SYNOD CLOSES

Southland Times, Issue 22108, 31 August 1933, Page 8

SYNOD CLOSES

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH REPORTS OF COMMITTEES HOME MISSIONS WORK (Special to the Times.) Oamaru, August 30. The evening session of the Presbyterian Synod of Otago and Southland was opened at St. Paul’s Church last night with the. singing of a hymn and with prayer. The moderator (the Rev. A. C. Wedderspoon), occupied the chair. ’The Rev. A. B. Kilroy introduced as a deputation from the Oamaru Ministers’ Association, Archdeacon J. D. Russell and the Rev. Garfield Todd, who extended a welcome to the members of the synod on behalf of the association. The Rev. D. C. Herron returned thanks on behalf'of the synod. The Mayor of Oamaru (Mr M. F. E. Cooney), was introduced by the Rev. Walter Maclean, and extended a formal welcome on behalf of the citizens of Oamaru to the visiting Synodsmen, Dr J. Cumming suitably acknowledging the welcome. The moderator introduced Professor J. Dickie, who gave an inspiring address on “Our Historic Doctrinal Testimony.” This was followed by an address by the Rev. H. H. Barton, of Lawrence, on “The Present Day Missionary Appeal.” Both addresses were listened to with great interest, and the speakers were accorded a hearty vote of thanks. A short business session was held, when the Rev. Walter Maclean (Oamaru) was elected Moderator Designate. It was decided to hold the next annual meeting of the synod in First Church (Dunedin). At the morning session to-day, the moderator (the Rev. A. C. Wedderspoon), was again in the chair. On behalf of the committee set up to go into the question of the appointment of a professor of mental and moral philosophy of Otago University, the Rev. D. C. Herron recommended that the synod concur with the appointment of Mr J. M. Findlay, and this was unanimously agreed to. Thanks were accorded Drs. J. Cumming, Dickie, the Revs. W. Trotter and Tippler for their work in connection with the appointment. The Rev. R. G. McDowall reported on behalf of the Church Extension Committee, stating that £497 0/5 had been paid into the Assembly’s Home Mission fund from the jubilee fund. The committee had appointed two students to undertake work in the Central Otago work. The report was adopted and the following were elected a committee for the ensuing year: The Revs. J. Kilpatrick and R. G. McDowell (joint convenors), W. Trotter, D. C. Herron, Messrs W. H. Adams, A. A. Campbell, J. M. Dick, J. Russell, and corresponding members to be appointed by each presbytery. The Rev. D. C. Herron reported on behalf of the Theological Hall Committee, and his report was adopted. A committee was appointed for the ensuing term. Votes of thanks were accorded the donors of the scholarship and prize funds. Mr Herron referred to the large number of theological students at present and mentioned that the scholarship funds had been reduced from £l7OO to £1350. He appealed to parents able to, to send their sons to the university without making use of the scholarships, and to congregations to find employment for the students during the summer vacations. On the motion of the Rev. Ryburn it was decided to increase the grant to the Theological Society to £5O. The Rev. G. Miller (convener of the Foreign Missions Committee), reported that the committee recommended that synod allocate a sum for the employment of a full-time agent to travel throughout Otago and Southland for the disposal of church literature.— Adopted. The question of distribution of suitable literature was discussed. Mr W. H. Adams, publisher of the “Outlook” for 30 years, appealed to ministers to secure subscribers for the church’s own booklet. The matter was finally referred to the Foreign Missions and Church Extension Committees to report to the Assembly, and proceed if funds were available. The treasurer’s report for the year was adopted, and various assessments granted. It was decided that the question of making a grant for a new manse at Arrowtown be referred back to the Central Otago Presbytery to report to the next meeting of the synod. Votes of thanks were accorded the. minister and managers of St. Paul’s Church for the use of the church and to the people of Oamaru for their hospitality.