LEGAL ACT OF UNION.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 225, 22 September 1932, Page 7

LEGAL ACT OF UNION.

Fusion of Three Methodist Churches. KING'S CONGRATULATIONS. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, September 21. The legal act of_ union of the three Methodist Churches of Britain took place in the Albert Hall yesterday in the presence of a large congregation, which included the Duke of York, who represented the King, and was accompanied by the Duchess. The Bishop of London, Dr. A. F. Wilmington Ingram, other bishops, leaders of non-conformity at home and abroad, the Lord Mayor of London, Sir Maurice Jenks, the President of the Board of Trade, Mr. Walter Runciman, several members of Parliament, Sir Josiah Stamp, and other prominent Methodists were also present. The conference of the Wesleyan, Primitive, and United Methodist Churches having given their separate and joint assent to the deed. Dr. Scott Lidgett, president of the United Churches, declared the union accomplished.

The Duke of York read a message from the King congratulating the uniting Churches, and adding: "I welcome the union as marking one step toward the unity of Christian people, a cause always near my heart."

His Royal Highness said the union marked the opening of a new era in the life of one of the greatest • spiritual forces in the modern world. He said he regarded Methodism as a leading factor for world peace.