METHODIST SYNOD

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9824, 22 November 1917, Page 3

METHODIST SYNOD

OPENS AT LEVIN PRELIMINARY BUSINESS. Press Association. LEVIN, November 21. The ’Wellington District ilethodist Annual Synod commenced its session at Levin yesterday. A -welcome social >vas held in the Century Hall last night, and was well attended. It was presided over by Mr Bleukhorn (Mayor of Levin), who extended a cordial welcome to the representatives, and was supported by Mr J. Prousc. The Revs. E. Drake and J. Ward responded in appropriate speechesChaplain Rands gave a most interesting address on the work of the chaplains among the soldiers in camp. Musical items and supper helped to make a most enjoyable gathering. The financial session opened at the Century Hall at 9.30 a.m. to-day. Present: The Rev. P. Drake (chairman of district, who presided), and the Revs. J. S. Chapman, Knowles Smith, A. Reader, Jas. Richards. Wm. Rowe, D. J. Murray, Chaplain F. Rands, A. Mcßoan, J. Enticott, J. Ward, J. A. Hosking C B. Jordan, 8.A., W. H. E. Abbey, Hedley, White, Messrs J. H. AVhite, G. 11. Cule, and C. H. Encwalker (home missioncr), and the following lay representatives: Wellington—Taranaki street, Messrs «. S. Osborne, W. A. O. Skinner; Central Mission, Wellington —Messrs A. Moncnclt (Thorndon), W. I. Clark, and E. J. B. Haddon; Wellington South—Mrs J. L. Wright, Messrs S. Martin and I- J. " • Fear; Johnsonville, Mr B. Lynpeberg; Hutl: Mr C. J. H. Trim; Potone Messrs P. Lockwood and W. H. Melhiush; South Wairarapa, Mr W. Sadler; Masterton, Mr W. T. New combo and Sister Constance; Eketahuna. Mr S. W. .Tones; Levin, Messrs H. Sorenson and J. Prouse; Otnki, Messrs Frank Penn and J. Howard Andrew; Sunday school representative, Mr P. Sims. A dispensation was granted to Chap-lain-Captains W. Walker, Leshe B. Neale, and the Revs. J. Dumbell, C HStandage. W. Dawson and W. H. Beck. The session opened with an impressive communion service. , ■ . A ballot resulted in the Rev. Reader being elected secretary to the Synod hv a largo majority. The Rev. AMoßean was appointed assistant-secre-tary. the Rev. W. J. Entieott journal seoretarv, and tho Bbv. C. B. Jordan, 8.A., and Mr Frank Penn reporters. The Rev. E. Drake (chairman), in tne course of a short address, said that m spite of tho stress and strain of the times ihev had enjoyed the blessing of God tor tb© Wellington district. There was an increase of 124 members. Tho Sunday school membership also showed a small increase. Tho foreign mission effort nad resulted in tho returns being nearly doubled. Their hearts Went out to those who had lost loved ones through the war. After all, the war had not been in vain, as it had caused the people to think of tho things that really matter, and he believed would give a now insight into the needs of man. _ A motion was passed expressing appreciation of tho faithful services rendered bv the late Rev, J. Garlick and sympathy with the widow and relatives. Statistical returns presented showed that the church membership was 2717, an increase of 12-4. Junior members showed an increase of 86. communicants 147, and members of Junior Christian Endeavour Societies 126. Sunday school scholars showed an increase of 155. It was resolved that the request of the Wellington South Circuit for the circuit to bo subdivided and Kilbinlie, Miramar and Wdrser Bay to form a new circuit, be acceded to, the new circuit to be named Kilbirnie. A married minister is requested with a grant of -HlfiO from the home mission, fund, Starting with tho recommendations of the Committee of Temperance and Morals thp Synod passed resolutions regretting the widespread desecration of the Sabbath and urging tho discontinuance of everything that would interfere with tho sacredncss of tho day; also that the last Sunday in November be a Sabbath observance day. A resolution was carried condemning the State patronage extended to totalisator betting, art unions and raffles, calling upon, all Methodists to discountenance such methods, and urging ministers and Sunday school teachers to instruct and warn children and young people in regard to the oyils of gambling.

A further resolution was carried congratulating the Minister and General Manager of Hallways on their refusal to run race trains, and urging on the National Government the necessity of abolishing racing or at least drastically curtailing it during the period of the war. In connection with the car It closing of hotels it was unanimously resolved: "That this Synod expresses its profound thankfulness to Almighty God for .the recent victory .recorded for temperance and righteousness in the 6 o'clock closing of hotels and clubs throughout the Dominion; to all those, members of the House of Parliament who have consistently supported and voted for such reform tho Synod extends hearty congratulations." A full and lucid report on tho position of the church properties throughout the district was presented by Mr E. Dawson (secretary) who was heartily thanked for his report and painstaking work. Regret was expressed that Mr Dawson would not accept renomination. The Synod approved a recommendation that advisory committees be set up in each district to assist the church building loan fund committee.

After a lengthy dehat® regarding the trust liabilities of the Petone and Thorndon (late Primitive Methodist) properties tho Synod recommended the quarterly meetings 'concerned to unitedly memorialise the conference to sell or make such disposition as will settle the dispute.