METHODIST SYNOD.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16583, 16 November 1921, Page 10

METHODIST SYNOD.

NORTH CANTERBURY SITTINGS. Tho annual meetings of the North Canterbury Methodist Synod were begun yesterday by a ministerial session, held in the parlour of. Durham Street Church. The Rev A. A. Joughin (chairman of the district) presided. The Revs A. Is. Scotter, 8.A., and A. H. I owles acted as secretary and journal secretary respectively. Thirty ministers were present, every circuit in North Canterbury being represented. There was only one probationer, the Rev H. Ford, to be reported upon, and he was unanimously recommended to the next conference to pass in his year. There weer no candidates for the ministry in the district, which was much regretted, and gave rise to serious and earnest consideration. in the afternoon there was a devotional session, when interesting and able papers were read by the Revs J. Guy and W. B. Scott, the subjects being respectively “ Our Attitude towards the Possibility of the Larger Union of Churches,” and “ The Church in Relation to the League of Nations.” The Rev C- H. Olds opened the discussion upon the latter subject, many of the ministers also taking part. The continued necessity for the proclamation of the Gospel ideals was especially emphasised, and bright hopes were expressed for the work of the league. The Rev AY. IT. E. Abbey led the debate upon the question of union. The time, however, was too limited for more than a few of those present taking part. At noon the ministers were entertained at luncheon. At the close of the luncheon, the Revs A. C. La-wry and J. T- Wallis, college contemporaries of Mr Joughin. voiced the thanks of the ministers, also their high appreciation of his services as chairman of the district, and deep regret at the approaching, necessity, through indisposition, for his retirement from the office. Mr Joughin feelingly and felicitously responded. During the afternoon session tea was dispensed by the ladies of Durham Street Church. In the evening a. largely attended social meeting was held in the Rugby Street schoolroom, presided over by the chairman of the district. Highly appreciated addresses were delivered bv the Revs E. D. Hatchett and A. N. Scotter and a choice programme of music was rendered bv the St Albans choir, under the guidance of Mr A\ r . Simpson, with Miss Smith as accompanist.