METHODIST SYNOD

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 77, 27 November 1942, Page 3

METHODIST SYNOD

68th ANNUAL SESSION The 68th Methodist Synod being held in Blenheim was continued on Wednesday morning with a special Communion service at 9 o’clock. This was conducted by the district chairman, the Rev. C. Blair, of Nelson. The full representative session was then opened. This is composed of the ministerial and lay representatives of the whole synodal district. The Rev. Mr Blair delivered the customary address to the assembled delegates, and referred to the need for bringing the fact of God and spiritual values back into life. At the conclusion of the address the synod proceeded with the business of the morning. The Rev. J. D. Grocott. secretary to the synod, nominated as his assistants the Revs. E. S. Hoddinott, as journal secretary, the Rev. L. G. Hanna, reporter to the press and “Methodist Times,” and the Rev. C. Leadley as letter-writer. Statistical returns for the district showed no change in the number of preaching places in the year. The membership returns showed an increase of three on the year’s working. In view of the difficulty of church work in war time, these returns were considered satisfactory. The question of salaries paid to ministers was discussed at length, and the synod passed the following resolution : “That conference be recommended to consider paying ministers’ salaries through a central fund administered either by the synodal district, or the conference, and each circuit be allocated for the amount. The following notice of motion from Motueka was remitted to conference: That the conference approach the Government with a view to release from Sunday parades of the Home Guard of all Sunday School superintendents, local preachers and Bible Class leaders. The report of the Church Union committee was considered in detail. The synod ballot on the question of union resulted in the passing of a resolution supporting the proposed basis of union, with considerable amendments.