68th METHODIST SYNOD

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 77, 26 November 1942, Page 6

68th METHODIST SYNOD

OPENED AT BLENHEIM The 68th annual Methodist Synod of the Nelson district opened on Tuesday afternoon in the Blenheim Methodist Church with a session of the ministerial committee (reports “The Express”). Those present were the Revs. C. Blair (Nelson), J. D. Grocott (Richmond), E. C. Leadley (Picton), T. Coatsworth (Motueka), H. A. Sharp (Blenheim), L. T. Norwell (Reefton), H. Brown (Westport), E. S. Hoddinott (Greymouth), and L. Gordon Hanna (Hokitika). Three Home Missionaries were also present, these being Messrs A. MacDonald (Murchison), L. Shapcott (Wakefield-Dove-dale), and J. W. Bayliss (Nelson South). The Rev. A. T. Kent, of Waimate, who is OYi active service, was associated with the synod. Mr W. T. Withers, the i Home Mission agent at Granity, was given dispensation of absence because of ill-health. The Rev. Gordon Hanna, the senior minister of the Nelson district, welcomed the new chairman of the district, the Rev. Mr Blair, and the session proceeded with the examination of two candidates offering for the ministry of the church. Both candidates, A. N. MacDonald and L. Shapcott, were recommended to conference for acceptance as students for the college. Home Missioner W. T. Withers was passed in his third year as a Home Missionary of the Methodist Church. The session adjourned at 5,15 p.m., after general matters relating to ministerial administration had been dealt with. A public welcome was extended to the visiting delegates in the Methodist Church in the evening, the Rev. Mr Blair presiding. Mr F. H. Southgate welcomed the visitors to Blenheim, and said he hoped their stay would be profitable and enjoyable. Musical items were given by Mrs Lewis, Miss V. Andrews and Mr D. Rose, Mr Hoar, Mrs Stone, and the Rev. L. T. Norwell. The choir rendered two anthems, and Miss Lichfield gave an organ solo. The Rev. E. S. Hoddinott, of Greymouth, delivered the synod address, and at the conclusion, the Ven. Archdeacon D. Haultain, president of the Blenheim Ministers’ Association, conveyed the greetings of his own church and of the association to the synod. Supper was served in the schoolroom at the end of the programme.