WAIHI PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11619, 5 April 1901, Page 3

WAIHI PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

The annual meeting of the members and congregation of the Waihi Presbyterian Church was held on April 2 in the church, the' Rev. J. J. Bates presiding. The secretary (Mr. J. E. Slavin) read a report of the past year's work, which had been very successful, both as regards increase of church members and finances. During the year services were hold regularly twice every Sabbath at Waihi, once a fortnight at Aongateto" and Katikati, and once a month at Waikino, Waitekauri, and Golden Cross. The Waihi Church has recently been considerably enlarged, the present seating capacity being sufficient to accommodate 250 adults. A new church had been built at Waitekauri, chiefly through the zealous efforts of Mrs. Gordon and Mr. Butcher. Death had taken eight from the Waihi .congregation during the past 12 months. Twenty-three infants had been baptised, and eight couples married. The old debt of £50 on the church organ had been cleared off. The Sundayschool, under the superintendence of Mr. F. Bright and his staff of eight teachers had made very satisfactory progress. The church choir, under the leadership of Mr. T. Gardner, and Miss Arnabaldi's capable services as organist, is now second to none in Waihi. A suitable section of land has been purchased as a manse site, and it is earnestly hoped that the erection of the manse itself will soon be an accomplished fact. The minister's stipend has been paid regularly at the end of each quarter, but it was thought advisable to introduce forthwith the envolope system for collecting in this connection. The secretary's report was unanimously adopted. Mr. J. Nicholson, the church treasurer, reported that he had not quite completed the balancesheet, but when finished and duly audited it would be printed and circulated as usual. Ho might tell them, however, that although they had recourse to an overdraft at the bank, they had not yet made use of it, and with good management they would bo practically free from debt very shortly. The llcv. J. J. Bates explained the working of the envelope system, and after some discussion it was resolved to adopt the same. It was decided to enlarge the choir platform, and effect other needed improvements. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year:—Secretary,- Mr. J. E. Slavin: treasurer, Mr. J. Nicholson; auditors, -Messrs. F. Bright and J. Henderson ; committee—for Waihi, Messrs. J. E. Slavin, D. Mcßae, T. Gardner, J. Nicholson, F. Bright, W. Wells, J. McGregor, J. Livesey, W. Darby, H. Cowan, J. Mairs, Johnston, and Ross; Waikino, Messrs. Kennedy and Davis; Waitekauri, Messrs. Butcher, Coburn, and Campbell: Golden Cross, Mr. McNaughtoh. The meeting concluded with the Benediction, pronounced by the Rev. J. J. Bates. A social was held in the Presbyterian Church at the conclusion of the annual meeting on Tuesday night, April 2. Mossrs. P. McGregor and Miss C. Hands, assisted by the ladies of the congregation, were responsible for the refreshment department, which gave evident satisfaction. The Rev. J. J. Bates occupied* the chair, and gave out the several items on the. programme, as follows: —Anthem, church choir; solo, " Eileen Allannah." Miss Lockington; "Sons of Britannia," Master' Gardner; solo and,chorus, with banjo accompaniment, "I'm Going Back to Dixie," Mr. G. Morgan, assisted by members of the choir; anthem, church choir ; duet, Misses Lockington and Hands; recitation, "The Last Chance," Miss Chester; solo, "Little Black Me," Miss Dollie Gardner. ,' Each of the performers gave satisfaction, judging from the hearty applause ,ac corded by the audience. Games for the youngsters were entered into with great spirit, some of the elders taking part with evident relish.— Corresuondent.l ...