METHODIST CHURCH.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 13 November 1925, Page 7

METHODIST CHURCH.

TARANAKI-WANGANUI DISTRICT

Meetings of the Taranaki-Wanganui District Synod of the Methodist Church were held this week at Trinity Church, Wanganui.

At the Ministerial committee meeting the Rev. H. >C. Orchard was recommended to Conference for ordination, and the Revs. J. Bailey, M. Ayrton, and J. Reid were recommended to be passed in tbeir respective years subject to their written examination results being satisfactory. Mr. P. B. Birkett was recommended to Conference to be received as a candidate for theological training. FULL SYNOD MEETING.

The full Synod, including lay delegates, met on Wednesday morning, the proceedings being opened with the Holy Communion. An address was delivered by the Rev. W. J. Oxbrow. • After the Synod had observed the two minutes’ silence at 11 o’clock, prayer was offered by the president of the conference for all who had. been bereft during the Great War. It was reported to the Synod that during the year increases had been made in membership in the district. Gratification was also expressed at the substantial increase in the foreign mis. sionary income. In dealing with public questions the Synod passed the following resolution: •‘That this Synod expresses its highest appreciation to the executive of the New Zealand Alliance at the magnificent effort made during the recent campaign, and pledges its wholehearted support to the Alliance for the work of the future. The Synod is unanimous in its opinion that the licensing ballot paper should contain but two issues, those of Continuance and Prohibition, and that the State Control issue should be deleted. It rejoices in the great and solid vote given at the polls for National Prohibition.” Great concern was expressed at the spreading of the gambling evil, and protest was made against the increasing number of art unions. The Synod pledged itself to support the Bible in Schools League.

At the concluding session the reports indicated that the Methodist Church is keenly alive to the importance of education. Plans are being prepared for a new Theological College to be erected in Auckland, at an estimated cost of £30,000. The need for the new college is urgent, as never before has so large a number of young and eligible men offered for the work of the 'ministry. Additions are also contemplated to the Wesley College at Paerata, which is overcrowded.

The church is also developing rapidly its soqial work. In the North Island there are four orphanages controlled by the Methodist Church—one at Master, ton and three at Auckland. This year a new children’s home has been opened in the northern citv at a cost of £7030. Altogether 137 children are cared for in these homes. Appreciation was expressed of the splendid work of Rev. A. J. Seatner, general superintendent of Maori Missions, and the Synod recently endorsed a recommendation that Rev. R. P. Haddon be appointed senior Maori superintendent. It was decided that the next Synod meet at New Plymouth.