METHODIST CHURCH

Evening Star, Issue 17958, 3 May 1922, Page 8

METHODIST CHURCH

ADDRESS TO WOMEN. The Rev. C. IT. Laws addressed- a meeting of women in Trinity Church yesterday afternoon. There was a largo attendance, Mrs W. H. Duke- presiding. T.ho Rev. Mr Laws explained that he was, as president of tho Methodist Conference,' socking to conduct an educational campaign, with tho object of instructing tho Methodist people in the history of ‘their Church., Ho detailed tho various aspects of such a campaign, and stressed the importance of the position that tho womanhood of Methodism occupied. Ho also requested them to promote one of the main objects they as a church were pursuing in this year in which they celebrated the centenary ,of their work in Now Zealand—minidy, the fostering of true family religion. Emphasis was laid upon tho singular opportunity open to womanhood of shaping the plastic lives of the children. None better than women could promote tho education of the child in true ideals of cit-zenship, none had finer opportunities to give, right direction to the child’s intellectual powers; and none could do more than women to mould the soul of the child in Godliness and train it to moral beauty. He called for a renewed consecration of the women of Methodism to the great tasks that lay to | hand. THE EVENING MEETING. Tho mooting held in the evening was largely attended. Tho Rev. Rugby Pratt presided, ami briefly welcomed tho president of the Methodist Conference to Dunedin. Tho Rev. .IE L. Richards led the devotional exercises. Tim first address was given by the Rev. C. Eaton, who said that the, time, was ripe for a robust, and aggressive Methodism. The centenary celebrations bid been a, distinct, blessing to the life of the Church. Ho ;n>pcalcd for a revival of evangelical iei-vor. The Rev. C. IE Laws mentioned that tho hundred years just passed had been the most momentous in the world’s history. Tho changes that had taken place in material things .since .Samuel Leigh arrived a century ago to plant the Gospel in this dominion had been unprecedented in the world’s history. Ho illustrated this by comparing modem shipping, warships, i-ii.ginee.ring facilities, wireless telephoning ami telegraphy with the conditions of a- century ago. In one respect there was no change—the heart of man remained tho .same, and there was the- same need of the Gospel and Christ as the world's Saviour. Tho speaker asked his hearers to remember the messages the old Fathers of tho Church brought them. Three messages were very pronounced, am! ho reminded them—(l) “Have faith in yourselves as church members and workers,” Ho paid a tribute to (ho grand old man who had founded Methodism. They had confidence in themselves that they could do the work Cod had committed to them. (2) “Have faith in your church, and whilst being sensible of (he splendid work done by other denominations, as Methodists, lie loyal and true to your own church, believe in it, pray for it, and support it in every way possible.” (o) “ Have faith in God, believing that Ho is able to uso Hia workers to-day as truly in tho conversion.? of men and women and in tho building up of the Church., as Ho did during tho days that aro past.” Math an earnest appeal for a confidence in themselves, in the Church, and in God. lie concluded an address which was listened to with rapt attention by all present. Prior to tho meeting Mr Laws met the local Centenary Committee at tea ami a roul’cTonco in the Central Mission .Social Room. A united choir, under Mr IT. Blackwood, with bliss Hartley as organist, led tho singing. Mr Laws loft by to-day’s express for tbo north to continue his visitation of Methodist circuits.