Primitive Methodist Home Mission.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4707, 27 July 1893, Page 3

Primitive Methodist Home Mission.

The annual meeting of the home mission in oonneotion with the Primitive Methodist Churoh waß held at the Cambridge terrace ohurch last evening. There jwas a very good attendance, and Mr E. W. Hall occupied the chair. The Revs F. W. Boys (Timaru), J, Cocker (Ashburton), T. H. Lyon (Graendale) and J. Dawson occupied seats on the platform. The Chairman referred to mission work in the villages in England, and stated that the Primitive Methodist ministers were now devoting attention to social questions. The Bey J. Dawson read the annual report, which stated that there had been an increase of members, teachers and scholars during the past year. The finances also were in a very satisfactory condition^ The Rev J. Dawson read a report, stating that the jubilee of the Primitive Methodißt Missionary Society was celebrated in London recently. Most enthusiastic meetings were held, and the Rev A. J. Smith (late of New Zealand) represented the Colonies, and delivered an address on the work accomplished by the Colonial missions during tbe paßt forty*nine years. The report showed that during the fifty yeara progress had been made all along the lineIn 1843 there were 85,565 members, now there were 193,469; then 488 ministers, now 1100; then 1278 preaching plaoes, now 2827; then 4392 teachers, now 41,026; then 74,451 scholars, now 442,295. The effort to celebrate the jubilee by raising .£50,000 was progressing wonderfully. At that time tne total received in cash and promises waß £38,272, of which £8596 w^as in cash. The Chairman, Mr W. P. Hartley, contributed £5000. It was anticipated that more than the stated sum, £50,000, would be raised. At tbe olose Mr J. Nott moved a hearty vote of thanks to the> speakers. The motion waß seconded by Mr J. M. Bourne, and carried amid I applause. The meeting then dosed*