METHODIST CHURCH

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 198, 14 November 1934, Page 11

METHODIST CHURCH

OPENING OF SYNOD. WELCOME TODELEGATES. The initial contact which the annual synod of the Hawke’s Bay-Manawatu ■district of the Methodist Church had made with the public was established at St. Paul’s Church schoolroom last evening, when a conversazione was held and the Mayor (Mr A. E. Mansford) extended a welcome on behalf of the city. Visitors were present from all parts of Hawke’s Bay and the Manawatu, and a spirit of fellowship prevailed. Rev. A. N. Scotter, 8.A., chairman, of the district, presided over the gathering and welcomed the delegates. Proceedings were opened by the singing of the Te Deum and the leading of the meeting in prayer by Itev. E. 0. Blamires (Eeilding). After acknowledging the welcome extended him by Mr Scotter, the Mayor referred to the increased responsibility which the clergy had to humanity and said the economic collalise to-day had made it necessary to assume an even graver interest in the affairs of the community. The leaders seemed to be bewildered and saw no way out of the surrounding gloom, when it was a time to face the dangers at hand. We were in a civilised country with unsurpassed resources and wealth abounding, everything but money —purchasing power—was available and we looked on helplessly while the manhood and selfrespect of our fellow men were being sacrificed. Surely the Creator gave us this means to provide goods not only, for some of the people but for all. The present-day need, Mr Mansford said, was for mankind to be animated by thought for our fellow men, and if we could only introduce such a spirit into trade and commerce the law of the jungle would cease. We had the power to solve our social problems, to carry civilisation forward. The speaker concluded by stating that-he thought there must be even more support and cooperation from the clergy, that they would have to take a keener interest in national and international matters. He hoped that as a result of the deliberations of the synod the Methodist Church would go on to do even greater work in the future than in the past.

Mr W. H. J. Watson, one of the circuit stewards of St. Paul’s, in his welcome, said that the co-operation between the component parts of the district could be secured by the power of God directing the energy and ability of the leaders. He hoped the inter-play of ideas would solve the problems of which the churches always had some. The Church was a spiritual body and used spiritual means, not to solve only its own problems, but to advance the Kingdom of God. He hoped the delegates would find St. Paul’s “a home from home” during their stay.

A HAPPY RELIGION. The address was in the hands of Rev. E. T. Olds, of Napier, whose theme was a happy religion. Mr Olds said the Methodist Church had been abundantly blessed of God, so_ great an influence had it wielded in 200 years. It seemed that the stamp of being owned of God was evident. He was happy in his job and his religion, and he believed the world wanted a radiantly happy Christianity. He wondered why, generally, the Church was not giving to the world the confidence that belonged to the followers of Christ. There seemed to be nothing infectious iu the contact with non-churchgoers, a thing which ought not to be. “I wish we were better samples of the faith and the confidence which are ours as Christian men and women,” Mr Olds said. He knew of the misery and sadness in the world, bub who more than a follower of Christ had the certainty of the power to face those things ? “Js your Christianity a joy or a drag? Ho you feel it is the greatest adventure on which you have embarked, or are you just hanging onr How many of us are in the Church because it is the greatest thing in life or are holding on because we haven’t got the courage to quit?” The preacher said he had no theories about the return of Christ, for Christ was present day by day with him. Christ had spoken the truth when He said, “Lo, I am with you always,” and this made all the difference in the world. Men and women would be more eager to find out about God if everyone were continually happy with Christ. These were the great days for the Christian Church. “When she could demonstrate the stuff she was made of.” It was a great thing to be a Christian, but the tragedy with many was that they had nothing within them about which to speak. In the latter case there should he candidness to admit of the want, and effort to secure a living experience. Mr Olds proceeded to state that what also was needed was an experience that was up-to-date, “new every morning and repeated every evening, not harking back 20 years.” We could not feed on the past, or wo would starve to death. Then the up-to-the-minute experience had to be shared. The Oxford movement—not new—was sound Christian commonsense, for by sharing we became increasingly richer.

Mr Olds expressed keen appreciation not only of the presence of the Mayor, but of the fact that lie was remaining at the function.

At tlie conclusion of the address Mr Mansford expressed hi s keen appreciation of Mr Olds’s remarks. He had heard a tribute from a returned soldier that lie was “the best Methodist parson I have ever met,” and after hearing tho address he, too, could express this sentiment. Mr Mansford took the opportunity to express to Mr Olds the thanks of the citizens for conducting the Armistice Day service so ably. During the evening a very enjoyable musical programme was presented, those contributing being as follow Miss R. Birch, Miss 1. Clark, Miss G. Laurenson, Rev. J. A. Daglisli, and Mr J. H. Blackwood (vocal solos). The accompanistes were Mrs Gordon Bennett and Miss N. Tregurtlia.