ST. MICHAEL'S, KELBURN

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 118, 21 May 1928, Page 4

ST. MICHAEL'S, KELBURN

There was an attendance of about forty parishioners at the annual church meeting of St. Michael's and All Angels, Kelburn. In his address the Rev. G. F. Petrie stated that the past year had been a very encouraging one, and there were signs in many directions of a -quickened interest in'the welfare of the church. The attendance at the three Sunday services all showed a considerable increase, particularly at the forenoon service, which averaged about twenty more throughout the year. . At the dedication'festival in October, a beautiful stained glass window, representing the patron saint, St. Michael, was unveiled and dedicated. The window was the gift of the Sunday school children, who nad by their own efforts contributed the whole cost. Increased interest in the mission -work of the church was shown by tho fact that the parish had contributed over £100 during the year to tho support of the co-ordinated missions of the Anglican Board of Missions, and had thus become a "century", parish. Much of the credit of this was due to the very largo amount raised by the Sunday school children. The offertories, both for general and special purposes, showed a considerable increase, those for general purposes being nearly £60 higher than in any previous year. Expenses had increased, however, and for the- efficient maintenance of the church services even greater self-denial was necessary. Owing to various donations to the Sustentation Fund not being in hand by the close of the financial year, the overdraft at the bank showed an increase, and it was resolved to make a special effort to clear this off. The Vicar exhorted all parishioners to adopt the envelope system, which was now recognised as providing the best method of dealing with church finance. A motion was "carried unanimously, urging parishioners to become members o£ this system of giving. The various organisations connected with the church were all reported to be in a flourishing condition, and votes of thanks were passed to all workers. The usual good work had been carried out by the members of the Ladies' Guild, the bazaar having realised a sum of £132, and jumble sale £53. The debt on the church had been further reduced by £200. A substantial and ornamental fence had been erected round the grounds on the south side of the church. Support was asked for the diocesan journal, the "Church Chronicle," and for the Sunday School Association, and an appeal was made for additional members for the choir, and for teachers for the Sunday school. . Church officers were elected as follow: Vicar's warden, Mr. K. IT. Webb; people's warden, Mr. H. E. Evans; vestry, Messrs. G. Bell, G-. C. Edwards, T. Compton, T. R. Lawson, E. .T. Parr, A. Cook, F. E. Wright, E. S. Pilclier, H. C. Gibbons, and H. M. Bannister; honorary auditor, Mi-. .7. L. Griffin.