METHODIST CHURCH

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23196, 16 November 1938, Page 18

METHODIST CHURCH

OPENING OF SYNOD SOLOMON ISLANDS WORK The annual Synod of the Auckland district of tho Methodist Church was opened in tho Pitt Street Methodist Church last night, with a welcome to delegates. The chairman, tho Rov. F. Copeland, presided. The Rev. F. Batcup spoko of tho I work of the Church in the outlying districts of North Auckland, and expressed the pleasure of the country delegates at the welcome they had received. The Rev. J. R. Metcalfe, a missionary 011 furlough from tho Solomon Islands, was also welcomed. He described tho work of a missionary in tho Solomon group, and spoko of tho transformations that wore taking place in tho thought, life and customs of the natives. Ho said that tho old authorities were being weakened, and the native people were in need of guidance and help if they were to develop along desirable lines. It rested with the Church whether the society that the natives developed was based upon the authority and values of physical force or upon the inward authority of character developed and sustained by the conception of Christian love. Tho old pioneering days were coming to an end, and the natives were now Sassing into tho adolescent stage of evelopment, Mr. Metcalfe added. This stage was often characterised by excesses and extravagant values, but cooperation with Europeans would assist the native to grow through adolescence to maturity easily and naturally. Mr. Metcalfe's address was illustrated by moving pictures of work in tho Solomons. Musical items were contributed by Mrs. Pve and a trio from the Mount Eden church, comprising Mrs. E. Griffith, Mrs. M. Wallbank and Mrs. A. Rayney. Elocutionary items were given by Miss Ruth Gourdie CANDIDATES EXAMINED RECOMMENDATIONS MADE The examination of probationers and candidates for tho ministry was conducted by the district ministerial committee of the Auckland Synod of the Methodist Church, which opened yesterday. Messrs. A. 11. Witheford, J. S. Willoughby, W. R. Francis. A. Williams, W. Laws and H. Whitfield were recommended to be passed in their respective vears. Messrs. J. J. Lewis and W. Morrison were recbrnmended to be received into the Theological Collego for training, and Mr. H. Cochrane to be accepted as a first-year probationer.