METHODIST CHURCH

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 47, 19 November 1925, Page 9

METHODIST CHURCH

WELLINGTON DISTRICT SYNOD. The annual Synod of the Methodist Church, Wellington, opened its representative sessions yesterday morning in the Taranaki Street Church. The Rev. W. Greenslnde presided over a large attendance. The session began with an appreciative review of the life of the late Rev. .John Dawson by the Rev. J, Cocker. The speaker had been associated with the late Alliance leader for forty years, and referred eloquently to his unfailing tact, unwavering courage, and at all times..chivalrous conduct toward his foes. The Synod placed on record the deep sense of loss occasioned by the death of the late Mr. C. Swiney, for many years prominently identified with the life of the Methodist Church in Wellington. A discussion relative to the proposed division of the Johnson-ville-Porirua circuit did not reach a conclusion satisfactory to all and the matter was held over for official inquiry before being further dealt with.. Statistics for the year revealed an increase in membership, covering the district, of close upon 200, senior and junior members inclusive.

The Svnod affirmed by a large majority ifte faith in the beneficent purposes and influence of the League of Nations and urged members and adherents of the Methodist Church to join the League of Nations Union; also urged that from time to time the work of the League be brought prominently before the various congregations. The league aims to mitigate the evils engendered by racial antagonisms—in itself a prolific cause of strife and misunderstanding. The problem of imparting special religious training to _ the youth of the Church loomed big in Synod discussion, and it was resolved to recommend to the general conference, to sit in Dunedin in February, that special opportunity be given students for the ministry who have the desire and show the aptitude for “youth” work, to have particular training on these lines in the Theological College. A revision of the laws of the Church, as they affect young neople’s work, in the interests of brevity, simplicity, and adaptability to present conditions, is also to be urged, the suggested revision to take effect before November of next year. The Synod viewed with satisfaction an improved response on the part of the various circuits to the financial support of the Sunday School and Young People’s Department, and believes that an even larger response is in sight if the general secretary can see his way clear to extend his itinerary throughout the country. The Synod discountenanced the practice of holding week-end Bible class camps. Experience had proved that the practice was fraught with grave and posifive danger. «.