METHODIST SYNOD

Southland Times, Issue 19099, 17 November 1923, Page 7

METHODIST SYNOD

CHURCH BUSINESS. CONCLUSION OF SESSION. The sessions of the Methodist Synod were continued in the Leet Street church yesterday morning. The report of the Dunedin Central Mission was received. It revealed that satisfactory progress was being made and the congratulations of the Synod were formally tendered to the superintendent. The recommendations in connection with the Home Mission Executive were recived and had careful consideration. The recommendations were generally approved with the following exception. It was resolved: ■"That this Synod does not approve of the appointment of a minister as assistant to the General Secretary of the Home Mission and Church Extension movement.” The motion was carried by 26 votes to 1. The report on Maori Missions was received and considered. It was felt that whilst this department entailed some expenditure, the results were very gratifying, progress was being made and gratification was expressed. A resolution was also passed urging that more favourable consideration be given to senior successful Home Missionaries for acceptance into the regular ministry. The report of the South Island Orphanage was received and it was resolved: “That Conference be authorised to request the committee to send out circulars to all circuits, making an appeal on behalf of the South Island Orphanage.” It was further recommended that orphan age * matters be considered at the September quarterly meetings. The report of the Deaconess Institution was received. Some discussion ensued anent the problems associated with this institution but the report was confirmed. It was resolved that circuits be requested to release chaplains from circuit work in order to enable them to go into military camps when necessary. Mr J. H. Blackwell was recommended to Conference for nomination as treasurer of the Contingent Fund, and a vote of thanks appreciative of his work was accorded to Mr.E. A. Rosevoare, the retiring treasurer. After an amount of routine business, votes of thanks were cordially passed Rev. H. Sharp as host of the / Synod, together with the trustees of Leet Street Church, were thanked for their ample and effective arrangements and courtesy to the Synod. The hosts and hostesses were also thanked for their genial hospitality. The chairman was thanked for his efficient and courteous ruling, and the secretaries, Revs. J. H. Haslam and W. Hocking, and Press reporter, Rev. R. Richards, were thanked for their services. A cordial vote of thanks was also accorded to the Press for their full and courteous reports. Various committees and sub-committees were set up in the several departments of the church. The Publications Committee was recommended to consider the necessity for a revised edition of the church’s catechisms. Matters, relative to the local preachers, and the question of book concessions to them were dealt with. The previous motion appearing in an earlier issue relative to Rev. H. L. Richards was: “Conference be urged to station a suitable agent to St. Clair, Dunedin, with a substantial grant.” It was also resolved to recommend that a married probationer be temporarily appointed to Otautau, with a grant of £2O. Rev. H. Sharp moved the following resolution, which was unanimously carried: “This Synod regrets to learn of the decision of Judge Sim in connection with the recent Court case, ‘lnvercargill Borough Council v. Methodist Trustees,’ and feels that the findings of His Honour reveals a grave weakness in the present law dealing with rates and church properties. We are of the opinion that all church properties used for religious purposes should be exempt from rates, and urge Parliament to revise the terms of the present law, so that all denominations would receive equal privileges.” Rev. G. P. Hunt was elected as representative to Conference, and Rev. E. O. Blamires substitute representative. The report on foreign missions was received, and gratification was expressed at the prospective visit of Rev. F. S. Goldie as Foreign Mission deputation for next year. The Home Mission estimates and grants for next year were considered, and the Home Missionary Advisory Committee was appointed the same as last year. The Synod then closed.