METHODIST SYNOD.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 274, 18 November 1936, Page 11

METHODIST SYNOD.

ASSEMBLY IN AUCKLAND. REPRESENTATIVE SESSION. The representative session of the annual Synod of the Methodist Church (Auckland district) opened to-day in the Pitt Street Church and Schoolroom, and consideration of a full agenda paper was begun. The first act was a service of Holy Communion, followed by the inaugural address by the chairman of the distrtct, the Rev. E. D. Patcliett. Circuit business occupied the morning discussion, and public questions will be considered to-night. The Rev. W. H. Speer, of Waiuku, was granted superannuation for one year owing to ill-health. The Synod agreed to a request from the Helensville Home Mission station that the station should be raised to the status of a circuit, with a probationer in charge. Consideration was given to the question of staffing churches in the Otahuhu-Papakura-Pukekolie area, and a committee was appointed to meet representatives of the circuits concerned with a view to arrangements being made for the appointment of an additional minister.

Circuit finances revealed debit balances totalling £909 6/8, and credit balances amounting to £215 2/11. The position is £540 better than last year, and £1183 better than two years ago. The ministerial session opened yesterday, Mr. Patehett presiding. The principal of the Trinity Theological College, the Rev. Dr. H. Ranston, presented matters relating to the college. Five students, Messrs. J. Churchill, W. R. 1 Francis, R. W. Mayson, L. T. Norwell I and G. Sanft, were designated for appointment to circuit work. The Revs. G. Everil Orr and R. F. Patehett, having | completed their probationary course, ! were recommended for ordination at the conference to be held in Auckland in February, while Messrs. L. R. M. Gilmore and L. A. Hayman, who presented themselves as candidates for the ministry, were recommended for training. There was a large attendance in the church schoolroom in the evening, when a conversazione was held. Mr. Patehett also presided at this function, and after prayer had been offered by the , Rev. W. Glrigg, the chairman extended 1 a welcome to all members. J '