METHODIST CHURCH.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume III, Issue 869, 22 November 1916, Page 11

METHODIST CHURCH.

DISTRICT SYNOD. SESSIONS COMMENCE TO-DAY. The annual district Synod of the Methodist Church in North Canterbury opened at Durham Street Church this | morning. The president of the conference (Rev. ] A. C. Lawry) presided, and was wel- j comod to the chair by Rev. W. A. Sin- j clair, who occupied the position last i year. In a happy speech the president ; acknowledged the welcome and spoke of the excellent spirit of cooperation prevailing in the district. THE ROLL CALL. The members of Synod present were: —Revs. W. Lee, R. Taylor, W. C. Oliver, H. Bull, C. E. Ward, W. G. Williams, P. W. Fairclough, J. Guy, J. Nixon, T. Fee, S. Lawry, A. Peters, W. Laveoek.! J. Cocker, W. A. Sinclair, T. W. Yea lie, j A. N. Seotter, J. Harris, B. Metson, .1. R, Clark, W. B. Scott, J. F. Martin, N. Turner, J. E. Parsons, P. Battey, A. Liversedge, Rakena Piripi; Messrs W. T. Hooper, H. Speucer, E. C. Brown, C. Overton, W. Stevens, W. Carr, T. Robson, C. Strand, W. H. Seed, F. Shep-pard-Green, H. Holland, C. 11. Ear- ' waker, H. Buttle, F. W. Round, W. Dobbs, \V. E. Burlev, R. A. Tucker, S. K. Webb, W. Walker. P. G. Clements, .). Robinson, J. Oliver, F. Campion, R. S. Battersby, T. 0. Morgan, J. Gilmour, .1. Oliver (2), S. Skinner. R. Evans, R. Downs, F. Sheat, J. Tull, S. Avers, W. Rouse, ,). Jebson, H. •). Thompson, W. T. Lindsay, S, E. Foote, A. F. Drayton, G. Barrell', J. C. Prudhoe, .1. A. Flesher, C. E. Salter, W. C. Francis, It. .1. S. Goodman, Sisters Florence, Catherine, Annie, and Mrs Carr. | ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The following officials, were elected:— , Secretary, Rev. A. N. Seotter, 8.A.: , assistant secretary, Rev. .1. E. Parsons; reporters, Revs. .1. P. Martin and P. I Battey; journal secretary, Rev. B. Metson and J. Cocker. THE PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS. The president, in his opening address, i paid a glowing tribute to the men at the front,, and the spirit of true patriotism manifested by the Dominion. Methodism had not been found lacking Referring to statements regarding j the number of Methodists at the front! being 1 per cent., he said that from HO | to 90 per cent, of the eligible young I men had gone to the front, and there were not less than 9 per cent, of the men who had volunteered who were Methodists. From inquiries, he had found on the transports 5. 9, 11, BA, 11, "and 13 per cent of Methodist young men. The reliability of the returns that came could be gauged from the fact that the Rev. Mr Sullivan, who was now Captain-Chaplain, when wounded, found himself returned as an Anglican. Methodism could well be proud of the part its people w«re taking in this struggle for righteous principles. THE EPISCOPACY. The following pronouncement regarding the Church's attitude to the Episcopacy was adopted: — "In all charity to other branches of the Christian Church wc entirely disagree with the dictum that only through Episcopal channels can the grace of God be communicated. We believe with the ancient bishop, that where Christ is there is the Church, and from our Divine Lord we learn that where two or three gather in His name there is He. As well teach that only through the pipes of one firm will Canterbury artesian waters flow, or that only through the telescopes of one maker will the glory of the suu and planets shine, as expect us to believe that only through Episcopal channels will God send His grace. It is true that in 174J3 John Wesley believed in the three Orders of Bishop, Priest, and Deacon. In 1706 he believed the Episcopacy Scriptural, but not necessary. In 1784 he declared |' Apostolic Succession is a fable.' We hold with Dr Fairbairn, that 'the best church is not that which adheres most rigidly to ancient custom', but that : which saves from sin the largest number of people, and makes best use of them in saving others.' " MI NISTERIAL COMMITTE E. The Ministerial Committee met on Tuesday, when the Rev. P. Battey was unanimously recommended to the conference for ordination, subject to his examinations being satisfactory. The Rev. Rakina Piripi was passed in his year with a like unanimous recommendation. Mr Spencer was passed in his year as a home missionary.