METHODIST CHURCH

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 303, 20 November 1935, Page 14

METHODIST CHURCH

HAWKE’S BAY-AIANAAVATU SYNOD. The ministerial committee of the Hawke’s Bay-Alanawatu District Synod of the Alethodist Church of New Zealand opened its sessions in the Foilding Church under the presidency of Rev. A. N. Scotter, B.A. (chairman of the district) yesterday. Ministers, probationers and home missionaries were present from Napier, Greenmeadows, AA’airoa, Hastings, AVaipawa, AVoodville, Pahiatua, Askhurst, Palmerston North, Redding, Halcombo, Sandon, Foxton and Apiti, and Rev. A. Ashcroft (supernumerary) was also present. The secretary, Rev. R. B. Gosnell, nominated as his assistants: Assistantsecretary, Rev. H. J. Odell; journal secretary, Rev. J. A. Daglish; Press reporter, Rev. R. E. Fordyce; Alethodist Times reporter. Rev. C. Al. Roberts. After a few items of routine business, Rev. H. J. Odell presented the report upon Rev. A. O. Jones’s trial sermon. Air Jones is home missionary probationer at AVaipawa. The. committee expressed its commendation of the preacher and his work. Rev. C. A. Foston presented the report of the trial sermon preached by Rev. R. C. Pa.teliett (home missionary supply at Apiti)'. The committee expressed its approval of the preacher’s work. Rev. H. J. Odell (oral examiner) examined Revs. D. C. Alley and J. A. Daglish in their book lists and the former in theology in view of his probable ordination. Air Daglish was recommended to the conference to be passed in his second year and the ministerial committee recommended that the ordination of Air D. C. Alley be deferred for a year. With regard to Air C. P. Lucas, a candidate for the ministry, it was unanimously decided to recommend him to the Conference for reception for theological training. SHARING THE RESPONSIBILITY. .Later in the afternoon Air A. N. Scotter gave a brief and helpful address on problems of ministerial life in relation to preaching suited to the present age. “There is no cause for depression in our district,” he said, “but there is cause for concern that so few capable men are willing to shoulder their due share of responsibility with regard to church work.” Air Fordyce introduced the report of the principal of the Trinity Theological College, and of the College Council. Tho report was received and led to a useful discussion on the future reception and training of students for the ministry. The usual calling of the roll,' and inquiry concerning ministerial fitness was conducted by the chairman. No objection was raised with regard to any minister or home missionary. A dispensation was granted to Rev. H. L. Richards, who is absent in Australia on an extended health trip, and the greetings of the Synod are to he forwarded to him.

A brief devotional session concluded the meeting.