Proceedings OF THE Special

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume V, Issue 6, 1 December 1914, Page 1 (Supplement)

Proceedings OF THE Special

SESSION OF THE NINETEENTH SYNOD OF THE DIOCESE OF WAIAPU.

Napier, 2 2nd January, 19 1 4

Members of the Synod met m the Cathedral at n a.m. for the Celebration of the Holy Communion, the Right Rev. Bishop Averill, D.D., being the celebrant. The Synod assembled m St. John's School Room at 4 p.m. under the Presidency of the Yen. Archdeacon H. W. Williams, Commissary. The President called the roll and 54 Clergy and 35 Laymen answered to their names. The Synod was declared to be duly constituted and was then opened with Prayer. Archdeacon Williams read his appointment as Commissary of the Diocese by the Bishop of Waiapu and a letter from the Most Rev. the Primate giving authority to call a Special Meeting of Synod for the election of a Bishop. The President then read his opening address, which was as follows: — ADDRESS. Brethern of the Clergy and Laity. Although it is little more than four years since we met m Special Session for the election of a Bishop of this Diocese, there have been many changes m the personnel of the Synod. During the interval eight of the Clergy, including Canon Goodyear who passed to his rest on Sunday night, have been removed by death, and eleven have resigned, while the changes among the Laity have been even more numerous. And so it comes about that of the sixtyone Clergy now entitled to vote twenty-seven are new to the procedure, and of the forty-seven Lay Representatives no less than thirty-three are new.

For the information of the new members I. will indicate the course which it seems to me to be advisable that we should follow. I would suggest that the Synod go at once into committee, and that any discussion which may be necessary should take place m committee. If , as we hope, agreement can be reached m committee Synod will, on resuming, proceed to the Election: a Nomination will be made, and the Ballot take place. As this is a Special Session for the purpose of electing a Bishop it is not competent for us to transact any business other than that connected directly with the election. I would remind the Members, old and new alike, of the great importance of the duty now laid upon us. We have to choose one who shall direct the affairs of this Diocese for so long a time as it may please God to continue him. m his office: and upon our choice depends the solemn consecration to the Episcopal Office. In making our choice we shall of course take into consideration the special needs of the Diocese, the welfare of the Church at large, and the honour of God's Holy Name. With so much depending upon it, the vote of each member, I need hardly say, demands prayerful deliberation. Since the election of our Bishop to the See of Auckland we have been praying for divine guidance m this matter, and it remains for us now by our actions to prove the sincerity of our prayer that "no private interests, prejudices or passions may prevent us from earnestly seeking to do God's will m choosing him whom He has chosen for this office and ministry." God's answer to this prayer of ours wiil be m direct relation to our sincerity and faith. On the motion of Canon Mayne, seconded by Mr. Tanner, it was resolved, "That the hearty thanks of the Synod be accorded to the President for his address and that it be printed as part of the proceedings of Synod." Carried. Canon Mayne proposed, "That the Synod do now go into Committee." Carried. All strangers were requested to leave the room. Synod m Committee. A lengthy report of a Committee of Enquiry set up by members of Synod was read and considered. . Synod m Committee adjourned from 6. 30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Synod resumed m Committee. The Chairman of Committee reported progress and Synod resumed.

Canon Mayne proposed and Mr J. H. Sheath seconded, "That the Synod do proceed to the election of a Bishop." Carried. The President moved and Mr. T. Tanner seconded, "That the Rev. Canon William Walmsley Sedgwick, 8.A., is a fit and proper person to be the Bishop of- this Diocese." A ballot was then taken and the President declared Canon W. W. Sedgwick duly elected as Bishop of the Diocese. The President announced that he would telegraph to Canon Sedgwick and announce his reply later. In case of the non-acceptance of the office it was decided that no Special Session of Synod be held again until the Ordinary Session m 1914.

The thanks of the Synod were accorded to the Secretaries, the Committee of Enquiry and the Chairman of Committee for their work. A hearty vote of thanks and appreciation was accorded to the President. ; '; The Te Deum having been sung, the President closed the Session at midnight with the Benediction. H. W. WILLIAMS, President. Confirmed by the Standing Committee, 29/1/14.

After the close of the Special Session of Synod the Members of Synod passed the following votes of sympathy.

(i) To Mrs. Goodyear on the death of her husband, Rev. Canon Goodyear; and (2) to the Rev. F. W. Martin on the death of his wife.