METHODIST CHURCH.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 244, 18 November 1914, Page 8

METHODIST CHURCH.

ANNUAL SYNOD. The annual synod of the North Canterbury District opened in the Durham Street Methodist Church this morning at 10 o'clock. The Rev. W. A. Sinclair (chairman of the district) presided.

After devotional exercises the chairman welcomed the representatives and delivered an address which was inspiring in its nature; He dealt with the religious aspect of the economic, social, and national questions of our time, as well as those matters immediately effecting the Churches activities in the district." • i ;; v" "

The following officials were elected:— Secretary, Rev; A. N. Scotter; assistant secretary, Rev. B. Metson; journal secretary, Rev. L. B. Neale; reporters, Revs. J. F. Martin, H. Ranston, and C. Strand.

Several important matters concerning the policy of the Church were tabled for discussion. They included a forward movement in foreign missions, and the orphanage and social work in the Dominion, the removal of the limit to ministerial appointments, and home, mission and church extension matters. Notices of motion were handed in touching such matters as the war, National Prohibition, and local No-license, the gambling evil and totalisator, and the referendum on the Bible in schools.

The Rev. S. Lawry reported on the operations of the Connexional Fire Insurance Office and the Church Loan and Building Fund, revealing a sound and progressive policy. Mr C. E. Salter, district secretary for properties, reported additions at Sydenham (£250), New Brighton (£1441), Linwood (£9O), Marshlands (£52 10/-), Woolston (£33), Kaiapoi (£1100), Ohoka (£770), Tai Tapu (£100). A resolution of sympathy was sent to Mr G. H. Blaclcwell, of Kaiapoi. The Ministerial Commission met yesterday, when the following probationers and home missionaries were examined and passed, subject to the conference examinations proving satisfactory:— Rev. L. B. Neale recommended for ordination, Rev. F. T. Harris passed in first year, Messrs Keen, Cuming, and Costain passed in home missionaries first year.

The Bev. W. .J. Williams led a most profitable discussion 011 pulpit prayer.