METHODIST SYNOD

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 308, 27 November 1936, Page 9

METHODIST SYNOD

SECOND DAY’S PROCEEDINGS. FOREIGN MISSIONS. The Methodist Synod Communion service was held in the Hastings Methodist Church on "Wednesday, and ivas conducted by ltev. A. N. Scotter, B.A. (chairman of the district), assisted by Revs. A. Ashcroft, J. E. Leadley, R. B. Gosnell and J. H. Allen. Miss E. N a pier presided at the organ. The pre-communion address was delivered by Rev. J. H. Allen, who said that the life of the world of our day was somewhat similar to that of St. Paul’s day. The thing the Apostle dreaded most was the spirit of pride. Men with a fine conceit of themselves felt littlo need for the Gospel. The Gospel seemed a weak thing with which to break this opposition. St. Paul told us plainly that when a man thought he knew a good deal he often knew but little. In the Epistle to the Romans St. Paul showed in chapter twelve that an overbearing pride was an incipient form of insanity. It was even so to-day. The Galatians hoped for salvation by works. The Apostle had to explode that idea, and such action was needed to-day. A due spirit of humility was a redeeming thing personally, nationally and internationally. The great prophets of old were humble men who allowed themselves to be used of God. St, Paul brought men to the assurance that the truest knowledge was to know Jesus as Saviour, continued the preacher. He would do this for us today. It was St. Paul’s humility that made him invincible. He became increasingly humble as the Spirit of Christ became dominant in his life- In 56 A.D. he called himself an Apostle. In 62 A.D. he called himself the least of all saints. In 66 A.D. he called himself the chief of sinners. What had been our progress in humility during the last ten years? As the sense of the Apostle’s'own insufficiency increased. his ideals were uplifted nearer to Christ. Humility was the secret of St. Paul’s power. It would be of the Church’s power in our day, the speaker concluded. PROTESTANT DISUNION.

Rev. A. N. Scotter, as chairman, opened the lay-session of the synod by welcoming the new ministers and home missionaries who had. arrived in the district during the year, and he also welcomed the lay rep resell tat ves. The chairman said that the tragedy of Protestant disunion was in some ways more serious than a divided Europe. Some would only unite with others if they could swallow up all other sects. Some would refuse to partake of the Lord’s Supper with other Christians. These barriers were more serious than tariff barriers between the nations. If the membership of the churches were moved by a greater spirit of co-op-eration union would come later. The terrible fact was that religion in some countries was supported by an antiChristian Government. A religion that was a heart experience was needed to secure world peace. Rev. R. B. Gosnell (secretary) nominated Rev. H. J. Odell as assistant secretary, Rev. C. M. Roberts as general secretary, Rev. R. E. Fordycc as reporter and Rev. R. J. Liddell as corresponding secretary. • The roll-call showed practically a full attendance of representatives. Concerning the Foxton-Shannon home mission station, it was recommended that this station become part of the Levin circuit with a suitable appointment; failing this that it be placed under the superntendeiicy of the Levin minister, with a single home missionary. With regard to affairs concerned with the future working of Norsewood, the chairman was asked to interview the officials of Levin and Norsewood and report to the conference on circuits, and to the home mission committee. At the commencement of the afternoon session Mr Gosnell was re-elected district secretary for 1937. With regard to immigration, the synod recommended the formation of a strong committee of the conference to investigate the whole matter. Mr C. E. Taylor, district foreign mission secretary, dealt with foreign mission affairs, which gave cause for encouragement. The district income to date is £782 16s Bd, and will be increased by the end of the year. Mr Taylor was thanked for his fine services to the church and was recommended for reappointment. Mr C. G. Cunnold presented the report of the Women’s Missionary Auxiliary and the thanks of the synod were expressed by Revs. F. E. Leadley and J. H. Allen.

Mr Gosnell was elected district representative to the stationing committee, with Rev. R. K Fordyce as substitute representative. Mr Taylor, as district secretary of church property, dealt with matters relating to his work. Jubilees, lie said, had been the order of the year. Woodville, Pahiatua, Ashhurst and Redding had celebrated their jubilees. Pahiatua had built a new Sunday school, and Feilding had raised £IOOO towards a new Sunday school. A special resolution of congratulation was passed to Rev. C. M. Roberts and the Pahiatua officials on the erection of thennew Sunday school. Mr Taylor was cordially thanked for his devoted work and recommended for re-appointment. The congratulations of the synod were conveyed to Rev. Mr Allen and his officials "on the occasion of the raising of such a considerable sum (£1000) towards their new Sunday school. The synod also congratulated Woodville, Ashhurst and Foxton on their successful jubilee celebrations. A resolution of condolence with Mr J. J. Boagey, of Pahiatua, in the death of his wife was passed, the synod standing in silence. Rev. Mr Allen - (district home-mis-sion secretary) presented the report on home-mission affairs. He mentioned the need for real concern about the spiritual state of so many people in this land. While the Church sent missionaries to heathen lands to save people from a belief in many gods, it was .necessary to send ministers to many in our own land to save them from a lack of belief in any God at all. YOUTH WORK. At the commencement of the evening session Mr J. H. Oldham (district youth secretary) presented his report, and dealt with matters connected with the youth of the church. In connection with youth work, Mrs C. G. Cunnold presented the annual report of the young women’s Bible Class Union of the district, and Mr L. A. Davis presented the report of the young men’s Bible Class Union in the Hawke’s Bay area. Rev. J. H. Allen reported for the Manawatu area. The reports were not on the whole encouraging, and gave cause for earnest consideration. Mr J. H. Oldham was thanked for his work. Rev. J. H. Allen continued the report on home missions by dealing with the Maori portion of the work. The synod passed a vote of condolence with the relatives of the late Rev. R. Tahupotiki Haddon, and with the Maori people in their bereavement. The matter of home mission grants received the sympathetic consideration of the synod, grants totalling £IBO being recommended.