METHODIST CHURCH.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 19668, 11 July 1929, Page 6

METHODIST CHURCH.

| SYDENHAM, The quarterly meeting of the Sydenham Methodist Circuit, held on Monday, was presided over by the Rev. B. Metson. A welcome was extended to the Beckenham representatives, Messrs G. Wright, F. W. Watson, and E. King. Motions of sympathy ia sickness were passed with Miss Steere, Miss Northeote, Mrs Hayward, Mrs McClelland, Mr and Mrs Hayden, and Mr Rickard, the secretary being asked to convey same by letter. Mebsages of sympathy had also been sent to Mrs J. M. Mitchell and family, and the family of the late Mrs Rudkin, in their recent bereavements. Mr S. H. Maddren extended a welcome to the Rev. B. Metson. The number of church members was reported as 196. The balance-sheet for the quarter was adopted, a credit balance of 17s 2d being shown. , A letter was received for Young People s Department regarding special collection. It was decided that envelopes be secured and distributed throughout the circuit, the appeal to be made at both schools and churches. Mr Withell, sen., was appointed Home Mission secretary for Sydenham, and Miss E. King for Beckenham. A request was received for monetary help with music for the Beckenham choir, and it was decided to increase the percentage of the allowance for the quarter. The Beckenham Sunday School anniversary services were fixed for Sunday, September 22nd, all collections to be given to the Sunday School funds. It was decided to ask Mrs Gillard to represent the circuit at the prohibition area council meeting on August 14th. On the suggestion of Mr Maddren, it was decided that a letter o£ thanks be sent to the secretary of the mothers' meeting regarding the jumble sale effort. The Rev. B. Metson suggested that » prayer meeting be held on the first Sunday in the month, also that Communion service be observed on the first Surday in every month, one service in every three to be in the morning. , It was decided that ile*s*B W. Green-wood, C Sayers, and J. M-eGefcrge have their names placed on "plan" as preachers on Mr Maddren intimated that the amount of £ll 18s 7d for the earthquake relief fund had been given in retiring collections on Sunday last (Sydenham £8 2s 3d, High street £2, and Beckenham £1 16s 4d), the amount to be forwarded to the Mayor's fund. Miss Wise, secretary "Open Door missionary paper, reported 58 subscribers for the circuit. ' , The Sunday School and Young People s Departments were reported to be flourishing. A mixed class for senior Bible classes had been formed with the Rev. B. Metson as leader. Twenty-four children had entered for the Scripture examinations this month. The Rev. B. Metson reported that 66 declaration cards had been signed in the school from the intermediate Bible classes downwards, and arrangements had been made with the superintendent and secretary to hold a Communion service in the _ Sunday School at an early date. In the interests of Foreign Missions, Mr Goldic, of the Solomon Islands, would occupy the Sydenham pulpit on Sunday, September Bth. A Young Worshippers' League had. been formed at Beckenham. with Miss E. King as secretary. The Beckenham Sunday School was reported as having a membership of 164 scholars, Bible classes 24. a cradle roll of 27, and a Boys' Club of 24. An invitation was accepted for the next meeting to be held at the Beckenham Sunday School on Monday, October 7th.

ST. ALBANS. The quarterly meeting held in the Lecture Hall of the Rugby street Church on Tuesday evening was presided over by the Rev. Leslie B. Neale. Thero was a representative attendance, including the Rev. S. J. Werren and the Kev. F. T. Read. A cordial welcome was extended to Sister Barnett, who hag been engaged in deaconess work. The chairman complimented the Sister on the very capable and efficient service she was rendering to the church. Senior membership was reported as 361, and junior 90, and Sunday School scholars ■493. The financial statement submitted by Mr A. Williams showed an income of £351 18s 7d. Satisfaction was expressed at the high average attendance of scholars at the various Sunday Schools. A motion was unanimously adopted sanctioning an application to the Loan Fund for a grant of £250 to be devoted to St. John's Church, Bryndv/r. It was resolved to approve of the appointment of MIS 3 Jessie McKenzie as assistant deaconess. An announcement was made that the Rev. L. B. Neale would remain at St. Albans up to April, 1931, and that the Rev. E. B. Chambers had accepted the invitation to succeed the Rev. S. J. Werren at Wesley Church in April, 1930. . . Reporting on home mission affairs, Mr A. D. Hassall stated that the visit of the Maori party had been a success, and that a Methodist Maori mission rally would be held in the Choral Hall on July 17th. It was resorted that the relief work of the church would benefit to the extent of £25 under the will of the late Mrs W. Ensom. A resume of her work aTnongst the poor ] was given by S'ister Barnett. The value of the circuit magazine was emphasised, and it was resolved to make a quarterly financial grant on its behalf. A vote of thanks was accorded to Mrs W. Neale and Miss Croasdale, who dispensed refreshments.