METHODIST CHURCH.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 111, 11 April 1936, Page 13

METHODIST CHURCH.

SANSON-RONGOTEA CIRCUIT. The March quarterly meeting 0 f the Sanson-Rongotea circuit of the Methodist Church, held in the Rongotea Methodist Church on the Bth inst., was well attended and was presided over by Rev. R. E. Eordyce, Mr H. M. Black being secretary. After a devotional session, questions were asked and answered. Several apologies for absence were received. The members of the meeting stood in silence as a tribute of respect to the late Mr F. IV. Tostevin, who had rendered much greatly appreciated help in various church activities. The chairman offered a prayer for the widow, family and relatives.

Mr Arthur Smith, who had represented the circuit at the recent conference in Christchurch, gave an interesting and comprehensive Report of the numerous meetings and functions. There are 116 senior members, 14 junior members and 34 infant members associated with the three churches in the circuit. The harvest celebrations had been characterised by good services and well-attended and profitable sales, it was reported. The balance-sheet, presented by Mr H. R. Masters (circuit steward), revealed a substantial credit on the quarter’s working, in consequence of which the small debt of the previous qua.rter was liquidated and replaced by a" credit balance of about £9. The chairman reported that the recently purchased car had been finallv paid for, and the meeting expressed its cordial thanlfs to Messrs L. J. Collis and J. Sanson, who had acted as the purchasing committee. Young people’s work was reported on by Mr Fordyce (Sanson), Mr Colin Hunt (Rongotea) and Mr E. C. Print (Taikorea). The reports were < of an encouraging nature and showed that good work is being done on behalf of the young people. The circuit’s home mission assessment for 1936 is £4O. Arrangements were made for the holding of the church anniversaries in each place during May. The chairman reported that the members of the two mission bands were giving acceptable help in the services. A suggestion was made that the bands should change pulpils more frequently, as thev were welcome in each place. The combined prayer meeting at Rongotea. gave good hope for the "progress of i a more united spirit amongst the local churches. Mrs Voss and Misses A. and M. Hunt were thanked by Mr J.. Huddlestone for kindly providing refreshments.