METHODIST MINISTER’S RETREAT.

Taranaki Daily News, 31 October 1921, Page 2

METHODIST MINISTER’S RETREAT.

MEETINGS IN WAITARA. The Methodist ministers and home missionaries: of tte Taranaki-Wanganui district met in Waitara on Tuesday and Wednesday, 25th and 26th insts., in "Retreat.” Greetings were received from Rev. Wan. Grigg, president of the conference and chairman of the district, who, through pressure of presidential duties, was unable to be present. The chair was occupied by the Rev. W. J. Elliott. The Retreat was opened with a short sacramental service at 9 a.m. on Tuesday. The preacher was the Rev. E. B. Chambers, of Inglewood. A general discussion followed on circuit and connexlonal work. A public centennial inspirational meeting was held In the church in the evening. The chair was occupied by the Rev. J. A. Hosking, of Eitham. The choir rendered two favorite anthems, and Mr. W. Smith sang “O Divine Redeemer.” The speakers for the evening were the Revs. W. J. Elliott and J. F. Martin. Mr. Elliott said we live in an age of religious toleration. Notwithstanding tire enormity of England’s drink bill and the trouble in Ireland, the times are very hopeful. The religion of Jesus Christ is a religion of hope. People talk very mournfully of the outlook of Christianity. But we have many causes for hopefulness. First, because of the wonderful natural resources of New Zealand; secondly, because of our rich spiritual heritage. We are deeply indebted to the pioneer for the social and religious foundation he laid. Almost every foot of this neighbouring country is holy ground. One hundred and four years ago the Rev. Samuel Leigh came from England to Australia. Despite opposition, he did wonderful work in New South Wales. In 1819 he visited New Zealand, returning to Australia. In 1822 he came back to NewZealand and established the first Methodist mission station. Now we have 460 churches, 525 other preaching places, 161 schoolrooms,167 parsonages, 240 ministers and home missionaries, 34,000 members and 73,000 attendee at public worship. It is a great record. One that should inspire us. At the last Ecumenical Conference in London returns show that Methodism (world-wide) has upwards of ten million members and 32 million adherents. At the same time we have our needs. We need a deeper love for our Lord Jesus Christ. We need a larger spirit of sacrifice. Christ does not look at what we give, but at what is left to us after we have given. The speaker concluded by forcefully urging his hearers to rededicate themselves to the Giver of all good and to uphold the standards of Methodism and of Christ.

The Rev. J. F. Martin addressed his remarks to the children. "Next year we are to have a birthday party to commemorate tke 100th birthday of our church in New Zealand. A birthday party Is no good without a birthday cake. Our cake will have to be 100 tiers high. It, is a good job we can fly now, or we should not be able to reach the top tier. Our cake is different to others. The bottom tier is very small and the top one very large. What Is It made of? Of cun-ants. These are the children of our Sunday Schools. Then there are raisins—our church members; almonds—our local preachers. They give our cake its own particular flavour. Our ministers are the peel. They peal forth every Sunday. Our deconesses are essence of all that is good and sweet. Now we want to get our cake stirred up, and we can all help to do that. Then It must be baked In the ovens—our churches; and after all is ready, what are we to do with It? You remember when the crowd went to hear Jesus preach only one hoy took his lunch. The people were hungry. Jesus blessed the ooy’s lunch and gave it to tte people, and they were all fed and satisfied. We must give our cake to Him, that He may bless it and the people may be fed.” During the evening the Rev. F. B. Lawrence, on oehalf of the Waitara church, welcomed the visiting ministers. He then preser ted to the Connexion, through the Rev. W. J. Elliott, the Waitara Church pulpit Bible. This Bible is a relic of early Methodism in Taranaki. It was presented by the late Rev, Alexander Reid to the Belt Road Wesleyan Church at its opening in May, 1866. After -the Maori War the Belt Road church building was removed to Waitara. The old church is now demolished, and the pulpit Bible is all that remains of its appointments. It has seen active service for more than 55 years. Mr. Elliott and the chairman thanked the Waitara Methodists for the gift of this venerable relic, and assured them It would be treasured by the Connexion and find its place among the tonored ’eminders of our glorious past. The ministers met on Wednesday morning for the closing session of their Retreat. After devotional exercises, ’ three papers were read on the question, "Can Wesley’s standards be maintained in modern life?” The Rev. A. L : vOTsedge dealt with the doctrinal standard, the Rev. J. A. Hosking with the ethical stand ard. and the Rev, W. W. Avery with the spiritual standard. At mid-day the office-bearers of the Waitara Church entertained the visitors to lunch in Messrs. Howard and Ogden's rooms. The Revs. Elliott and Harkness thanked the Rev. F. B. Lawrence and their hosts and hostesses for all the kind attention the visiting gentlemen had receiving during their stay.