THE METHODIST CHURCH.

Auckland Star, Volume LII, Issue 279, 23 November 1921, Page 7

THE METHODIST CHURCH.

—— i AUCKLAND SYNOD OPEXS. ! The annual Synod of the Methodiet Church was opened this morning in the Pitt Street Methodist Church, over 100 ministers and laymen being present. Rev. P. X. Knight, 8.A., chairman of the district, presided over the gathering. Rev. J. H. Haslam was almost unanimously elected secretary, and on his nomination the following were also elected:— assistant secretary, Rev. J. Southerns Journal secretary. Rev. R. B. Gosnell; reporters to the Press, Revs. T. R. B. WooUoxall and W. A. Burley. The chairman, the Rev. P. X. Knight, 8.A., in a Tery brief address, mentioned that three ministers had died during the year, Revs. J. A. Luxford, J. S. Smalley and J. J. Mather. Thanks were tendered to Rev. J. •Southern for preaching the official Synod sermon. Aβ the Rev. R. B. Gosnell was sufficiently recovered he was recommended to the Conference for appointment to circuit tvork. Rev. G. B. Hinton, who during the year has been doubly bereaved, applied for permission to. visit Australia and England next year, and the Synod heartily supported the application. It was decided to recommend that a probationer be appointed to Pa-paroa instead of a married minister. Rev. J. A. Lochore reported that a new up-to-datp church is to be erected next year at Remucra, and it was rosolved that another married minister be appointed to the Auckland East circuit. The Statistical General Returns showed an all round increase with one exception, I that of junior members. They also showed a revival of the Christian Endeavour movement in the Methodist Church in the district. MINISTERIAL SESSION. The Ministerial Committee met yesterday and dealt with the cases of students and candidates for the ministry. Messrs. L. A. G. Brooks and T. H. Burton were to be received on probation for the ministry at the ensuing Conference. Messrs. E. W. Harris, J. Bailey, E. H. Brooker, H. G. Brown and H. L. Ficbig were passed in their years and recommended to remain another year in college. Messrs. H. Allen, of the Bay of Islands, and R. T. Wearne, of Kaikolie, were received as candidates for the ministry.