METHODIST CHURCH.

Greymouth Evening Star, 7 October 1910, Page 5

METHODIST CHURCH.

QUARTERLY MEETING. The quarterly meeting of the Methodist Church was held last evening. The Rev. T. N. Griffin occupied the chair. The Rev Mr. Harris was present. The weather precluded the attendance of office-bearers from .the churches outside of Greymouth, but there was a good representation from the town church. Mr. Nancekevell, a local preacher of good standing who has come to reside in Greymouth from England, was cordially welcomed to the meeting. The membership roll was revised and 194 church members reported. The reports from the Sunday schools indicated faithful service and gave encouragement. The wish was expressed that more of the scholars might be induced to attend the Sunday morning services. Good reports were also given of the Christian Endeavour Societies and the Young Women's and Young Men's,Bible Classes. Mr. Rouse and Mr. Hetherington were appointed Society Stewards for Stillwater and Runanga respectively. The balance-sheet was submitted by <he circuit stewards, Messrs A. Nightingale and J. Hawkins. This indicated i considerable reduction of the deficit reported last quarter, but still leaving an undesirable debit balance. The special efforts during the quarter to reduce the liabilities were greatly aided by the concert organised by the choir. The meeting recorded its special thanks .

In consequence of the present deficit and the special efforts required in view of the erection of the new church 'at Greymouth it was decided to request the Conference to continue the grant in aid of the home missionary, the sum of £4O being desired. On the motion of the circuit stewards the Revs Griffin and Harris' were cordially invited to remain in the circuit another year. The invitations were accepted, subject to the rulings of the Conference. Both ministers briefly dwelt upon the character and needs of the work and urged the need of hearty sympathy and co-operation and expressed themselves as hopeful of the results.

The next Synod is to be held at Nelson early in December, the circuit stewards being ex-officio members. In view of their inability to attend Messrs E. Rundle and H. E. Moston were appointed substitute representatives. It was also decided to invite the Synod to hold its sessions in 1911 at Greymouth. • The resignation of Mrs. Hanson as envelope steward was accepted with expressions of appreciation of long and faithful service. Mr. T. Taylor was appointed to fill the vacancy. The report of the Rev. T. G. Brooke, organising Home Mission secretary, was submitted and deemed very satis factory, a large number of new annual subscriptions having been obtained. Mr. E. Rundle was appointed the circuit home mission secretary. It was decided to hold the next meeting early in January at Greymouth. The meeting was concluded with the Benediction.