METHODIST CHURCH

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12569, 5 March 1919, Page 6

METHODIST CHURCH

ANNUAL CONFERENCE. TO-DAY’S PROCEEDINGS. ~/ l ?°rn' nm! , H! conference of the Methodist Church of New Zealand continued Us session in the Durhmn Street Church this morning, tho president (Tier jI, E. Boilhouse) presiding. welfare OF the chuboh. The Welfare of the Church Committec in presenting the general statistical returns, reported an increase of Kt me r n .Tc S ' ),n<l of 11,1 i'>cior raemnoi», of -lb active members of Wesley t.uild.s, oi 305 junior members of those guilds, and that the Christian Em deavour societies’ members on probation numbered 190. Gratification at those figures was somewhat tempered by a decrease of 1062 in the number reported ns attendants ou public worship and a .decrease of 213 connnuni--V T)r«nd sutTey of Now Zee and jleth. dism and a, careful study of known conditions revealed many tokens ol tlic divine presence, much iinohtmmvo piety, and sustained devotion in the part of loyal workers in tho ciifroreiit activities of the church. On • lo other there was a general consensus of opinion that the church, as a whole, was not living up to her privileges and responsibilities, or showi"S i . Rtrof *«. which was so essential to spiritual achievement. The careless pleasure-ioving snirit of the •ige had invaded tho Church, and inlfrPsr 71 if erS (h ¥ n^, d only a languid r ', an Y« :n the spiritual welfaro of themselves, their fellow-mem-liv<S ’ tho 00,11 in which they The Rev J. Napier Milne spoke of tho progress of the Methodist Church, and of religion generally, in the Old Country. The Rev F. T. Road, formerly a chaplain with the forces, said that his experiences with the soldiers showed him tnat it was necessary to emphasise tho essentials- _lf the soldiers were approached aright. they could be induced to give themselves to-Christ. The conference should insist that ministers must git e more time to the young people. The R«rs W. A. Hay, 0. H. Laws, V. Ready, S. Lawry, T. G. Hammond and other members took part in the conversation, and urged renewed earnestness in the work.of the church. Rev W. A. Sinclair moved that a. special committee should he appointed to consider during the year how the time devoted to conversation on church welfare could ho utilised to tho utmost advantage^ The Rev P. N. Knight seconded the motion, which was carried, and the report was adopted.