METHODIST CHURCH.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 June 1926, Page 3

METHODIST CHURCH.

MINISTERIAL COMMITTEE. The Ministerial Committee of the Tara-naki-Wanganui District Methodist Synod met in the Hawera Methodist Church on Tuesday and Wednesday. There were present the Revs. W. J. Oxbrow (chairman of the district), E. T. Cox, M.A., G. P. Hunt, P. J. Cossum, W. W. Avery, R. B. Gosnell, E. B. Chambers, A. Jefferson, A. Blakemore, W. H. E. Abbey, S. Keen, J. W. Bayliss, D. Hickman, W. E. Moore, J. F. Tulloch, B. H. N. Teague, J. Reid, and Mr. G. C. Burton (organising secretary of Y.M. Bible Class movement).

After a vote of sympathy with the Rev. T. R. Richards, in his illness had been passed, the Revs. Hunt and Cox, on behalf of the committee, extended congratulations to Rev. W. J. Oxbrow, the newly elected chairman of the district. The Revs. Tulloch and Moore, who have recently come to the district, were welcomed by the chairman and gratification was expressed at the presnee of the Rev. A. Blakemore, who has recovered from a serious illness.

Arrangements were made for the forthcoming visits of the Revs. Edmonson and Foston in connection with Home Missions.

Excellent papers were read by Rev. A. E. Jefferson on ‘‘What of Spiritual Advance?'’; Rev. W. H. E. Abbey, “Pulpit Efficiency,,; Rev. G. P. Hunt, “Pastoral Work”; Rev. P. J. Cossum, “The Minister’s Personal Devotional Life.” All the papere were of a very high order and were followed by fruitful discussion. The celebrating of the Holy Communion was preceded by an inspiring address by the Rev. R. B. Gosnell, who based his remarks on the words, “He took the Bread and gave Thanks.”

Plans were discussed for the holding of a winter Bible class camp for the benefit of those unable to attend the Easter camp.

The Revs. Teague and Bayliss spoke of the work being done by home missionaries in the back country of the district; a work beset by many difficulties but fraught with great possibilities. The gathering was brought io a close by a concert rendered b>’ the choir under the baton of Mr. J. Fox, assisted by other artists.