.

I The Rev. \V. A. Sinclair, one of the I organising secretaries, reminded his ! audience of what the .Methodist Church I had done in New Zealand. He said that while the record of their hundred years' Christian work in New Zealand had not : been without defect and failure, still it was a fact that there was very much !to be thankful for. Tic referred to work : among the Maoris, the mission to the ! South Sea Islanders, the Church's scrj vice to the pioneer settlers of the Domi- | nion. and its influence in social reform | movements. The present day had its - serious difficulties, and only the gospel of Christ was equal in the need of men. He believed that as in the eighteenth century the Methodist revival helped to save England and Europe in that trying period, so if faithful to their trust now they would bless this age. The desire t for Christian union was one of the most : encouraging signs of the time. There were evidences of spiritual quickenintr in the uld lands and in the new. "The j wave may break in fuiltire, hut the tide was sure to win." They must not, be afraid of innovation. They must he gelism. The chief aim "of the centenary movement was a revived Church. but there was a financial side, and they were | seeking by their monetary gifts to strengthen various departments ot : Church life and work. j The Rev. A. C. Lawry, general secretary, said they were commemorating a ■ century of blessing and of heroism. 0 A change had been wrought in the Dominion during the hundred years, ami the Methodist Church had a'fair share m producing the improvement. There had been great loyalty, sacrifice, and heroism, and they must emulate the jdoings of tin. pioneers All (he objects .of the centenary fund were worth v. and !it remained for them to give a generous i support.

I romtse cards were distributed and sum varying from CI to CIi.OOO, promises were announced, the totai heing £8.810 in addition to over 14 000 promised locally before tlie meeting During the next fortnight the campaign will be extended in the suburbs of \uckland.