WESLEYAN HOME MISSION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 163, 19 November 1868, Page 2

WESLEYAN HOME MISSION.

The anniversary of the Wesleyan Home Mission was celebrated by a tea meeting in the schoolroom, Durham street, last night. A i large number assembled, and excellent fare was provided on a liberal scale by the lady members of the congregation. On its conclusion, the party adjourned to the chapel, where the usual addresses were to be delivered. The Rev. T. Buddie presided, and we also noticed the Revs. A. Reid, J. Aldred, Shaw Cannell, A. R, Fitchett, H. Bull, D. McNicol and Messrs Armitage and Dewsbury on the platform. The Chairman, in opening the proceedings, remarked upon the short period which seemed to have elapsed since their last gathering, and said they had met together under circumstances demanding great thankfulness to God. They had been blessed with peace and order in their vocations during the past year, whilst their unfortunate brethren in the North had been subjected to a disastrous war. He would ask their best prayers for those whose lives and property were .thus imperilled, and trusted that they would speedily be restored to happiness and comfort. The more immediate cause of their assembling that evening, was to review the progress made in the colony by the Word of God during the previous twelve months, and he was confident they would find it very satisfactory. The district sittings had now been in session for Borne nine or ten days, and it was pleasing to know that none of the old f aces were absent from sickness or death ; whilst their reports, although perhaps scarcely so good as might be desired, were indicative of a decided progression. Since their last anniversary 289 members had joined the Church, and so distributed as to show an increase in each district. About -62000 had also been spent in new Churches and enlarging old ones, and the collection had been for the Foreign Mission Fund £200, and the Homt Mission Fund -£140. The latter reversed the old adage of 'charity begins at home,' and although he would not have them reduce their contributions for the former, he was not satisfied with the comparison, and would like them to increase their amounts for the Home Fund. Upwards of £900 had been raised to liquidate debts upon church buildiugs, and £500 had been expended in purchasing a site for a permanent church at Dunedin. In addition, therefore, to procuring the funds necessary to carry on the worship of God— ministers' salaries and expenses — they had also the pleasure of knowing that they had raised upwards of £4000 for increasing their buildings and liquidating debts. Another evidence of God'g blessing in their work was the supply of candidates for ministers' appointments. Three young men had satisfactorily passed their examination during the district sittings, and would be strongly recommended at the next meeting of the Conference. He regarded all these as most gratifying evidence of progress, and trusted that they would be continued. The rev. gentleman then explained the purport of the Home ifission, and pointed out the Jarge area of country over which its operations might be beneficially extended. There were many places without ministers, but able to support them if the first assistance wore given, and he hoped the congregation would assist to the extent of their means. He had that day received an application for a minister for the Kaikouras, where he was informed there was a large population ready to give every welcome to one. Mr Buddie then concluded by reading a financial statement of the Mission Fund, showing a balance of -£16 12s 7d due to the treasurer. The Rev. Mr Shaw said he had great pleasure in moving "Thatthemeetingpresents its devout thanksgiving to Almighty God for the success that He has been pleased to vouchsafe to the labours of His servants in this district during the past year, and recognises the necessity of a greater measure of Divine influence to be obtained by faithful prayer, that the Gospel may continue to triumph in these lands." He commented upon his experience amongst the diggers in his circuit, and regretted the great carelessness which was to a great extent evinced in religious matters. This he attributed to the con stant moving about of the population, but said there was still a large population calling for religious guidance. He pointed to the indulgence in intoxicating liquors and gambling as the curse of the place, but noted much improvement in that since he first went there, Sunday trading more especially was rapidly being superseded by better conduct. i The Rev J. Canm-ell seconded the resolution, and also dwelt upon the aspect of religious' matters on the West Coast. The want of success was enough to dishearten many, but all' that could be done was to continue and hope that in time the Word of God would be fully glorified. The Rev A. R. Fitchbtt proposed the next resolution — "That, viewing the religious necessities of many parts of the provinces, this meeting regards it as the duty of the Wesleyan Churches in supplying the ministry of the Word to outlying and neglected districts, and commends the Home Mission Fund to the liberal support of those c ngregations that already enjoy the privileges of an established ministry." He cordially agreed with the resolution, and could mention a large number of places where the efforts of the Mission might be directed in establishing

ministers, if those who had churches already built would contribute their assistance to the fund. Take Otago for instance, where the population was over 40,000, whilst there were only five ministers located in it. He would suggest a kind of methodistic exploration, if he might use such a term, when these and other requirements would become better known. A larger measure of support would have to be awarded to the Mission Fund before this could be done. They had been in the habit hitherto of receiving sums of money from England, but it was now discontinued, whilst the population was on the increase, and an extension of operations greatly desired. The Rev. A. Rbid seconded the resolution, urging the necessity of its support, and said their true position as methodists was as pioneers of the Gospel. He admired the frankness of the previous speaker in respect to the position of Otago, and the claims ifc had upon the Mission fund. If all spoke so freely and eloquently, there would be no danger of decadeuce in support. Dr Chalmers had said that Methodism was Christianity in earnest, and the Rev. J. Hamilton had made a similar remark. These should not induce them to relax their efforts to bring about the realization of such expressions in all respects, but induce redoubled energy and devotion in glorifying the Holy Word. Tbe resolution was put and carried by acclamation, and a vote of thanks to the ladies who supplied the . tea terminated the proceedings. It should be mentioned, however, that the choir sang some very beautiful pieces in the intervals between the speeches, and that a collection made in aid of the Mission fund amounted to -£39.