DUNEDIN METHODIST COUNCIL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18511, 23 March 1922, Page 9

DUNEDIN METHODIST COUNCIL

The monthly meeting of the Dunedin Methodist Council was held in the Octagon Hall Social Room last evening, when the Rev. B. F. Rothwell presided over a large attendance of delegates. Sister Maud Coleman was present, and was accorded a hearty welcome. She gave an interesting address on the recent conference, and urged the claims of the Deaconess Home and Orphanage upon the Council and Connexion. The Rev. M. A. Rugby Pratt gave a splendid report of the conference, dealing with its great figures and personalities, especially commending the presence and help received from the overseas delegates, Bishop Locke (America), Rev. Hargreaves (England), and the Rev. A. M'Callum (Australia), who worthily represented their countries at all the conference functions. Mr Pratt also dealt with the great facts, functions, and finale of the conference, and described very interestingly the trip to \V hangaroa and Russell, where the Maoris welcomed the conference in customary fashion, and some memorable services were held at the spot where the Rev. Leigh and the early missionaries commenced operations a century ago, and laid the foundation of the Methodist Church in this dominion. Mr Pratt's report was added to by the Revs. Rothwell and C. Eaton and Mr E. Kosevear, who all agreed that the recent conference was the most successful yet held, and must give the Methodist Church right through the dominion a fresh impetus to continue and to extend the work in the next century. Arrangements wore finalised for the celebration of the centenary in Dunedin, when the Rev. A. M'Callum (of Australia) will be present and give the address. The Rev. M. A. Pratt reported that the recent conference had accepted the invitation of the council to hold the 1923 conference in Dunedin. Congratulations were extended to the Rev. B. F. Rothwell on his election to the distinguished position of president-elect, and to the Rev. M. A. Rugby Pratt on his election to chairman of the Otago-Southland district. The Rev. Mr Rothwell was thanked for his sendees to Otago Methodism during his ministry here, ana best wishes w’ore extended to the Rev. and Mrs Rothwell for a successful and happy ministry at Masterton. A resolution w’as carried condemning Dr Liston’s recent utterance in Auckland, and congratulating Mr J. H. Gunson (Mayor of Auckland) on his firm and dignified action.