METHODIST CHURCH

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 13, 15 July 1939, Page 7

METHODIST CHURCH

WELLINGTON CENTRAL

CIRCUIT

The quarterly meeting of the Wellington Central Methodist circuit was held in the Brooklyn Methodist Church. The Rev. Percy Paris presided over a large attendance of members, and was supported by the Rev. J. H. Haslam, and the Rev. O. E. Burton. Mr. Haslam welcomed the members to Brooklyn, and expressed the pleasure of the Brooklyn members at having the meeting held in their church.

Before proceeding with the business M-r. Paris referred to the great loss sustained by the circuit in the passing of Mrs. H. E. Pacey. The meeting placed on record recognition of Mrs. Pacey's service to the Methodist Church, particularly her life-long interest in missionary enterprise.

Reference was also made to the deaths of Mr. A. J. Bennett and Miss Wallis. Mr. Bennett was a life-long member of Wesley Church, and a regular worshipper until laid aside by illness. Letters of sympathy were directed to be sent to the bereaved.

The membership returns showed a slight increase on the previous quarter.

The financial statement revealed a debit balance on the quarter owing to increased expenditure. Special collections were authorised for the Sunday school anniversary at Wesley Church on October 8, for home missions on August 20, and for the Otakou Memorial Church building fund* The chairman said that on January 28 the Methodist Church would be called upon to take its part in the Centennial celebrations by holding special services to commemorate the arrival of settlers by the Aurora on January 22, 1940, and the preaching of the Gospel on that vessel by the Rev. James Buller, a Methodist missionary, who had walked from Kaipara in order to meet the settlers. Suitable arrangements are being made to mark the occasion. Reports on youth work were submitted by representatives of the local youth committees,* who informed the meeting that steady progress was being made generally throughout the circuit. A general discussion took place on the question of assistance to refugees, and it was finally resolved to refer the matter to the public questions committee, and also request the ministers of the circuit to bring the question before members of the Church. At the conclusion of the meeting the members were entertained to supper by the members of the Brooklyn Methodist Ladies' Guild, thanks being extended by Mr. Horrobin. THORNDON The quarterly meeting of the Thorndon Methodist circuit was held in the Northland Church on Tuesday night. The Rev. R. B. Gosnell (superintendent minister) presided, the Rev. A. M. Costain (Karori) being also present. Sympathy was expressed with Mr. A. H. Brooks in the death of his father and with Mrs. McLeod in the death of her mother. An increase in membership, both senior and junior, was reported for the quarter. Mr. C. R. Ridding presented the financial statement, a small debit balance being revealed. A very encouraging report on the youth work of the circuit was given by Mr. J. Cable. Special services had been held at each of the churches on youth day, and the annual offering on behalf of the youth department had exceeded the allocation. Special mention was made of the valuable service rendered to the circuit by the local preachers, and the chairman was asked to thank them personally for their work. , It was agreed that Mr. Lloyd Noakes, of Karori, be placed on trial as a local preacher. The chairman gave some interesting information concerning the work being done in connection with the Methodist court at the Centennial Exhibition and also of the launching of the appeal for the special Centennial fund of £150,000 throughout New Zealand. At the conclusion of the meeting supper was served by the Northland ladies. WELLINGTON SOUTH The quarterly meeting of Trinity Methodist Church was held recently. The Rev. Walter Parker presided, and was supported by Messrs. E. C. Feltham, 8.A., and Miss K. Boxall, circuit stewards. The balance-sheet showed that the circuit fund is in a healthy condition. Mr. Richard Wright was appointed home mission secretary, and a special minute of appreciation of Mr. Cedric Green's valuable services in this connection was placed on the minutes. Mr. S. Trevethick expressed appreciation of the work of the Rev. Walter Parker in opening his home on Sunday nights to not only the youth of the church but those off the streets. A grant was made from the circuit funds to the memorial window of the late Mr. W. Binet Brown, who was such a valiant worker in many de- ! partments of church life. This window, together with one in memory of the late Mr. Embury, J-P-, will be unveiled shortly. Mr. S. Trevethick and Mr. H. Smith were appointed collectors for the Connexional "One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Fund." It was decided to print a Trinity Church year book so that all members and adherents might have a full knowledge of all the church's activities and officials. The first publication is to be out at the end of September. Home Mission Sunday was approved for August 27 and the quarterly trust Sunday will be as usual.

At a leadei-s' meeting prior to the quarterly meeting, the senior members' roll was read over. A number of new members were placed on the roll. <