METHODIST CHURCH.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20280, 14 April 1934, Page 31 (Supplement)

METHODIST CHURCH.

Meeting of Christchurch East Circuit. The Rev E. Drake- presided over an attendance of thirty-seven officials at the quarterly meeting of the Christchurch East Circuit of the Methodist Church. A cordial welcome was extended to the Rev J. C. Draper, who lias come from the Bay of Islands to take charge of the Dinwood-Richmond part of the circuit. Votes of sympathy were accorded to the relatives of the late Rev J. Guy and Mr H. Harrington. The members' roll remained the same as last quarter. A credit balance of £l2 I.os from an income of £2Bl 17s 9d was reported by the circuit steward, Mr M. Kershaw. During this quarter all the churches are to celebrate their anniversaries. Mr C. H, Harringtoit reported that there were 835 members of Sunday Schools and Bible Classes and 94 teachers. The Home Mission Department intimated that the Maori Mission Party would be in the circuit from June 13 until June 19, and would be at each church on the date given on the plan. A week of special prayer for missions begins on May 20 and includes "Wesley Day, May 24. Fellowships at Dinwood, New Brighton, Shirley and Wesley were reported as healthy and growing. The meeting recorded its gratification at the results of the Easter camps held by the Bible Class Unions. When the report of the agent for the " Methodist Times ” was being considered, a motion protesting against the introduction of motion picture advertisements into the Church paper was warmly discussed and lost on the voices. Mr K. Bendall is to prepare for his examination for a local preacher, the Rev J. C. Draper to be the examiner, the trial sermon to be preached at Wesley Church. A discussion took place on the findings of Conference on the subject of unemployment, it being urged that the assembly had passed a resolution but had not given a lead towards finding something more than a palliative. MiDrake pointed out that the suburban relief depots were ran by the churches and claimed that the Christian Church was doing more for the relief of distress than the Government. ftpunl Anniversary. A .committee of the Papanui Methodist Church has been set up to celebrate the eightieth anniversary of the church, which was opened in May. 1854. Mr W. F- Baynes is secretary of the committee and Miss E. Craig organiser of the choir reunion. The following programme was adopted: On Sunday, May 13, there will be devotional services; on the Monday following there will be a grand choir reunion of past and present members; on the Tuesday an old-time tea meeting and reunion with the Rev C. Eaton and the Rev H. D. Blamires; on Wednesday a great young people’s rally in connection with the Christchurch Youth for Christ Campaign; on Thursday a thanksgiving service and testimony meeting with the Revs T. Fee and A. Peters, the Hon D. M. Isitt and Messrs R. H.. Turner and E. W. Hall as lea dels; on Friday the celebrations will conclude with an anniversary sale and effort. Durham Street Circuit. The quarterly meeting of the officials of the Durham Street Methodist Circuit was held on Thursday evening last, when the Rev Clarence Eaton presided over a large attendance. Congratulations were extended to Mr Eaton on his appointment as president of the Conference and best wishes were expressed to him for a happy and successful year of office. • The balance-shetet evidenced a very satisfactory quarter, a substantial surplus of income being transferred to the trust funds. Membership showed an increase, a reception service of twen-ty-one new members being reported from Somerfleld Street. Encouraging reports were received in respect of the young people’s work throughout the circuit indicating that the youth work was being carried on with vigour and enthusiasm. Special mention was made of the splendid results of the recent Bible class camps. Mr W. A. Bascand, who has taken over Bible class work at Cashmere, was welcomttd to the meeting. Appreciation or the services of Mr J. IT. Kydd, as superintendent of the Cashmere Sunday School over a number of years, was placed on recoi-d. In connection with the mission work of the church, it was reported that a Maori choir would visit the circuit in June in the interests of home missions ami Rev A. H. Scriven in August on behalf of foreign missions. A Fp-ecial week of prayer is to be held in May for missions. Appreciation of the action of Mrs George Barrell in erecting a garage at the Durham Street parsonage was recorded. Messrs C. W. Barren and D. E. Parton were appointed to represent the circuit on the district executive. At the conclusion of tire meeting supper was dispensed by the DadiesGuild and subsequently Miss B. Sewell gave an interesting report of the reeeM conference in Wellington.