GIRL TRAINEE FOR MINISTRY

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27191, 7 November 1953, Page 2

GIRL TRAINEE FOR MINISTRY

First In Methodist Church Of N.Z. BUSS PHYLLIS GUTHARDT, OF CHRISTCHURCH (New Zealand Press WELLINGTON, November 6. A 24-year-old schoolteacher. Miss Phyllis Guthardt, will be the first New Zealand woman to enter the Methodist ministry. Her acceptance for training was confirmed by the New Zealand Methodist Conference in Wellington today. Miss Guthardt, who was one of nine candidates accepted by the conference today, is a teacher at the Linwood North School, Christchurch. She is a lay preacher of the Church, and has been prominent in choir, Girls’ Life Brigade, and Bible class work, particularly in her home city of Nelson. She was educated at Nelson Girls’ College. She is a keen tennis player and swimmer, and is interested in drama and music. She did office work for five years in Nelson before becoming a teacher. Her training for the Church will involve three years’ study at Trinity College, the Methodist theological school in Auckland. She will spend an additional three years as a probationer in charge of a church. With Miss Guthardt, the following other candidates were accented for training: Messrs G. B. W. Bell (Palmerston North): J. F. Cropp (New Plymouth): M. H. Downer (Hastings); J. E. Hodder (Palmerston North); H. W. Kitchingham (New Plymouth); K. H. Russell (Nelson); G. E. Scarr (Auckland); and P. F. Taylor (Stoke, Nelson).

The conference will later declare the following retiring ministers to be supernumeraries: the Revs. H. Benny (Leeston); O. Burnet (Kaianoi): J Dennis (Ruawai): A. E. Jefferson (Mount Eden), and C. H. Kendon (Manaia).