Chapter 9: Church Property
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9.1 All Church property, movable and immovable, is vested in the Presiding Bishop for the time being as the Official Trustee, and is administered on behalf of the Official Trustee under the direction of Conference by the Connexional Office, Connexional and District Trust Properties Committees, and local Trust Properties Committees.
9.2 Conference alone may acquire for and on behalf of the Church by purchase, gift, exchange, lease, or in any other manner any property movable or immovable, and any rights and interests therein, and may sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of or alienate any property, movable or immovable, belonging to the Church and any of its rights and interests therein.
9.3 The Presiding Bishop for the time being, or the Secretary of Conference for the time being, acting instead of and on behalf of the Presiding Bishop, is alone authorised to execute on behalf of the Church any power of attorney, declaration, consent, agreement, or other document necessary to give effect to any transaction referred to in the preceding paragraph or which may be required in connection therewith or in connection with any Deed of transfer, Deed of servitude or other Deed relating thereto, and requiring registration in any Deeds Registry or otherwise.
9.4 Before signing any such document as aforesaid the Presiding Bishop, or the Executive Secretary acting instead of and on behalf of the Presiding Bishop (para. 9.8), shall be satisfied that all regulations and requirements of the Church relevant to the transaction concerned have been duly observed and carried out.
9.5 Any such power of attorney, declaration, consent, agreement or other document when signed by the Presiding Bishop or by the Secretary acting instead of and on behalf of the Presiding Bishop (para. 9.8), and witnessed in accordance with law, shall be deemed to be sufficient proof of due compliance having been made with all the relevant regulations and requirements of the Church and of the due authorisation by Conference of the transaction concerned, and every Registrar of Deeds, other official or person concerned shall be absolved from enquiry into such transaction or from requiring the lodgement or production in respect thereof of any certificate, consent, or resolution of Conference or any Committee or person acting under it.
9.6 All immovable property belonging to, or which may at any time be acquired by, the Church for the benefit of The Methodist Church of Southern Africa shall in accordance with the provisions of Section 8 of Act 111 of 1978 be registered in the name of the Presiding Bishop of the Conference for the time being.
9.7 Conference represented by the General Treasurers may raise or borrow money by way of mortgage, bank overdraft, or in any other way, upon the security of any property belonging to the Church or otherwise (para. 8.6.6).
9.8 Except as otherwise provided in the Regulations of any Connexional Fund or Department, the Presiding Bishop for the time being, or the Executive Secretary for the time being, acting instead of and on behalf of the Presiding Bishop, shall execute any Power of Attorney or Mortgage, or any other document necessary to give effect to any transaction referred to in the immediately preceding paragraphs, or that may be required in connection therewith, and the provision of paras. 9.4 and 9.5 shall mutatis mutandis apply thereto.
9.9 Any monies belonging to the Church or to any of its Connexional, District or local Trust funds or to any of its Departments may be invested in recognised trust investments including equities quoted upon the Stock Exchange and approved by the Presiding Bishop. Notwithstanding, the monies of the Methodist Supernumerary Fund, the Methodist Church of Southern Africa Lay Staff Pension Fund, and the Methodist Church of Southern Africa Provident Fund shall be invested in accordance with the rules of the respective Fund as lodged with the Registrar of Pension Funds in terms of the Pension Funds Act as amended from time to time.
9.10 The investment of funds from Bequests or any other Trust Funds shall be confined to the investments permitted in para. 9.9.
9.11 Except as otherwise provided in the Regulations of any Connexional Fund or Department, the consent in writing of the Presiding Bishop shall be obtained to any investment referred to in the preceding paragraphs, and every Mortgage Bond or other deed of security shall be passed and registered in the name of ‘The Presiding Bishop of The Methodist Church of Southern Africa for the time being, and the successor or successors in office, for the benefit of the Church’, and the Presiding Bishop shall have authority to cancel or transpose any security or any portion thereof and to sign any consent, certificate or other document required in connection therewith.
9.12 The Connexional Office is the Custodian of Deeds (para. 8.12) and has charge and custody of all Title Deeds, Leases, Certificates of Title or other documents of title or Church Properties and of all Mortgage Bonds or other documents of security belonging to the Church. The rules to be observed in connection with such custody are contained in Chapter 8.
Membership:
9.13 There shall be a Connexional Trust Properties Committee convened by the Presiding Bishop’s office. Functions and Duties:
9.14 The functions and duties of the Connexional Committee are:
Secretary:
9.15 The Connexional Executive shall appoint a Ministerial member of the Connexional Trust Properties Committee as Secretary to assume office on the 1st January of the following year. The Secretary is appointed for three years but is eligible for reappointment.
9.16 The Secretary conducts the correspondence and business of the Committee subject to its directions.
Membership:
9.17 Each Synod shall annually appoint a District Trust Properties Committee consisting of the Bishop, the Vice-Chairperson, the District Secretary, the Statistical Secretary, three Ministers and five Lay Members. The Committee shall elect its own Secretary.
9.18 The functions and duties of the District Trust Properties Committee are inter alia:
Secretary:
9.19 The duties of the Secretary of the District Trust Properties Committee are inter alia:
9.20 The immediate oversight and administration of local Church property shall be undertaken by a local Trust Properties Committee on behalf of the Official Trustee.
9.21 Where no local Trust Properties Committee has been appointed, its duties and functions are performed and discharged by the Quarterly Meeting.
Membership:
9.22 The members of a local Trust Properties Committee shall not be fewer than five or more than fifteen, including the Official Trustee the Presiding Bishop, the Superintendent, the Minister(s) in charge of the Society, and the Circuit Stewards.
9.23 The members and officers are appointed by the Annual Society Meeting for one year at a time but are eligible for reappointment. Not more than 3 adherents of the Society may be appointed members; the others shall be members of the Society of not less than 2 years’ standing.
9.24 The Annual Society Meeting shall appoint a member of the local Trust Properties Committee to preside over its meetings.
9.25 The person who presides over the Committee is a member of the Circuit Quarterly Meeting (para. 7.6.12).
9.26 If any member or officer of the local Trust Properties Committee retires during the year, the Committee may elect a successor for the remainder of the year.
9.27 The functions and duties of the local Trust Properties Committee are inter alia:
9.28 The Committee shall hold its annual meeting as soon as possible after the close of the Financial Year.
9.29 Trust Property Reports shall be presented to the Quarterly Meeting before being submitted to Synod.
The Secretary:
9.30 The duties of the Secretary are inter alia:
The Trust Stewards:
9.31 The duties of the Trust Steward(s) are inter alia:
9.32 No member of a local Trust Properties Committee who has a financial interest in any property of the Church shall vote on any matter affecting such property.
9.33 The Superintendent is required:
9.34 Synods shall make enquiry through the Superintendent in every case where no reduction of Trust debt has been made during the year.
9.35 Any agreement between the Church and a person desiring to occupy or lease portion of Church land requires the approval of the District Trust Properties Committee.
Use of Church Buildings
9.36 Trust property shall be used only for general Church or Sunday School meetings or functions related thereto, or for educational or philanthropic purposes. Any exception requires the prior approval of the local Trust Properties Committee.
9.37 The primary purpose for which Church buildings and Trust properties exist necessarily excludes every kind of function that is likely to bring reproach upon the Church. The following regulations apply to any meeting or function held on Trust premises, whether in the name of the Methodist Church or otherwise:
9.39 Where possible Churches should be left open during the day.
9.40 Any proposal by a local Trust Properties Committee:
9.41 Once a scheme has been approved by the Trust Properties Committee and by the Quarterly Meeting it shall be submitted by the Secretary of the Trust Properties Committee to the District Trust Properties Committee for approval up to the value that shall be determined by Conference from year to year. Where the scheme exceeds this amount it must be referred to the Connexional Trust Properties Committee for approval.
9.42 Where it is proposed by the District Trust Properties Committee to sell any property or portion thereof, and the District Trust Properties Committee has by a majority of not less than two-thirds resolved to approve the proposal, the matter shall be submitted, through the Bishop, to the Presiding Bishop or the Executive Secretary for approval. Notwithstanding this paragraph or anything else contained in the Laws and Discipline, nothing shall derogate fro the power of the Official Trustee to decide whether or not any property should be sold without the involvement of the District Trust Properties Committee.
9.43 Where Church or Mission land is sold, sufficient land should be retained for the use of the Minister in charge of such Mission. The proceeds of the sale shall be invested in the name of the Official Trustee of the Church for the use and benefit of the Trust properties of the Circuit concerned or for such use and benefit as the Connexional Executive, after reference to Synod, may decide.
9.44 Particulars of any sale shall be forwarded by the Superintendent to the Connexional Office for record purposes.
9.45 Final permission to purchase or otherwise acquire any landed property or rights and interests, or to sell or alienate any landed property or any rights and interests therein, shall lapse if no definite steps have been taken in furtherance thereof before the meeting of the next Synod.
9.46 Where land has been acquired, the original deed shall be deposited with the Custodian of Deeds.
9.47 Where it is proposed to encumber or mortgage Trust property, and the District Trust Properties Committee has approved, the proposal shall be submitted to the Presiding Bishop or the Executive Secretary, either of whom may give written approval.
9.48 The following additional provisions shall apply in connection with a Loan sought from any Connexional Fund:
9.49 Any proposal by a local Trust Properties Committee to erect new buildings or to make alterations or additions to existing buildings on Trust property must be submitted, together with the requisite plans and specifications, to the Quarterly Meeting and to the District Trust Properties Committee for approval. Where school buildings are involved the consent of the Board of Education must also be obtained.
9.50 No Superintendent or Circuit official shall enter into or sign any building contract, exceeding an amount to be determined by the Connexional Executive from time to time, until the permission of the District Trust Properties Committee has been obtained.
9.51 The District Committee shall satisfy itself that the Church has registered title to any land before approving any scheme to build thereon. Should the cost of the scheme be such that the permission of the Committee is not required, the Committee shall nevertheless ensure that the relevant plans have been approved by the appropriate secular authority.
9.52 Where the estimated cost exceeds an amount to be determined by Conference from time to time, the local Trust Properties Committee shall obtain the services of a registered Architect. Exceptions to this regulation may be allowed by the District Trust Properties Committee.
9.53 Where the estimated cost exceeds an amount to be determined by the Connexional Executive from time to time, the Trust Properties Committee shall call for at least two tenders for the building. Exceptions may be allowed by the District Trust Properties Committee.
9.54 The Trust Properties Committee shall have in hand not less than one-half of the estimated cost of any scheme before building operations are commenced, and shall satisfy the District Trust Properties Committee that not less than two-thirds of the estimated cost will have been obtained by the time the building is completed. The District Trust Properties Committee may relax this regulation in the following cases:
9.55 Any material alterations to a scheme which has already been sanctioned shall require the approval of the District Trust Properties Committee which may call for proof of ability to carry out the conditions of the scheme. Any contravention of this regulation shall be reported by the Connexional Trust Properties Secretary to Synod and to the Connexional Executive.
9.56 A Superintendent who, upon entering a Circuit finds that building operations have been commenced without the necessary approval, shall forthwith give all available information to the District Trust Properties Committee.
9.57 Any proposal by a local Trust Properties Committee to install an organ costing more than an amount to be determined by the Connexional Executive from time to time shall require the approval of the Quarterly Meeting and the District Trust Properties Committee. The conditions of para. 9.55 shall mutatis mutandis apply.
9.58 The Church may be a member of a Section 21 Company (associated not for gain) in those cases where the Church wishes to participate in a project together with other participants, and neither the immovable property involved nor the project itself may fall within the exclusive domain of the Church. Membership shall be permitted on the following terms:-
9.59 Any loan application from an Organization to erect or alter any building requires the approval of the Circuit Quarterly Meeting and the District Trust Property Committee.
VESTING AND ADMINISTRATION
9.1 All Church property, movable and immovable, is vested in the Presiding Bishop for the time being as the Official Trustee, and is administered on behalf of the Official Trustee under the direction of Conference by the Connexional Office, Connexional and District Trust Properties Committees, and local Trust Properties Committees.
ACQUIREMENT AND ALIENATION
9.2 Conference alone may acquire for and on behalf of the Church by purchase, gift, exchange, lease, or in any other manner any property movable or immovable, and any rights and interests therein, and may sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of or alienate any property, movable or immovable, belonging to the Church and any of its rights and interests therein.
9.3 The Presiding Bishop for the time being, or the Secretary of Conference for the time being, acting instead of and on behalf of the Presiding Bishop, is alone authorised to execute on behalf of the Church any power of attorney, declaration, consent, agreement, or other document necessary to give effect to any transaction referred to in the preceding paragraph or which may be required in connection therewith or in connection with any Deed of transfer, Deed of servitude or other Deed relating thereto, and requiring registration in any Deeds Registry or otherwise.
9.4 Before signing any such document as aforesaid the Presiding Bishop, or the Executive Secretary acting instead of and on behalf of the Presiding Bishop (para. 9.8), shall be satisfied that all regulations and requirements of the Church relevant to the transaction concerned have been duly observed and carried out.
9.5 Any such power of attorney, declaration, consent, agreement or other document when signed by the Presiding Bishop or by the Secretary acting instead of and on behalf of the Presiding Bishop (para. 9.8), and witnessed in accordance with law, shall be deemed to be sufficient proof of due compliance having been made with all the relevant regulations and requirements of the Church and of the due authorisation by Conference of the transaction concerned, and every Registrar of Deeds, other official or person concerned shall be absolved from enquiry into such transaction or from requiring the lodgement or production in respect thereof of any certificate, consent, or resolution of Conference or any Committee or person acting under it.
9.6 All immovable property belonging to, or which may at any time be acquired by, the Church for the benefit of The Methodist Church of Southern Africa shall in accordance with the provisions of Section 8 of Act 111 of 1978 be registered in the name of the Presiding Bishop of the Conference for the time being.
BORROWING OF MONIES
9.7 Conference represented by the General Treasurers may raise or borrow money by way of mortgage, bank overdraft, or in any other way, upon the security of any property belonging to the Church or otherwise (para. 8.6.6).
9.8 Except as otherwise provided in the Regulations of any Connexional Fund or Department, the Presiding Bishop for the time being, or the Executive Secretary for the time being, acting instead of and on behalf of the Presiding Bishop, shall execute any Power of Attorney or Mortgage, or any other document necessary to give effect to any transaction referred to in the immediately preceding paragraphs, or that may be required in connection therewith, and the provision of paras. 9.4 and 9.5 shall mutatis mutandis apply thereto.
INVESTMENT OF MONIES
9.9 Any monies belonging to the Church or to any of its Connexional, District or local Trust funds or to any of its Departments may be invested in recognised trust investments including equities quoted upon the Stock Exchange and approved by the Presiding Bishop. Notwithstanding, the monies of the Methodist Supernumerary Fund, the Methodist Church of Southern Africa Lay Staff Pension Fund, and the Methodist Church of Southern Africa Provident Fund shall be invested in accordance with the rules of the respective Fund as lodged with the Registrar of Pension Funds in terms of the Pension Funds Act as amended from time to time.
9.10 The investment of funds from Bequests or any other Trust Funds shall be confined to the investments permitted in para. 9.9.
9.11 Except as otherwise provided in the Regulations of any Connexional Fund or Department, the consent in writing of the Presiding Bishop shall be obtained to any investment referred to in the preceding paragraphs, and every Mortgage Bond or other deed of security shall be passed and registered in the name of ‘The Presiding Bishop of The Methodist Church of Southern Africa for the time being, and the successor or successors in office, for the benefit of the Church’, and the Presiding Bishop shall have authority to cancel or transpose any security or any portion thereof and to sign any consent, certificate or other document required in connection therewith.
CUSTODY OF DEEDS
9.12 The Connexional Office is the Custodian of Deeds (para. 8.12) and has charge and custody of all Title Deeds, Leases, Certificates of Title or other documents of title or Church Properties and of all Mortgage Bonds or other documents of security belonging to the Church. The rules to be observed in connection with such custody are contained in Chapter 8.
CONNEXIONAL TRUST PROPERTIES COMMITTEE
Membership:
9.13 There shall be a Connexional Trust Properties Committee convened by the Presiding Bishop’s office. Functions and Duties:
9.14 The functions and duties of the Connexional Committee are:
9.14.1 to administer the regulations of Conference;
9.14.2 to give advice when so requested by any District Committee;
9.14.3 to represent to Conference or the Connexional Executive any proposal or recommendation made by the Districts regarding Trust Properties.
9.14.2 to give advice when so requested by any District Committee;
9.14.3 to represent to Conference or the Connexional Executive any proposal or recommendation made by the Districts regarding Trust Properties.
Secretary:
9.15 The Connexional Executive shall appoint a Ministerial member of the Connexional Trust Properties Committee as Secretary to assume office on the 1st January of the following year. The Secretary is appointed for three years but is eligible for reappointment.
9.16 The Secretary conducts the correspondence and business of the Committee subject to its directions.
DISTRICT TRUST PROPERTIES COMMITTEES
Membership:
9.17 Each Synod shall annually appoint a District Trust Properties Committee consisting of the Bishop, the Vice-Chairperson, the District Secretary, the Statistical Secretary, three Ministers and five Lay Members. The Committee shall elect its own Secretary.
9.18 The functions and duties of the District Trust Properties Committee are inter alia:
9.18.1 to consider and approve or otherwise up to the value that shall be
determined by Conference from year to year all applications from local Trust Properties Committees for loans, proposed alterations, erections,
purchases or other acquirements, sales, mortgages or encumbrances
of properties, and to make its recommendations to the Connexional Trust
Properties Committee where the valued exceeds the value determined
by Conference from year to year:
9.18.2 to remit all such applications, with its decisions and any recommendations, to the Connexional Office;
9.18.3 to forward a copy of the Minutes of all of its meetings to the Connexional Office;
9.18.4 to consider all Circuit Accounts, reports and schedules pertaining to properties;
9.18.5 to ensure that Trust Property is adequately insured to provide for its replacement;
9.18.6 to ensure that Trust Property is accurately valued at regular intervals;
9.18.7 to submit to Synod an Annual General Report;
9.18.8 to secure as far as possible the due observance of the rules and regulations of Conference in regard to new undertakings as well as the general administration of Trust Property.
9.18.9 no new undertaking to build a church complex/hall may take place within a 10 kilometre radius of an existing Methodist Church complex/hall without the prior approval of the District Trust Properties and the Connexional Trust Properties Committees.
9.18.2 to remit all such applications, with its decisions and any recommendations, to the Connexional Office;
9.18.3 to forward a copy of the Minutes of all of its meetings to the Connexional Office;
9.18.4 to consider all Circuit Accounts, reports and schedules pertaining to properties;
9.18.5 to ensure that Trust Property is adequately insured to provide for its replacement;
9.18.6 to ensure that Trust Property is accurately valued at regular intervals;
9.18.7 to submit to Synod an Annual General Report;
9.18.8 to secure as far as possible the due observance of the rules and regulations of Conference in regard to new undertakings as well as the general administration of Trust Property.
9.18.9 no new undertaking to build a church complex/hall may take place within a 10 kilometre radius of an existing Methodist Church complex/hall without the prior approval of the District Trust Properties and the Connexional Trust Properties Committees.
Secretary:
9.19 The duties of the Secretary of the District Trust Properties Committee are inter alia:
9.19.1 to conduct the correspondence and business of the Committee subject
to its directions;
9.19.2 to receive all applications from local Trust Properties Committees concerning loans, proposed alterations, erections, purchases or other acquirements, sales, mortgages or encumbrances of properties;
9.19.3 to place all such applications before the District Committee;
9.19.4 to communicate to the local Trust Properties Committee the decision and recommendations of the District Committee on any applications;
9.19.5 to remit to the Connexional Office any application received, together with the decision and recommendations of the District Committee;
9.19.6 to receive all Circuit accounts, reports and schedules pertaining to properties, and to prepare them for consideration by the Committee;
9.19.7 to forward copies of Minutes of District Trust Property Committee meetings to the Connexional Office.
9.19.2 to receive all applications from local Trust Properties Committees concerning loans, proposed alterations, erections, purchases or other acquirements, sales, mortgages or encumbrances of properties;
9.19.3 to place all such applications before the District Committee;
9.19.4 to communicate to the local Trust Properties Committee the decision and recommendations of the District Committee on any applications;
9.19.5 to remit to the Connexional Office any application received, together with the decision and recommendations of the District Committee;
9.19.6 to receive all Circuit accounts, reports and schedules pertaining to properties, and to prepare them for consideration by the Committee;
9.19.7 to forward copies of Minutes of District Trust Property Committee meetings to the Connexional Office.
LOCAL TRUST PROPERTIES COMMITTEES
9.20 The immediate oversight and administration of local Church property shall be undertaken by a local Trust Properties Committee on behalf of the Official Trustee.
9.21 Where no local Trust Properties Committee has been appointed, its duties and functions are performed and discharged by the Quarterly Meeting.
Membership:
9.22 The members of a local Trust Properties Committee shall not be fewer than five or more than fifteen, including the Official Trustee the Presiding Bishop, the Superintendent, the Minister(s) in charge of the Society, and the Circuit Stewards.
9.23 The members and officers are appointed by the Annual Society Meeting for one year at a time but are eligible for reappointment. Not more than 3 adherents of the Society may be appointed members; the others shall be members of the Society of not less than 2 years’ standing.
9.24 The Annual Society Meeting shall appoint a member of the local Trust Properties Committee to preside over its meetings.
9.25 The person who presides over the Committee is a member of the Circuit Quarterly Meeting (para. 7.6.12).
9.26 If any member or officer of the local Trust Properties Committee retires during the year, the Committee may elect a successor for the remainder of the year.
9.27 The functions and duties of the local Trust Properties Committee are inter alia:
9.27.1 to be responsible to the Official Trustee, the Presiding Bishop, for the
property and generally to manage and administer the property on behalf
of the Official Trustee;
9.27.2 to appoint annually from among its members a Secretary and a Steward or Stewards, and to assign their duties to them;
9.27.3 to ensure that all property of an insurable nature is adequately insured, and to safeguard the property, against risk of loss or damage;
9.27.4 to appoint a Caretaker where necessary and to define the duties and remuneration;
9.27.5 to administer funds allocated to it by the Annual Society Meeting and to present audited accounts to that Meeting;
9.27.6 to control the use and letting of Church buildings and to ensure that only those activities and entertainments are permitted which are consistent with the primary purpose for which the buildings exist;
9.27.7 to observe and carry out all regulations in regard to proposals for loans, alterations, erections, purchases or other acquirements, sales, mortgages or encumbrances of properties.
9.27.2 to appoint annually from among its members a Secretary and a Steward or Stewards, and to assign their duties to them;
9.27.3 to ensure that all property of an insurable nature is adequately insured, and to safeguard the property, against risk of loss or damage;
9.27.4 to appoint a Caretaker where necessary and to define the duties and remuneration;
9.27.5 to administer funds allocated to it by the Annual Society Meeting and to present audited accounts to that Meeting;
9.27.6 to control the use and letting of Church buildings and to ensure that only those activities and entertainments are permitted which are consistent with the primary purpose for which the buildings exist;
9.27.7 to observe and carry out all regulations in regard to proposals for loans, alterations, erections, purchases or other acquirements, sales, mortgages or encumbrances of properties.
9.28 The Committee shall hold its annual meeting as soon as possible after the close of the Financial Year.
9.29 Trust Property Reports shall be presented to the Quarterly Meeting before being submitted to Synod.
The Secretary:
9.30 The duties of the Secretary are inter alia:
9.30.1 to convene meetings of the Committee in consultation with the
Chairperson, giving adequate notice to each member and indicating the
intended business of the meeting;
9.30.2 to record minutes of the meetings;
9.30.3 to conduct all necessary correspondence;
9.30.4 to ensure generally the carrying out of the resolutions and directions of the Committee.
9.30.2 to record minutes of the meetings;
9.30.3 to conduct all necessary correspondence;
9.30.4 to ensure generally the carrying out of the resolutions and directions of the Committee.
The Trust Stewards:
9.31 The duties of the Trust Steward(s) are inter alia:
9.31.1 to attend generally to the maintenance of all Trust property;
9.31.2 to ensure that all Church buildings and premises are properly cleaned, lighted and ventilated;
9.31.3 to attend to the furniture and fittings of any Church premises; General Regulations
9.31.2 to ensure that all Church buildings and premises are properly cleaned, lighted and ventilated;
9.31.3 to attend to the furniture and fittings of any Church premises; General Regulations
9.32 No member of a local Trust Properties Committee who has a financial interest in any property of the Church shall vote on any matter affecting such property.
9.33 The Superintendent is required:
9.33.1 to keep a Register of all immovable property in the Circuit, and to hand
such Register and all relevant documents to the successor on leaving
the Circuit;
9.33.2 to forward immediately to the Custodian of Deeds the original title deed and related documents where land has been acquired and registered in the name of the Church;
9.33.3 to be personally responsible for the due return to the Custodian of Deeds of any title deed and related document that has been temporarily released by the Custodian;
9.33.4 to ensure that no building is proceeded with until all regulations have been complied with and all necessary financial arrangements made.
9.33.2 to forward immediately to the Custodian of Deeds the original title deed and related documents where land has been acquired and registered in the name of the Church;
9.33.3 to be personally responsible for the due return to the Custodian of Deeds of any title deed and related document that has been temporarily released by the Custodian;
9.33.4 to ensure that no building is proceeded with until all regulations have been complied with and all necessary financial arrangements made.
9.34 Synods shall make enquiry through the Superintendent in every case where no reduction of Trust debt has been made during the year.
9.35 Any agreement between the Church and a person desiring to occupy or lease portion of Church land requires the approval of the District Trust Properties Committee.
Use of Church Buildings
9.36 Trust property shall be used only for general Church or Sunday School meetings or functions related thereto, or for educational or philanthropic purposes. Any exception requires the prior approval of the local Trust Properties Committee.
9.37 The primary purpose for which Church buildings and Trust properties exist necessarily excludes every kind of function that is likely to bring reproach upon the Church. The following regulations apply to any meeting or function held on Trust premises, whether in the name of the Methodist Church or otherwise:
9.37.1 no entertainment shall be given unless the programme has been
previously approved by the Superintendent or the Leaders’ Meeting;
9.37.2 dances or similar types of entertainment may take place on Trust premises only if they form an incidental and subsidiary item in the programme of a church organisation, and if the Leaders’ Meeting has approved. Such dancing shall take place only under the supervision of a person nominated by and responsible to the Leaders’ Meeting. No dancing shall take place in a Church;
9.37.3 gambling of any kind and raffles or other competitions that involve the principle of gambling are expressly forbidden;
9.37.4 no Trust property shall be let for any public religious meeting unless the Superintendent is able to and does accept responsibility for the teaching that may be given;
9.37.5 in granting temporary use or occupation of any Church hall, vestry or other Trust premises, it shall be specially stipulated that no alcoholic or intoxicating liquor or narcotic drugs shall be brought on to or be permitted to be on such premises; that the lessors by and through any officer, caretaker or other nominee shall have the right in the event of any breach of this stipulation to take immediate steps to terminate the occupation and to secure ejectment without compensation to the lessee or occupier, and without prejudice to the lessor’s right to recover the payment agreed upon for the use of the premises;
9.37.6 no racial restriction shall apply to the use of any Trust property.
9.37.7 no party political electioneering shall be held on Trust property. However, it may be used in the promotion of good governance such as polling stations, voter registration, political monitoring training, refugee shelter and similar activities that would foster neighbourliness, justice and mercy. Where Church buildings are used for such purposes, a contract or agreement regulating responsibility and liability for damages to Trust Property in consequence of such use must first be concluded.
9.38 The raising of funds for Church purposes by means of raffles, gaming or
any other method which involves gambling shall not be permitted, and
entertainments which are not allowed on Trust premises shall not be
held elsewhere in the name of the Methodist Church.
9.37.2 dances or similar types of entertainment may take place on Trust premises only if they form an incidental and subsidiary item in the programme of a church organisation, and if the Leaders’ Meeting has approved. Such dancing shall take place only under the supervision of a person nominated by and responsible to the Leaders’ Meeting. No dancing shall take place in a Church;
9.37.3 gambling of any kind and raffles or other competitions that involve the principle of gambling are expressly forbidden;
9.37.4 no Trust property shall be let for any public religious meeting unless the Superintendent is able to and does accept responsibility for the teaching that may be given;
9.37.5 in granting temporary use or occupation of any Church hall, vestry or other Trust premises, it shall be specially stipulated that no alcoholic or intoxicating liquor or narcotic drugs shall be brought on to or be permitted to be on such premises; that the lessors by and through any officer, caretaker or other nominee shall have the right in the event of any breach of this stipulation to take immediate steps to terminate the occupation and to secure ejectment without compensation to the lessee or occupier, and without prejudice to the lessor’s right to recover the payment agreed upon for the use of the premises;
9.37.6 no racial restriction shall apply to the use of any Trust property.
9.37.7 no party political electioneering shall be held on Trust property. However, it may be used in the promotion of good governance such as polling stations, voter registration, political monitoring training, refugee shelter and similar activities that would foster neighbourliness, justice and mercy. Where Church buildings are used for such purposes, a contract or agreement regulating responsibility and liability for damages to Trust Property in consequence of such use must first be concluded.
9.39 Where possible Churches should be left open during the day.
REGULATIONS FOR PURCHASE, SALE, ENCUMBRANCE OR MORTGAGE OF LANDED PROPERTY
9.40 Any proposal by a local Trust Properties Committee:
9.40.1 to purchase or acquire by way of gift or otherwise any landed property, or
rights and interests therein;
9.40.2 to sell or alienate any property or portion thereof, or any rights or interests therein;
9.40.3 to encumber any property by raising money either on Mortgage Bond or by loan from a Connexional Fund;
9.40.4 shall, after being approved by the local Trust Properties Committee, be submitted to the Quarterly Meeting for approval.
9.40.2 to sell or alienate any property or portion thereof, or any rights or interests therein;
9.40.3 to encumber any property by raising money either on Mortgage Bond or by loan from a Connexional Fund;
9.40.4 shall, after being approved by the local Trust Properties Committee, be submitted to the Quarterly Meeting for approval.
9.41 Once a scheme has been approved by the Trust Properties Committee and by the Quarterly Meeting it shall be submitted by the Secretary of the Trust Properties Committee to the District Trust Properties Committee for approval up to the value that shall be determined by Conference from year to year. Where the scheme exceeds this amount it must be referred to the Connexional Trust Properties Committee for approval.
9.42 Where it is proposed by the District Trust Properties Committee to sell any property or portion thereof, and the District Trust Properties Committee has by a majority of not less than two-thirds resolved to approve the proposal, the matter shall be submitted, through the Bishop, to the Presiding Bishop or the Executive Secretary for approval. Notwithstanding this paragraph or anything else contained in the Laws and Discipline, nothing shall derogate fro the power of the Official Trustee to decide whether or not any property should be sold without the involvement of the District Trust Properties Committee.
9.43 Where Church or Mission land is sold, sufficient land should be retained for the use of the Minister in charge of such Mission. The proceeds of the sale shall be invested in the name of the Official Trustee of the Church for the use and benefit of the Trust properties of the Circuit concerned or for such use and benefit as the Connexional Executive, after reference to Synod, may decide.
9.44 Particulars of any sale shall be forwarded by the Superintendent to the Connexional Office for record purposes.
9.45 Final permission to purchase or otherwise acquire any landed property or rights and interests, or to sell or alienate any landed property or any rights and interests therein, shall lapse if no definite steps have been taken in furtherance thereof before the meeting of the next Synod.
9.46 Where land has been acquired, the original deed shall be deposited with the Custodian of Deeds.
9.47 Where it is proposed to encumber or mortgage Trust property, and the District Trust Properties Committee has approved, the proposal shall be submitted to the Presiding Bishop or the Executive Secretary, either of whom may give written approval.
9.48 The following additional provisions shall apply in connection with a Loan sought from any Connexional Fund:
9.48.1 no loan shall be made upon any property or land or upon any erection on
any land to which the Church has no clear or sufficient title or certificate of
occupation, or upon land on which only permission to build has been
given, unless in an interdenominational scheme a legal agreement
approved by the Treasurers of the Connexional Office has been drawn up,
defining the proportion of responsibility for upkeep and use, as well as
debt reduction, and allocation of proceeds, in the event of possible future
disposal of property, falling to The Methodist Church of Southern Africa as
a shareholder;
9.48.2 no loan shall be made upon any property which is not considered adequate security for the repayment of the loan;
9.48.3 loans from Connexional Funds shall be repaid in monthly instalments which include repayments of capital, and interest at the rate determined by Conference;
9.48.4 in all cases where advances or loans are made from Connexional Funds against the security of Trust property, the Treasurers of the said Funds shall obtain an acknowledgement of debt duly executed by or on behalf of the Local Properties Committee concerned, together with the Title Deeds of the properties upon which the loan is to be advanced, and a duly executed memorandum to the effect that such Title Deeds are lodged as security for the repayment of the loan and that they are to remain in the custody of the said Treasurers until such time as the said loan has been repaid; and also embodying an undertaking that the property conveyed by such Title Deeds shall not be mortgaged as security for any further loan until the first mentioned loan has been repaid, or unless the consent of the Treasurers of the Fund concerned has first been obtained.
9.48.5 in all revenue-producing property, the servicing of all loans thereon and the cost of proper maintenance, rates, insurance, upkeep and necessary repairs are a first charge upon such revenue. Managers of such property shall not be entitled to divert any portion of the said revenue to other purposes until the above-mentioned charges have been met.
9.48.6 all applications for a loan or for permission to seek a loan shall be accompanied by a copy of the audited No. 4C Schedule for the previous year.
9.48.7 any loan application from any Organization (other than a Connexional Organization) to purchase property requires the permission of the Circuit Quarterly Meeting and District Trust Property Committee
9.48.2 no loan shall be made upon any property which is not considered adequate security for the repayment of the loan;
9.48.3 loans from Connexional Funds shall be repaid in monthly instalments which include repayments of capital, and interest at the rate determined by Conference;
9.48.4 in all cases where advances or loans are made from Connexional Funds against the security of Trust property, the Treasurers of the said Funds shall obtain an acknowledgement of debt duly executed by or on behalf of the Local Properties Committee concerned, together with the Title Deeds of the properties upon which the loan is to be advanced, and a duly executed memorandum to the effect that such Title Deeds are lodged as security for the repayment of the loan and that they are to remain in the custody of the said Treasurers until such time as the said loan has been repaid; and also embodying an undertaking that the property conveyed by such Title Deeds shall not be mortgaged as security for any further loan until the first mentioned loan has been repaid, or unless the consent of the Treasurers of the Fund concerned has first been obtained.
9.48.5 in all revenue-producing property, the servicing of all loans thereon and the cost of proper maintenance, rates, insurance, upkeep and necessary repairs are a first charge upon such revenue. Managers of such property shall not be entitled to divert any portion of the said revenue to other purposes until the above-mentioned charges have been met.
9.48.6 all applications for a loan or for permission to seek a loan shall be accompanied by a copy of the audited No. 4C Schedule for the previous year.
9.48.7 any loan application from any Organization (other than a Connexional Organization) to purchase property requires the permission of the Circuit Quarterly Meeting and District Trust Property Committee
REGULATIONS FOR THE ERECTION OR ALTERATION OF BUILDINGS
9.49 Any proposal by a local Trust Properties Committee to erect new buildings or to make alterations or additions to existing buildings on Trust property must be submitted, together with the requisite plans and specifications, to the Quarterly Meeting and to the District Trust Properties Committee for approval. Where school buildings are involved the consent of the Board of Education must also be obtained.
9.50 No Superintendent or Circuit official shall enter into or sign any building contract, exceeding an amount to be determined by the Connexional Executive from time to time, until the permission of the District Trust Properties Committee has been obtained.
9.51 The District Committee shall satisfy itself that the Church has registered title to any land before approving any scheme to build thereon. Should the cost of the scheme be such that the permission of the Committee is not required, the Committee shall nevertheless ensure that the relevant plans have been approved by the appropriate secular authority.
9.52 Where the estimated cost exceeds an amount to be determined by Conference from time to time, the local Trust Properties Committee shall obtain the services of a registered Architect. Exceptions to this regulation may be allowed by the District Trust Properties Committee.
9.53 Where the estimated cost exceeds an amount to be determined by the Connexional Executive from time to time, the Trust Properties Committee shall call for at least two tenders for the building. Exceptions may be allowed by the District Trust Properties Committee.
9.54 The Trust Properties Committee shall have in hand not less than one-half of the estimated cost of any scheme before building operations are commenced, and shall satisfy the District Trust Properties Committee that not less than two-thirds of the estimated cost will have been obtained by the time the building is completed. The District Trust Properties Committee may relax this regulation in the following cases:
9.54.1 where the property yields a fixed income and is of permanent value to the
local Trust Properties Committee;
9.54.2 where a Circuit is embarking on community self-help schemes, provided that plans are submitted in the usual manner, an estimate of the cost of the project is provided together with details of finance available, a time limit is set for the completion of the project, and progress reports are submitted as required by the District Trust Properties Committee.
9.54.2 where a Circuit is embarking on community self-help schemes, provided that plans are submitted in the usual manner, an estimate of the cost of the project is provided together with details of finance available, a time limit is set for the completion of the project, and progress reports are submitted as required by the District Trust Properties Committee.
9.55 Any material alterations to a scheme which has already been sanctioned shall require the approval of the District Trust Properties Committee which may call for proof of ability to carry out the conditions of the scheme. Any contravention of this regulation shall be reported by the Connexional Trust Properties Secretary to Synod and to the Connexional Executive.
9.56 A Superintendent who, upon entering a Circuit finds that building operations have been commenced without the necessary approval, shall forthwith give all available information to the District Trust Properties Committee.
9.57 Any proposal by a local Trust Properties Committee to install an organ costing more than an amount to be determined by the Connexional Executive from time to time shall require the approval of the Quarterly Meeting and the District Trust Properties Committee. The conditions of para. 9.55 shall mutatis mutandis apply.
9.58 The Church may be a member of a Section 21 Company (associated not for gain) in those cases where the Church wishes to participate in a project together with other participants, and neither the immovable property involved nor the project itself may fall within the exclusive domain of the Church. Membership shall be permitted on the following terms:-
9.58.1 the Circuit or Society seeking permission to Register a Section 21 company
or to become a member of such a company shall obtain prior approval for
such actions from the Circuit Quarterly Meeting, the District Trust Property
Committee and the Official Trustee (para 9.1)
9.58.2 in seeking such approval, the Circuit or Society shall provide all information and comply with all requirements set out as the guidelines issued from time to time by Conference or the Connexional Executive.
9.58.3 all company documents shall reflect the member as the Methodist Church of Southern Africa, but the Official Trustee (para 9.1) may decided that the voting rights in respect of such company may be exercised by a Circuit Steward duly appointed thereto by the Circuit Quarterly Meeting.
9.58.4 immovable property which is owned and controlled exclusively by the Church may not be registered in the name of a Section 21 Company without permission having been granted thereto by the Official Trustee (para 9.1).
9.58.2 in seeking such approval, the Circuit or Society shall provide all information and comply with all requirements set out as the guidelines issued from time to time by Conference or the Connexional Executive.
9.58.3 all company documents shall reflect the member as the Methodist Church of Southern Africa, but the Official Trustee (para 9.1) may decided that the voting rights in respect of such company may be exercised by a Circuit Steward duly appointed thereto by the Circuit Quarterly Meeting.
9.58.4 immovable property which is owned and controlled exclusively by the Church may not be registered in the name of a Section 21 Company without permission having been granted thereto by the Official Trustee (para 9.1).
9.59 Any loan application from an Organization to erect or alter any building requires the approval of the Circuit Quarterly Meeting and the District Trust Property Committee.
9.60 GENERAL REGULATIONS
9.60.1 Deeds of Sale
All concerned with dealings in fixed property are asked to refer to the
provisions of paras. 9.3 – 9.5 of Laws and Discipline. No valid binding
Deed of Sale, whether for the sale or purchase of fixed property, can be
entered into on behalf of the Church without the signature of the Presiding
Bishop or the Secretary of Conference. Such documents should be sent
through the Bishop to the Connexional Office for signature and, on
completion of the transaction, the documents, or a copy thereof, should
be sent to the Connexional Office.
9.60.2 Permission to Occupy All Permissions to Occupy shall be lodged with the Connexional Office for safe keeping in the same way as Title Deeds. Photostat copies of such documents shall be supplied by the Connexional Office and to the Bishop and the Superintendent of the Circuit concerned. Where permission to occupy a manse site is granted in a Minister’s own name, the Minister shall sign an undertaking to vacate any building erected on the site when required to do so by any authorised representative of Conference. Conference resolved, that where it is difficult to obtain written permission to occupy a site, to accept a deed of agreement that may be used in such cases. Copies of this agreement are available from the Connexional Trust Properties Secretary.
9.60.3 Defunct Circuits Wherever a Circuit becomes defunct the District Trust Properties Committee is responsible for re-allocation or disposal of immovable property after all liabilities of such Circuits have been met. Proceeds from the sale of any such property shall be applied at the discretion of the Bishop in consultation with the District Trust Properties Committee. All registers relating to Circuits that cease to exist shall be lodged in the Church Archives.
9.60.4 Vacant Property Local Trust Committees are encouraged not to leave Trust property unused but to consider making such property available to suitable organisations of a welfare or educational nature at a nominal rent on the understanding that such organisations are responsible for maintenance of the buildings and will not use them in a manner that conflicts with the provisions of Laws and Discipline. When property and stands are being purchased in the name of The Methodist Church of Southern Africa and the seller is prepared to accept a guarantee other than a Banker’s, the Connexional Office should be requested to issue such a guarantee for the amount of the loan agreed upon, to the Circuit or Society.
9.60.5 Freehold Mission and Church Sites Where our Church occupies land to which we have full title, we should not surrender our title in exchange for a Certificate of Permission to occupy such land; Where freehold land is held for school and Church purposes, and subdivision of the land is required by the Department, the land on which the school is situated should be donated or sold to the Department, provided that the Department pays all costs involved.
9.60.6 Joint Trust Deed Where any Circuit or Society desires to enter into a Trust agreement with another Denomination or Denominations, a suitable Joint Trust Deed should be entered into. Conference adopted a Model Trust Deed for the establishment of a Methodist-Anglican Trust, copies of which are available from the Secretary of the Department of Ecumenical Affairs. The following essentials are to be embodied in any other Trust Deed: • the body constituted by the Deed should be a Universitas, i.e. a corporate body with an existence independent of its individual members and capable of holding property in its name and of suing and being sued; • the powers necessary for the proper functioning of the Trust should be set out; • equitable representation by all contracting parties should be provided for; • the rules governing meetings of Trustees should be laid down; • provision should be made for division of assets among the contracting parties upon dissolution of the Trust. • the Trust Deed so drafted shall be submitted to the Connexional Trust Properties Secretary who, together with the legal Advisors of the Church or the Secretary of Conference, shall approve it and forward it to the Presiding Bishop for signature. • a copy of any Joint Trust Deed shall be lodged with the custodian of Deeds. Conference endorsed the principle of acquiring full title to all property used for Church purposes.
9.60.7 Property Expenditure Limits No Contract exceeding the limit set from time to time by the Connexional Executive as recorded in the Yearbook without District Trust Properties permission. A Registered Architect, or an approved Building Design Consultant to be appointed where expenditure is between the limits set from time to time by the Connexional Executive as recorded in the Yearbook. A Registered Architect is to be appointed where expenditure exceeds this amount. When Societies wish to owner-build, the permission of the District Trust Properties Committee must be obtained. At least two tenders are required for Schemes in excess of the amount determined from time to time by the Connexional Executive as recorded in the Yearbook. Contractors all Risks and Public Liability Insurance must be arranged for all erections, alterations, additions or renovations to buildings. Organs and other Church furnishings may be undertaken without District Trust Properties Committee approval, provided that no debt is incurred.
9.60.8 Connexional Trust Properties Committee The District Trust Properties Committee of the District in which the Presiding Bishop is located is the Connexional Trust Properties Committee. The Presiding Bishop and the local Bishop are also members of the Committee.
9.60.9 Applications to District Committees District Trust Properties Committees should consider no proposed building/property project unless the approved questionnaire has been completed and forwarded to the District Secretary in good time for the District Trust Properties Committee Meeting. Before granting approval for any building projects, the District Trust Properties Committee must ensure that adequate insurance cover has been arranged with the MCO’s Insurance Brokers. The District Trust Properties Committees is charged with the responsibility of examining the various Circuit General Schedules submitted to the Synods to verify that all Connexional property is adequately insured and, where deficiencies exist, to make appropriate action to secure suitable insurance through the MCO’s Insurance Brokers. The District Trust Properties Committees is charged with the responsibility of ensuring that Circuits implement a plan for the adequate and ongoing maintenance of all Church properties within the Circuits. No Society or Circuit shall engage the services of an Architect without the prior consent of the Secretary of the District Trust Properties Committee.
9.60.10 Buildings in Independent States Circuits in the neighbouring independent States who intend erecting buildings in the name of The Methodist Church of Southern Africa should ensure that they have satisfactory documentation of ownership, by the Church, of the property on which the buildings are to be erected.
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9.60.2 Permission to Occupy All Permissions to Occupy shall be lodged with the Connexional Office for safe keeping in the same way as Title Deeds. Photostat copies of such documents shall be supplied by the Connexional Office and to the Bishop and the Superintendent of the Circuit concerned. Where permission to occupy a manse site is granted in a Minister’s own name, the Minister shall sign an undertaking to vacate any building erected on the site when required to do so by any authorised representative of Conference. Conference resolved, that where it is difficult to obtain written permission to occupy a site, to accept a deed of agreement that may be used in such cases. Copies of this agreement are available from the Connexional Trust Properties Secretary.
9.60.3 Defunct Circuits Wherever a Circuit becomes defunct the District Trust Properties Committee is responsible for re-allocation or disposal of immovable property after all liabilities of such Circuits have been met. Proceeds from the sale of any such property shall be applied at the discretion of the Bishop in consultation with the District Trust Properties Committee. All registers relating to Circuits that cease to exist shall be lodged in the Church Archives.
9.60.4 Vacant Property Local Trust Committees are encouraged not to leave Trust property unused but to consider making such property available to suitable organisations of a welfare or educational nature at a nominal rent on the understanding that such organisations are responsible for maintenance of the buildings and will not use them in a manner that conflicts with the provisions of Laws and Discipline. When property and stands are being purchased in the name of The Methodist Church of Southern Africa and the seller is prepared to accept a guarantee other than a Banker’s, the Connexional Office should be requested to issue such a guarantee for the amount of the loan agreed upon, to the Circuit or Society.
9.60.5 Freehold Mission and Church Sites Where our Church occupies land to which we have full title, we should not surrender our title in exchange for a Certificate of Permission to occupy such land; Where freehold land is held for school and Church purposes, and subdivision of the land is required by the Department, the land on which the school is situated should be donated or sold to the Department, provided that the Department pays all costs involved.
9.60.6 Joint Trust Deed Where any Circuit or Society desires to enter into a Trust agreement with another Denomination or Denominations, a suitable Joint Trust Deed should be entered into. Conference adopted a Model Trust Deed for the establishment of a Methodist-Anglican Trust, copies of which are available from the Secretary of the Department of Ecumenical Affairs. The following essentials are to be embodied in any other Trust Deed: • the body constituted by the Deed should be a Universitas, i.e. a corporate body with an existence independent of its individual members and capable of holding property in its name and of suing and being sued; • the powers necessary for the proper functioning of the Trust should be set out; • equitable representation by all contracting parties should be provided for; • the rules governing meetings of Trustees should be laid down; • provision should be made for division of assets among the contracting parties upon dissolution of the Trust. • the Trust Deed so drafted shall be submitted to the Connexional Trust Properties Secretary who, together with the legal Advisors of the Church or the Secretary of Conference, shall approve it and forward it to the Presiding Bishop for signature. • a copy of any Joint Trust Deed shall be lodged with the custodian of Deeds. Conference endorsed the principle of acquiring full title to all property used for Church purposes.
9.60.7 Property Expenditure Limits No Contract exceeding the limit set from time to time by the Connexional Executive as recorded in the Yearbook without District Trust Properties permission. A Registered Architect, or an approved Building Design Consultant to be appointed where expenditure is between the limits set from time to time by the Connexional Executive as recorded in the Yearbook. A Registered Architect is to be appointed where expenditure exceeds this amount. When Societies wish to owner-build, the permission of the District Trust Properties Committee must be obtained. At least two tenders are required for Schemes in excess of the amount determined from time to time by the Connexional Executive as recorded in the Yearbook. Contractors all Risks and Public Liability Insurance must be arranged for all erections, alterations, additions or renovations to buildings. Organs and other Church furnishings may be undertaken without District Trust Properties Committee approval, provided that no debt is incurred.
9.60.8 Connexional Trust Properties Committee The District Trust Properties Committee of the District in which the Presiding Bishop is located is the Connexional Trust Properties Committee. The Presiding Bishop and the local Bishop are also members of the Committee.
9.60.9 Applications to District Committees District Trust Properties Committees should consider no proposed building/property project unless the approved questionnaire has been completed and forwarded to the District Secretary in good time for the District Trust Properties Committee Meeting. Before granting approval for any building projects, the District Trust Properties Committee must ensure that adequate insurance cover has been arranged with the MCO’s Insurance Brokers. The District Trust Properties Committees is charged with the responsibility of examining the various Circuit General Schedules submitted to the Synods to verify that all Connexional property is adequately insured and, where deficiencies exist, to make appropriate action to secure suitable insurance through the MCO’s Insurance Brokers. The District Trust Properties Committees is charged with the responsibility of ensuring that Circuits implement a plan for the adequate and ongoing maintenance of all Church properties within the Circuits. No Society or Circuit shall engage the services of an Architect without the prior consent of the Secretary of the District Trust Properties Committee.
9.60.10 Buildings in Independent States Circuits in the neighbouring independent States who intend erecting buildings in the name of The Methodist Church of Southern Africa should ensure that they have satisfactory documentation of ownership, by the Church, of the property on which the buildings are to be erected.