THE METHODIST CHURCH

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18543, 2 May 1922, Page 2

THE METHODIST CHURCH

ITS CENTENARY MOVEMENT. REV. C. H. LAWS INTERVIEWED. The Rev. C. H‘. Laws, president of the Now Zealand Methodist Church and Principal of the Methodist Theological College in Auckland is at present in Dunedin in furtherance of the request of tho lost conference that during the present year, which is the centenary year, he should visit as many of the churches as possible. In the course of an interview with a Daily Times reporter yesterday Mr Laws stated that the centenary movement was grouped under three headings. -In the first place it was desired to' raise a fund ot £45,000 for the benefit of the, chief oonnexional movements of the church. The second object was educational—the bringing before the people, especially the young people, the history of the church and by that means fostering a ‘spirit of loyalty to ite tradition*. The third heading was the spirtual work of the church the object being to bring about an improved' spiritual tone throughout all its activities, Mr Laws said that his work was partly educational but chiefly spiritual, his object 'being to .call the people to definite Christian discipleship, and in the case of those who have already done so to secure their loyal interest and participation! in active Christian work. Wherever he gees Mr Laws conducts Sunday' sendees, meets- the' chnrclT-’officers and ministers to discuss the work of the church and addresses special gatherings of young men and women. In reply to a question respecting the Centenary Fund of £45,000 Mr Laws stated that it had Jpeen initiated at the conference in February last, and they were already assured of £57,000 —a response that Was distinctly gratifying in view of the depression of the money market during' last .year. They were now seeking to raise the remainder of the money, and if possible to increase the total to £50,000. The pricipal claims on this money would be as follows: —(1) To increase the capital of the Church Building and Loan Fund; (2) to assist in the erection of a. new Theological College in Auckland; (3) to increase the .capital of the Supernumerary Fund in order that .the beneficiaries may receive higher rates to meet the increased cost of living; (4) to assist foreign mission ■ work, particularly 'in the Solomon Islands; (5) to extend the training of deaconesses and missionary sisters; (6) to enable Ideal preachers better to qualify themselves for their duties'; (7) to assist in the establishment of a college for the training of Maori girls in practical work such as hygiene, nursing ,»nd home management ,and generally to nelp forward the work of the church. Continuing Mr Laws said that his special opportunities for observibg the work of the church had led him to the conclusion that all phases of their work were characterised by an, activity and an earnestness that had never been exceeded in the past. The centenary movement was quickening the spirit of denominational loyalty and was drawing out the people In the service of the church and the community ns a whole. Of recent years their work had suffered from a shortage of ministers, but at (he present time he knew qf quite a large number of young men who were preparing themselves to come forward as candidates for the ministry or for mission work. During the recent Bible Class camps there had been a very gratifying response to- the needs of the church in this direction

Speaking on the subject of church union Mr Laws said that the Methodist Church had always taken up a friendly attitude towards this movement, and it had explored all the possibilities in that direction. On two occasions it had expressed itself in favour of union, on equitable conditions, between the Methodist, Presbyterian, and Congregational Churches ,and it had also expressed appreciation of the spirit of the Lambeth resolutions At Trinity Church this afternoon Mr Laws will address a gathering of women, and in the evening there will .be an inspirational rail-- of all the Methodist Churches of the city and suburbs.