METHODIST CENTRAL MISSION

Otago Witness, Issue 3352, 12 June 1918, Page 24

METHODIST CENTRAL MISSION

Record congregations, and record interest were the keynote of the anniversary services in connection with tho Methodist Central Mission, held in the Octagon Hall on Sunday. The visiting preacher was the Rev. Percy N. Knight, 8.A., of Christchurch, and his earnest, eloquent addresses were a source of inspiration to all. The afternoon address was on "The Agony of France, and Reasons Why We Cannot Accept an Inconclusive Peace." In the evening the hall was crowded, extra seating accommodation having to be provided, when a powerful evangelistic appeal Jjas made by the preacher, based on " 'i-he Glorious Gospel." The annual report states, among other things:—"We rejoice that the mission continues to be the spiritual homo of many without church connection. Scores who shy at the word 'church' find it easy to slide into a chair from which there is no fear of ejection, and where identity is lost and composure found in the' crowd. If there is any* congregation in the city whore young men and young women abound in greater numbers we have yet to hear <i it. To definitely rope them into Bible class and Mission membership is our difficulty. Our young men continue to depart in a never-ending stream. Very soon valued office-bearers and members are to leave lis with the Second Division drafts. For our soldiers at the front the sum of £33 was contributed for Christmas parcels. Upwards of 40 appreciative letters and postcards have come to. hand from grateful recipients. We welcome back returned soldiers who have nobly 'done their bit.' Our membership roll reveals an increase of 17 members. Death has removed three members highly esteemed —viz., Mesdames Pellott, Mowat, and Westlake. Our increased congregations are evidenced by our buoyant circuit finance, the total receipts amounting to £835 10s Bd, showing a further increase in our collections of 17s 8d per Sunday. Tho total expenditure amounted to £758 16s lid, leaving a credit on the year of £76 13s 9d. In addition to this wo have been able to contribute out of collections £lB6 15s 8d to the current property trust expenditure and £3O to debt reduction;—a total of £216 15s 8d to the hall trustees. To nibble away at our big hall debt, persistent effort has been made during the year. The Ladies' Battalion l.y a bazaar reduced the strength of the enemy by £l6O. The ponny-a-day campaign goes on winter and summer, with the result that another £250 has been banked for debt reduction. The old enemy is now £12,000 strong (£SOO less)."