THE METHODIST CONFERENCE

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21708, 15 February 1936, Page 16

THE METHODIST CONFERENCE

YESTERDAY’S BUSINESS

STATIONARY COMMITTEE ELECTED

The business sessions of the annual conference of the New Zealand Methodist Church began yesterday, with the president, the Rev. E, P. - Blamires, in the chair. About 300 delegates were present in the Durham Street Church, By nomination of their districts the following were elected as lay representatives on the stationary committee: —Auckland: Messrs E. S. Chappell and W. S. Mackay; South Auckland: Messrs J. C. Tietj’ens and A. E. Diprose; Tara-rnaki-Wanganui: Messrs S. J. Bennett; and F. Webb-Jones; Hawke’s BayManawatii; Messrs H. R. French and F. H. Forge; Wellington; Messrs R, S. Hampton and S. T. S. Martin; Nelson: Messrs M. A. Holdaway and T. W. Duff; North Canterbury: Messrs W. C. Francis and W. H. Bascand; South Canterbury: Messrs E. Laverty and G. H. B. Lill; Otago-Sbuthland: : Mr D. C. Cameron. Mr M. Kershaw (Christchurch) was selected as the additional representative elected by the vote of the whole conference. Ministers Admitted The following were admitted as ministers in full connexion with the conference:—Messrs R. Day, D. J. D, Hickman, S. Hindmarsh, V. R. Jamieson, W. C. Jenkin, and I. S. Williamson. The following preachers were received on probation;— Messrs G. S, Beckingsale, H. I. K. Hoppen, P. C. Johansen, B. M. Tasker, and J. S. Willoughby. The following candidates were received for theological training:—Messrs J. D. Collister and C. B. Oldfield (Auckland); C. P. Lucas (Hawkes Bay-Manawatu); J. K. Watson (Wellington); and J. S, (South Canterbury). The conference approved of the Revs. E. Drake (Christchurch) and H. E. Bellhouse (Dunedin) being placed on the supernumerary list, both having completed 40 years’ service. Consideration by a special committee of questions of status and staffing of circuits resulted in the following recommendations being approved by Conference:—Pukekohe. Papakura, and Otahuhu circuits are to be requested to consider the possibility of a review of boundaries with a view to more effective working of the areas concerned. Steps are to be taken in the direction of forming the home mission portion of the Johnsonville-Ngaio circuit into a separate circuit in 1937. It is proposed to work the Grey-town-Featherston circuit with a ministerial probationer, in place of the existing arrangement. The possibility of incorporating Island Bay home mission station in the Wellington East circuit is remitted to the consideration of the quarterly boards concerned. . . The Mayfield home mission station, South Canterbury, is to be included m the Willoughby circuit, . A home missionary supply is to replace the present agent at St Clair. Dunedin. The Roxburgh circuit, Otago, is recommended for a special grant in aid of circuit maintenance. Kaitangata (Balclutha circuit) is to resume home mission status. Wanganui North is to receive a probationer in addition to its present staff, and similar provision is to be made for Dunedin Central Mission, with a suitable grant in each case. Putaruru and Ngaruawahia Home Mission stations (South Auckland) are constituted circuits with suitable grants, Te Kuiti and Waihi are to resume status as circuits, with financial aid. At Rotorua a married probationer is. recommended to replace for one year an ordained minister. : Ministerial Visitors Overseas Conference was interested in reports given by the president, the Rev. E. P. Blamires, and the ex-president, the Rev. J. H. Haslam, on their visits last year to Australia and Fiji respectively. Church Welfare During consideration of the church welfare committee's report, the general statistical returns for the Dominion were presented by the Rev. G. E. Brown. These disclosed a’ total church membership of 25,400, with 19,555 communicants. In discussing the returns several speakers emphasised the need for careful oversight of the membership of the church, with special reference to the incorporation and nurture of junior members. Property Insurances Church property matters came under review on a report presented by Rev. M, A. R. Pratt (connexional secretary). It was stated that connexional fire insurances represent a total of risks covered of £712,075,. of which a large part is reinsured. As the stationing committee, which is to report to this morning’s session of Conference, was sitting in the evening, there was no business session of Conference last night, but an open-air meeting was held.

MANY GATHERINGS ARRANGED

Many outstanding gatherings have been arranged as part of the annual conference of the Methodist Church, which is now in session at Durham street;

The deaconess dedication service, combined this year with the Bible

class rally, is always a noteworthy gathering, and the speakers appointed, the president of the conference and Miss Lorna Hodder, will help to ensure a full church. Sister O. Madeline Holland is 'to be dedicated as ■ a member of the deaconess order. The ordination service always attracts a large attendance, and with seven young ministers to be ordained, the interest will be widespread. It will be held in the Durham Street Methodist Church on Monday, February 17, at 7.30 p.m. The Revs, D. C. Alley, R, Day, D. J. ,D. Hickman, S. Hindmarsh, V. R. Jamieson, Wm. C. Jenkin, and I. S. Williamson are the ordinands. The Rev. E. P. Blamires will preside, the Rev. J. H. Haslam will give the ordination charge, and the choirs of the St. Albanj and Papanul circuits will lead the singing. A unique Sunday school and young people’s demonstration will be staged in the Radiant Hall on Tuesday, February 18, at 8 p.m. There will be an excellent programme. Including a series of playettes and tableaux representing Christ as the saviour of the world.

The musical festival this year is to be sustained mainly by a combination of the Methodist choirs of the city, assisted by talented Christchurch artists. It will take place in the Durham Street Church on Wednesday, February 19. The missionary aay is fixed for Thursday, February 20, commencing with the tea at 5 p.m. in the Art. Gallery and the Durham Street'’Schoolroom. On the same evening, at 7.30. the great missionary meeting will be held in the Durham Street Church, at which the speakers will be the Rev. A. H. Scrivin and the Rev. C. W. Brown. '