METHODIST CHURCH.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 15769, 9 December 1916, Page 6

METHODIST CHURCH.

SOUTH CANTERBURY SYNOD. During tlie week the session of the South Canterbury District Synod lias been held at Gcraldine. On Wednesday night a laxgelyattendcd conversazione' was held in tho Drill Hall, when, the Mayor (Dr. Hislop), on behalf of the'townspcople, welcomed the members of Synod, and in doing so spoke of the Methodist chaplains who had distinguished themselves during tlie war, and oi their ministrations. The Rev. Canon Hamilton, on behalf of the Anglican Church, and the Rev. C. J. Tooker, on behalf of the moderator and members of the Presbyterian Church, also extended a welcome, as did Mr Huifey, a local circuit steward, who gave some interesting information concerning; the early days. The Rev. T. A. Joughin, president cf Synod, returned thanks, and expressed the conviction that greater unity between all Christians was coming. An enjoyable musical evening then followed, thceo contributing items being Misses A. and C. Holdgate, and Mirs Thomson, of Timaiu, Messrs Holdga-te. Trott. and Nelson. Tlie Synod sermon was preached by the Rev. G. Frost, of Ashburton, whose subject was tlie power of an endless life, and he received the thanks of Synod. Mr J. R. Nelson, a candidate for the ministry, preached his trial eermon, was examined orally, and was recommended to Conference. In lus addreas .to Synod, the Rev. T. A. Joughin spoko of the epirit of unity, sacrifice." and fortitude displayed by the Empire and the Allies, and of the splendid' resiion.se by the eligible youth of the Church. * Ho expressed sympathy with the relatives of those who hod died. In dealing with the work of the Church, lie said there must lie neither wavering nor fear. The Synod passed resolutions of sympathy with the families of the late Mr W. H Collins, of Ashburton, Rev. J. A. Sharp of Auckland, and the Rev. P. W. Idt't. of Duned.n, Mr lsitt being spoken of as a fearleas champion of moral cause.-). Conference was recommended that a second agent bo not appointed to Wairoatc next year;_ that a second married minister be not appointed to Timaru next vear; that a probationer be- appointed to. Ashburton in place of a. second married minister. The report on Sunday schools alluded to the indications of solid work, and mentioned that the schools had increased bv three The Church Welfare Committee reported on the prospective engagement of the Rev T.il wSf%pSve* rfher ' OT " nS ! li " tie W ° rk ' : " hi * h Tho. thanks of Synod to M r I r win for his work as district secretary were recorded anS place. ' Aahburton - »'<*' elected in h i 3 ■ The subject of missions was dealt with at considerable length, and in connexion with home missions the following giants were -n^ed^muka, 15 ,Me]h^---| Suggestions were made with a view to the Church. " P ° f tb « work ot So Dissatisfaction was expressed with <h« method of appointing chaplains, and it was wolwd to recommend to Conference thaTa more satisfactory distribution of Methodist ST 0 "! 6 *? ***** "rourtout £Zr«f*'fw ™»»™«nd fba * *>>• Kev. G. Frost, of Ashburton, be appointed a cnapl On tlie question of miiitarv service for manners, it »as resolved: "That, whit we are in complete sympathy with the present rmhUry aims of the British E Mp i£ £ftt£ Act !° f *?" Zeafand.'Zving regard to the moral, spiritual and ecelesjast.cal issues involved, we recommend ?£> that mn isters of our Church of military a 4 shall only be- called to combatant servik in the ranks (unless they themselves desir? i in the same ratio as r l la]] oblain t])o try of other denom.nations in the Dominion. il.it < T M „ ,l *M ßd l £ recommend Conference '^itahtertST 1 that the ""'"s.™* »«i The Synod recorded its jens* of disappointment, shame, and indignation at the recent dec: s ion of Parliament in w-wd to the proposed early closing of hotel bar, Tn wcw of tlie need for economy. efficLcT nnd nghteousness, the decision was regarded as lacking in true pa.triotJ.rn. and it was ilso an affront to the 100,000 electors who pefi° tuned for the reform. The Government was urged to reverse its decision, a™ to lcm^ce ] . lnC WlUl *"*"* *«**»«* of «£O!JH «««*>"> «* Sabbath observance the !f tki i°P!ana ih* widespread desecration concern the large and increasing number of marble bars and other shop* that trade in. sof„ dr.nks on Sunday. If. Conference to bring the matter under the notice of the police authorities, with a view to stricter supervision of trading on Sundays A t ~<r ■ i 3 , W ? re « CCOTd ed the president, officials, and the hosts and hostesses nf members coupled with the name cf the •Kev. ( T . P. Hunt.