METHODIST CHURCH.

Waikato Times, Volume 100, Issue 16800, 19 May 1926, Page 8

METHODIST CHURCH.

SESSION IN HAMILTON. THE SOUTH AUCKLAND SYNOD. The May Ministerial Committee of tiie South Auckland dislrict of 1 lie Methodist Church opened its session in St. 'Paul's, London Street, yesterday afternoon. The ltev. W. .1. Elliott, chairman of the district, presided. The following oflicers were appointed : —Hecording secretary, Rev. 11. Cotton; reporter, Rev. C. Strand; finance secretary, Rev. J. \V. Cocks. The chairman was congratulated on his appointment to tljc charge of the district, and after replying lo the welcome extended to himself. Ihe chairman cordially welcomed Iho brethren, and especially Ihe newly appointed ministers and Home ministers. In reviewing the work of iho district lie referred lo many hopeful signs of progress, and congratulated liiose concerned upon Ihe erection of a new parsonage at Putaruru, and rejoiced to know the erection of some others was contemplated.. The continued financial support of the people was evidenced by the fact that Ihe recent visit of Dr. C. 11. Laws lo ihe district had resulted in nearly £3OOO being promised towards Ihe new Theological College. Some heavy debts had been lifted from Ibc OpoLiki and AYhakatanc churches, -and many improvements made in Ihe district church properties. The more directly spiritual signs of progress were visible in some increases in attendance in public worship and an intensifying interest in young people’s work and Dible classes. The chairman stressed Ihe spiritual advance movement so earnestly commended by conference, and urged the adoption of the methods suggested for success. Reports from various circuits showed a good degree of activity and no little success. In a number of places properties are being freed of debt, attendance at services is growing, and church membership is increasing. TRc Sunday school and young people's department arc also showing many signs of life and health, and numbers are being augmented at a very satisfactory rale. Tlie scholastic status of the minister}’ of Ihe district was also improving, and under this head hearty congratulations were offered to Rev. C. R. Jordan, M.A., F.R.E.S., on his attainment lo tire degree of Bachelor of Divinity. Rev. It. L. Ficbig was also complimented on securing his Bachelor of Arts degree. ( Very encouraging accounts were given of Bible class camps and rallies, and it was decided that even more should tie put into this work in the future. Sunday school examinations were lo he conducted in July. Arrangements were made, for the conduct of Home and Foreign Mission anniversaries throughout the dislrict. suitable deputations being appointed for each circuit. Eligible young men were offering as candidates for the ministry in increasing numbers, Ihe latest being Mr E. C. Leadlcy and Mr E. It. Alexander. Public Inspirational Meeting. The evening session was largely attended by the general public, and was of an inspirational and educational character. The chairman presided, and to him was introduced by Rev. K. E. Leadlcy his Worship the Mayor (Mr .1. R. Fow). The Mayor welcomed the visjlors and members of Synod lo one of the most prosperous and progressive towns in the country. "Wo arc proud of our town,'' said his Worship, of ils gardens, of its homes, of its stalely buildings, and also of ils churches. Hamilton people were a church-going people. There were five Methodist churches in the town; and these \xcie exerting an inliucncc tiiat was wlioll} beneficial. The chairman, in acknowledging the welcome, said Unit lie remembered Hamilton when there were only thirty in the area now occupied by the town. The progress made was in harmony willi the age Rev. P. It. Parris spoke on the "Rising Tides," and staled that in those there was great promise l'or Iho future welfare of humanity. There was the- “rising tide of colour,” and he went on to speak of the great ncgio population of America. Brought to that country in Ihe. first place as the slaves of the white man, they were to-day rising intellectually, spiritually, numerically, and they were asking the church and nation lo acknowledge Hie brotherhood taught by the religion of Christ. China, with its 500,000,000, was waking up, and asking questions regarding colour. llcv C. M. Roberts spoke of the great task of flic church in the evangelisation ol' the world. The old Jewish conception of “Abraham and Company, Limited,” made no appeal to us to-day. Miss Grice sang very effectively "Will There Bo Any Stars in M} Crown?” Mr W. U. L. Williams also rendered a solo, and the fat. I aul s choir sang an anthem. Opportunity was taken at the clos, of the function lo express Ihe thanks of the Svnod for the splendid entertainment'being extended to ils members 1)V the hosts and hostesses. 1m» I,banks was well tendered by Rev. W. A. Burley, M.A.