N.Z. METHODIST CONFERENCE

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27499, 5 November 1954, Page 9

N.Z. METHODIST CONFERENCE

PRESIDENT INDUCTED In a simple, impressive service, the Rev. C. O. Hailwood, of Nelson, was inducted as President of the Methodist Church of New Zealand, at the opening of the church’s Dominion conference in the Durham Street Methodist Church last evening. Mr Hailwood was inducted by the Rev. H. L. Fiebig, of Christchurch, the retiring President. First he was invested with the stole as a symbol of authority and a badge of service; next he was presented with the casket, representing ordered life and discipline; and then with a Bible, “the sole source of authority of the church." Ministers who sponsored the new President were the Revs. J. D. Grocott (Wellington) and G. I. Laurenson (Auckland).

The lesson at the service was read by the Rev. G. R. H. Peterson (Dunedin). and Mr Fiebig constituted the conference with prayer. While ballots for office-bearers were being conducted, the choir of the Durham Street Church sang anthems. Officers were elected as follows: vice-president. Mr E. L. F. Buxton (Wanganui); secretary the Rev. G. R. H. Peterson (Dunedin); and Presidentelect for 1955, the Rev. M. A MacDowell (Wellington). (Mr Hailwood’s presidential address is on page 10.)