METHODIST ANNIVERSARY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20690, 9 October 1930, Page 14

METHODIST ANNIVERSARY.

CELEBRATION IN AUCKLAND. Celebrations were held yesterday to mark the 87th anniversary of Methodisip in Auckland and the 64th anniversary of the foundation of the Pitt Street Church. In the afternoon there was an old folks' At Home for Methodists of Auckland and the suburbs. There was an attendance of over 200, including many who were connected with the old church in High Street and a number who were present at the opening of the Pitt Street Church. Mr. J. W. Shackelford, who has been associated with the church for over 50 years, presided. Addresses were given by the Rev. G. Bond, the Rev. Dr. C. H. Laws and Mr. A. Peak, vice-president of the conference. A programme of music had been arranged by Professor C. Moor. A bouquet of flowers was presented by Sister Margaret to the oldest lady present, Mrs. Hill, who is in her 99th year, and another to Mr. J. Pearce, who is in his 84th year. The At Homo was one of the most successful held for many years.

There was a largo attendance at the anniversary social held last evening. An opening address was given by the Rev. W. Walker and Mr. A. Peak presided. The report for the year, which was presented by Mr. Shackelford, traced briefly tho history of the church in Auckland. It stated that during tho year tho membership had been augmented, and it was most pleasing that a largo number of young men and women had been admitted to membership. An address was given by tho Rev. G. Frost. THE AVONDALE CIRCUIT. GOOD PROGRESS REPORTED. Satisfactory progress was reported last evening at thg quarterly meeting of tho Avondalo Methodist Circuit, over which the Rev. A. Mcßean presided. Tho senior membership returns totalled 425, a slight increase over last quarter's figures. The receipts for the quarter wero £261 and the expenditure £232, tho debit balance being reduced by £29 to £l6 > Unanimous invitations were extended to Mr. Mcßean, tho Rev. C. B. Jordan and the Rev. J. Wrigley to continuo another year in the circuit, tho year commencing from next April. Messrs. ,T. E. Astley, F. G. Piatt and A. J. Routley were appointed representatives to tho forthcoming synod, with Mrs. A. H. White and Messrs. W. H. Stone and R. W. Gillan as substitutes. Arrangements were made for the visit of tho Rev. A. J. Seamor and his Maori party during tho week commencing November 16. It was reported that Mr. McBean would conduct a 10 days' mission at Henderson, beginning on October 26. Reports from Sunday Schools showed satisfactory progress and _ arrangements wero made for several anniversaries, the first to bo held at Mount Albort on October 19.