Contents

FOREWORD - Bernie Le Heron

APPRECIATING METHODISMS - Terry Wall

FREE METHODISM IN 19™ CENTURY NEW ZEALAND - Bill Thomas

THE BIBLE CHRISTIANS IN NEW ZEALAND - Fred Baker

THE FORGOTTEN PRIMS - Ivan Whyle

PRIMITIVE METHODIST ARTIFACTS - Bernie Le Heron

DAVID ROBERTS FAREWELLED

OBITUARIES

Graham Brazendale

AlanArmitage

Robert Thomley

WesParker

MEMBERSHIP NEWS and CONTRIBUTIONS SOUGHT

ANNIVERSARIES

FOREWORD

Seldom has a particular theme been so exhaustively examined in our pages as The Growth of Methodism traced in this issue of our Journal.

An important aspect running throughout is that the continuation of Methodism depends chiefly on its people rather than its buildings, and on enthusiasm and dedication rather than strict adherence to forms of worship and ecclesiastical dogma.

What could best be described as anarchy may conceivably result from recognition of the equal status of all believers in the eyes of God, thus there must be a framework of authority to ensure that order is maintained.

All of the above considerations apply in some degree to the formation and subsequent re-absorption of the several streams of Methodism traced in the articles we here publish.

The Wesley Historical Society is ever conscious of the necessity to assemble historical information before the people who are conversant with it pass on from this present stage. To this end Journal 77 concentrates on the breakaway streams of Methodism that made such a positive contribution to the promotion of Christianity in New Zealand that it demands to be recorded in readily accessible form.

To my colleagues in this undertaking whose energy, enthusiasm and dedicated application have brought about what we trust will be used in time to come as an authoritative reference text, I tender grateful thanks.

Bernie Le Heron