METHODIST CHURCH.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20311, 22 May 1934, Page 9

METHODIST CHURCH.

North Canterbury District May Synod. The May Synod of the Methodist Church of the North Canterbury district was held in the Durham Street Church parlour yesterday, the Rev M. A. Rugby Pratt presiding in the absence, through illness, of the Rev Clarence Eaton. president of the Conference. Twenty-five ministers and home missionaries were present. Votes of sympathy were passed in view of sickness with the Revs C. Eaton, .1. Harris and Ralph Patchett, also to the Revs T. J. Wallis and W. Rowe in view of the illness of their wives. It was decided to extend an invitation to the Rev Raymond Dudley, of Wanganui, to attend the remaining sessions, and to Messrs V. R. Francis and P. Jofcanson, students for the ministry, all of whom are at present in Christchurch. The day being Whit Mondav. the Rev IT. Ryan read a paper on “ The Marks of Pentecost,” in which he stressed the importance for the modern Church of the teaching concerning the Third Person of the Divine Trinity, the view being expressed that the absence of sound teaching regarding this subject was responsible for nearly all the weaknesses of Christianity manifested in past centuries. and that in the giving of proper attention to this vital truth lay the greatest hope regarding Christ iani tv’s future The subject was further discussed by the Revs M. A. Rugby Pratt. C. R. Jordan. It. Richards and E. Drake. The Rev E. Drake presided over the afternoon session. Messrs W. C. Francis and C. c. Sand ford were received as a deputation from the Methodist Men’s Fellowship. They urged the extension of this new organisation in the Methodist churches of the district, pointing out its usefulness id facilitating the difficult work of ministers. Messrs Francis and Sandford received the thanks of the ministers. The Rev Rugby Pratt then addressed the gathering on “Lay Criticisms of the Christian Ministry.” Helpful discussion ensued. the following ministers taking part: Revs E. Drake, T. Coatsworth, M. Ayrton, IT. Ryan and C. R. Jordan. A season of corporate intercession concluded the proceedings.