MASTERTON METHODISM.

Wairarapa Daily Times, 5 October 1926, Page 5

MASTERTON METHODISM.

MEETING OF OFFICIALS. The quarterly meeting of the -officials of Masterton. -Methodism was held last evening at the Methodist Church. Uiefe were 40 delegates present, representing eyery phase of the church activities'. The numerical returns showed that there were 260 full members, with 7 on probation, and 150 junior members In spite of much sickness, which affected the church attendances, the finances .were well maintained. After paying rates, £l7 8s lOd, and clearing off an old deficit of £lB 16s 2d, a debt of only £l4 12s was carried forward. Still, in order to stabilise finances and 'ensure a more settled income, a finance committee was appointed. Their report is to be presented to the next meeting The Masterton Sunday school anniversary is to be held on Novenvbcr 7th, and the collections that day are to be devoted to the school funds. The arrangement with Kuripuni for half collections only to circuit expenses —the other half -being for local trust, funds —was continued for another quuiter. There will be the usual Christmas Day offering for the young people’s department, aud the retiring collections for the Children’s Home on the Sunday prior to Christmas. The Methodist Times agent reported 65 subscribers..

From the local preachers’ meeting the remit was received and approved that services be held every Sunday e\ening at Solway. Also that the chuich be offered to the Presbyterians for their monthly week evening service. Mr Rutter reported on the good work at Solway, and asked for the collections <m. December oth for the Sunday school, which is the date of their anniversary. Arrangements were discussed for the visit of Ur. C. H. Laws, principal of the Theological -College, on October (list and November Ist, and also for the an : nual meeting of the 'Wellington Synod, to be held in Masterton on November fftli, 10th and lltlr. ' ' , Messrs C. E. Daniell and G. L. Asher were appointed circuit synod delegates, with Mr A. Williams aud Mr W. J. Drew as substitutes. Messrs A. J. Donald and R. Mclver were appointed auditors of the circuit accounts. Letters of sympthy are to be sent to the Rev. H. T. Peat, of Palmerston North, who, through ill-health, is unable to conduct the mission in Masterton as promised. Also tu Mr Arthur Hoar, a member of the meeting, on the death of his father. A Svnod Committee was appointed, consisting of the circuit stewards, and Messrs C. E. Daniell, A. .1. Donald and A. Williams. Two delegates were appointed to the No-license Convention, to -be held in •Masterton on Saturday, October 16th, Messrs G. L. Asher aud W. J. Drew being the chosen ones. The reports from Dr. Prior (Home Mission treasurer) showed that over £IOO will be subscribed this year to this fund, aud Mr J. H. Ilandyside (Foreign Mission treasurer) expects that £IOO at least- will be forthcoming by the end of the year. ’ It was decided that. “This quarterly meeting invites the ministerial supply for the following year.’’ Rev. Win. Beckett, will, in March next, have completed three years, and the rules of the church say that for further appointments there must -be a majority vote of two-thirds of those present at the meeting. The senior circuit steward (Mr S. J. Smith), with great heartiness, extended an invitation to Mr Beckett to continue his ministry for a fourth year. He spoke of the good work that had been accomplished under Mr Beckett’s leadership, aud of the happy spirit of unity and progress that prevailed in all departments of the church work. He felt sure the vote would be a unanimous one. Mr A. Thomas (costeward) seconded. Representatives of the Sunday 1 School, Biblo Clashes, choir, local preach ' ers’ staff, stewards and others, spoke in highly complimentary terms of Mr Beckett and his work, and on the motion being put to the meeting it. was carried with great unanimity and heartiness. Mr Beckett feelingly acknowledged ■rite vote on his own behalf and that of Mrs Beckett, who was with him in every effort for the progress of the church. He saii such expressions of ! -confidence and goodwill spurred one on to do his utmost. The next meeting will be held at .Kuripuni. on Monday, January .10th, 1927.