METHODIST SYNOD.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 310, 28 November 1936, Page 2

METHODIST SYNOD.

HAWKE’S BAY-MANAWATU AREA REPORTS PRESENTED. (Special to “Standard.”) HASTINGS, Nov. 27. The concluding session of the Hawke’s Ray - Manawatu District Synod was held in Hastings yesterday. Mr J. Nairn presented the Metho-dis-t Local Preachers' Association’s report. The following resolution was passed: “That we urge upon our ministers the need to keep before our people the necessity of keeping up the supply of suitable candidates to become local preachers.” Rev. J. Knowles Smith brought before the synod matters relating to the celebration of the bi-centenary of Methodist (1738-1939). He also presented the report of the Methodist Times and Literature Committee. Rev. C. M. Roberts dealt with the report of Trinity Theological College. The AVesley Training College report was presented by Rev. H. J. Odell. There are eighty pakeha and Maori students in residence. The synod expressed its appreciation of the services of the principal (Mr R. C. Clark, M.A.) and his staff. Rev. F. E. Leadley brought forward the report of the Deaconess Institution. Rev. A. Blakemorc reported upon the Methodist Children’s Homes at Masterton and in Christchurch. The report on the subject of connexional levies was also dealt with by Mr Blakemore. Rev. C. A. Foston presented the report of the AA’orld Conference on Faith and Order. In this connection, with the forthcoming conference to be held in Edinburgh, the following resolution was passed: “AA’e express our sympathy with the work don© by the continuation committee in preparation for the world conference, 1937, and pray that the blessing of God may attend the efforts made to rally the churches to united action against all world evils.”

The report of the conference committee on church finance, presented by Mr Poston, led to the passing of the following resolution; “That ministers and officials emphasise Christian giving as a joyous privilege and a definite act of worship.” Mr Blakemore invited the synod to Cuba Street, Palmerston North for 1937. The invitation was cordially accepted. Votes of thanks were conveyed to Rev. A. N. Scotter (chairman), Rev. R. B. Gosnell (secretary), his assistants, Revs. H. J. Odell and C. M. Roberts, and to the Press for its generous and courteous publication of lull reports, and to Rev. R. E. Fordyce as reporter. The synod was entertained to morning tea by the members of the choir. The trustees of Wesley Church were cordially thanked for allowing the use of their properties for the purposes of the synod gatherings. Thanks were also conveyed to Mrs F. Symonds for tastefully decorating the church and schoolroom. Rev. J. H. Allen was thanked for his prc-Communion address. •

The synod journal was read by the journal secretary, Rev. C. M. Roberts, and signed by”the chairman. Thus concluded a well-attended and useful synod.