METHODIST CENTRAL MISSION

Evening Star, Issue 19290, 1 July 1926, Page 9

METHODIST CENTRAL MISSION

ANNUAL MEETING In continuation of the anniversary effort a tea meeting, organised by tho members of the Ladies’ Guild, was held in the Slade Hall last evening. The annual meeting was held in the assembly ball of tho Y.M.0.A., A foray place. Air D. C. Cameron, jun. (vicepresident of the Alcthodist Conference), presided. In the course of his address ho spoke of the joy which he had received by his long association with the mission. He passed in rapid review the outstanding events of the mission during the thirty-six years of its existence, and stated his conviction that the mission was stronger to-day in its internal organisation and its outward activities than at any period in the past. Grateful reference was made to tho various ministers and workers who had brought the mission to its present position. Tho Rev. A. H. Hnrkncss, of St. Kilda, delivered an inspirational address on ‘ Who Hath Despised the Day of Small Things.’ Ho referred at length to the fife and work ol John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Church, who during his ministry of fifty-one years preached 42,000 sermons and often travelled over 4,000 miles a year on horseback. From small beginnings the Methodist Church had grown to become one of the strongest Protestant churches in the world. Mr W. Paris, who has been a member of the mission almost since its inception, recalled some of the struggles aijel triumphs of tho early days. Mr H. 11. Johnson, the trust secretary and treasurer, spoke concerning the financial position of the mission. Ho stated that during tho past two years £I,BOO had been paid off the, debt of the Octagon Hall, leaving the present debt at £9,200. An offer had been received from Miss Boot (now resident in England) that, providing the mission could raise £750 by September SO, sho would donate £250, thus enabling tho trustees to pay another £I,OOO off tho debt this year. The anniversary appeal was towards this effort. The Ladies’ Guild was engaged in preparing to hold a sale of work during tho month of August. Already there had been some liberal giving on tho part of those connected with the mission, but the hope was expressed that others would recognise tho good work tho mission was doing in tho city and subscribe to its funds.

Rev. W. Walker spoke of the religious and social activities of the past year. Special reference was made to the excellent work being done by Sister Hazel (the mission deaconess). The Business Girls’ Luncheon Chib and rest room met a felt need in the city. A large number of aged poor, sick, and needy people were constantly being visited. Thanks were expressed to nil officials and members who had so loyally cooperated with the superintendent and the deaconess in all their activities.

During the evening songs were rendered by Alisses Rhyllis West, Joan Armit, Ava Cameron, and Mrs H. Armstrong. Recitations were given by Aliss Heather Smith. Aliss Muriel Caddie was the accompanist.