METHODIST CHURCH.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 68, 17 February 1939, Page 6

METHODIST CHURCH.

NEW PRESIDENT ELECTED. Per Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, Feb. V . The 27th annual conference of the Methodist Church of New Zealand was opened this evening, when Rev. Angus Mcßean, of Ashburton, was inducted as president. There was a large congregation of ministerial and lay delegates and visitors. Air Mcßean was introduced by the retiring president (Rev. Percy R. Paris, of Wellington), who handed him the insignia of office, and Mr AleBean then delivered his presidential address. Air Kershaw, of Christchurch, was elected vice-president for the ensuing year, being welcomed by the president and Air J. C. Tietjens, of Hamilton, the retiring vice-president. Rev. Leslie B. Neale, 8.A., F.R.G.S., of Dunedin, was elected president for 1940. Air Neale will take office at the next annual conference.

Rev. W. A. Burley, of St. Albans, was re-elected secretary of the conference for 1940.

After three years’ training in Trinity Atethodist Theological College, Auckland, Air Neale began his work in the ministry of the Church at Ashhurst, near Palmerston North. in 1911, and was stationed at Edgeware Road (Christchurch) and Greytown before giving three years’ service in the Great War. Air Neale continued his ministry at Stratford for some years on his return to New Zealand,' and was then stationed at St. Albans (Christchurch) for seven years. He has been in charge of the Central Mission in Dunedin for the last eight years, and is the chairman of the Otago-Southland District, an office he has held lor a year.