METHODIST SYNOD.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVIII, Issue 18571, 25 November 1920, Page 9

METHODIST SYNOD.

MINISTERIAL SESSION. [Peb Prasss Association J MASTERTON, November 24. Tho Methodist Synod of the "Wellington District met in ministerial session at Masterton yestorday afternoon. The Rev E. Drake, president of the Conference, occupied the chair. A l*rg e number of delegates wore present. The Rev J. W. Parker was recommended to pass in hia year, subject to hie written examination proving satisfactory. Mr H. L. Fiebig, a candidate for the ministry, was recommended by Conference for training, subject to his written work proving satisfactory. Tho Teport of the principal of tho Thoological College was received and adopted, tho Synod expressing pleasure at the work done and the result achieved. An open session of the Synod commenced in tho evening, the- president welcoming new members of the district.

The following officers were elected!— Secretary, Rev. F. T. Read; assistant secretary, Eov S. H. D. Peryman; precentor, Kev C. C. Harrison; journal secretary and reporter to tbs Press and " Methodist Times," Mr W. Rowe, Dispensations' were granted to the Revs J. Dumbell, W. H. Beck and H. E. Bollhouse."-. The president delivered an address in which he wished a happy and successful ministration to those clorgvrnen who came to labour in the district, and stated that tho holding of tho Synod in Masterton wbb notable for two reasons. It was a prohibition electorate, and a Methodist Children's Homo was being established here. He dealt with the foreign mission organisation, the Maori Women's Mission Association, the centenary movement, the establishment of a deaconess' retiring fund, the removal expenses fund and church membership in th» district, concluding with an appeal for greater enthusiasm in religious work.

The Synod dealt with the subject of social unrest and turmoil, and urged tho churches to cultivate a truer spiritual atmosphere, and to consider methods of service in connection with the games and recreations of the community, lodging, housing and labour conditions. This afternoon the Synod passed resolutions expressing pleasure that the Dominion authorities are taking Bteps to make the publio exposure of indecent pictures an indictable offence; urging the Government to strengthen and move a more drastic censorship ©f films; emphatically protesting against an increase being made in totallsator permits; placing on record approval and appreciation of the action of Parliament in amending the Marriage Act; urging tfiat , the last Sunday in Ootober be eet apart as trotostant Principle Day; and expressing opinion that, tho time is opportune for a forward movement to be taken in relation to tho Bible in Schoolo quostion.