ARCHDEACON OF TIMARU.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIV, Issue 18834, 24 March 1931, Page 3

ARCHDEACON OF TIMARU.

INDUCTION CEREMONY. Last Friday the Right Rev. Dr. West-Watson, Bishop of Christchurch, visited Timaru in order to induct the Rev. H. W. Monaghan, vicar of St. Mary’s, as Archdeacon of Timaru. The service took place at 11 a.m. in St. Mary’s, before a large congregation. Other clergy present were—The Revs. Canon P. J. Cocks (Waimate), E. M. Blakiston (Geraldine), J. Hay (St. Andrews), C. C. Oldham (Pleasant Point), F. H. Thorpe (Otipua), G. N. Watson (Temuka), J. A. Wilson (Waihao Downs), F. C. Lawrence, W. S. Southward and Trevor Williams (Timaru). Immediately after the induction, the Rev. Canon P. J. Cocks celebrated Holy Communion. A meeting of the South Canterbury Clerical Society was held afterwards in St. Mary’s Hall, when the Ven. Archdeacon Monaghan was in the chair. The chairman extended a very hearty welcome to the Bishop, who said he valued such meetings with his clergy. The Rev. E. N. Blakiston (Geraldine) apologised for the absence of Rev. J. F. Coursey, the newly-appointed vicar of Geraldine. Mr Coursey would be unable to take part in extra-parochial activities this year, owing to ill-health. The Bishop apologised for the absence of Rev. J. T. McWilliam (Fairlie), who was returning after relieving in the stricken Waiapu Diocese. The chairman referred to the appeal for St. Saviour’s Homes which was being made this week. He hoped that the other parishes in South Canterbury would adopt the Timaru method of a house-to-house collection. After the business of the meeting had been finished, the Bishop gave an able and scholarly address on “The Gospels and the Synoptic Problem.” He outlined the development of modern theology and the relationship of the gospels one to another, and referred members to some of the latest books on the subject. Unfortunately there was no time for questions or discussion. In the afternoon a round-table discussion was held at the Vicarage, when advantage was taken of the Bishop’s visit to discuss several matters with him. It was decided to hold the next meeting on 4th June. At the conclusion of the gathering, the Bishop gave his blessing. Members were then the guests of Mrs Monaghan at afternoon tea.