MOMENTOUS YEAR

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 65, Issue 268, 23 August 1945, Page 3

MOMENTOUS YEAR

ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH. REPORTS TO CONGREGATION. The past, year lias boon a momentous one in the history of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church,, stated the report presented by'the Board of Managers at the 71st annual congregational meeting in the hall last evening. The Wakanui and St. Andrew’s charges had been amalgamated, and services had been inaugurated at Ashburton East and Allenton. The whole charge was now known as the Ashburton Charge. The extension of work bad made it necessary for a further minister to be obtained. The church was most fortunate in obtaining the services of the Rev. D. M. Steedman, M.A., 8.D., of Dunedin, who was ordained and inducted by the Presbytery last January. In Asnburton East, the Hampstead Hall was made available at a reasonable charge for all church meetings. Plans were beingconsidered to erect a hall in that. area. In Allenton, the Gospell Hail had ITeen made available free of charge by Mr E. H. Orr from February to June 17, since when the Allenton congregation had joined with St. Andrew’s tor the evening Service, ’bus transport being provided ijy the church. Extension Work. The report continued that, after protracted negotiations, a building at Westerfieki Camp was purchased from the War Assets Realisation Board, when the purchase of suitable sections has been completed steps would be taken to erect a hall as soon as possible. Mr W. Thomas was generously acting as architect for the church, and had prepared plans and specifications, which had been approved by the managers and the Presoytery. A building fund had been set up in the Allenton congregation, and so far the sum of £52l 14s had been contributed by the people of that district. A grant of £l5O had been received from the Assembly Commission on new housing areas. All this extension work was naturally involving the Charge in considerable financial obligations. It was estimated that when the Allenton Hall was completed there would be a debt on it ol approximately £BSO. Building in Ashburton East would result in a debt being incurrecl there also, while further expenditure would be required in connection with the removal of the manse from Wakanui, should that iprove to be necessary. The Board was of the opinion that while it must be prepared for a considerable increase in the church's indebtedness for some years to come, every care must be given to the financial side of the work. vVhat was contemplated was well within the power of the Charge to manage, and given loyal support of the congregations, would soon prove its worth. Report of the Session. The report of the Session Clerk T. E. Watt) stated that although the attendances at Communion iiad shown an increase, a large number of communicant members were neglecting this means of grace. The quarterly Communion sermons were attended, morning and evening, as follows: September 255, 72 —327 ; December, 273. 62—335; March, 196 (Ashburton East 58, Wakanui 15), 47 (Allenton 62) — 378; June, 206 (Ashburton East 47, Wakanui 20), 52 (Allenton 64)—389. The number of communicant members at the beginning of the year was 530. New members added during the year numbered 55 (24 by certificate, 26 by profession of faith, five from reserve roll). Names removed from the roll totalled 39 (transfer 30, by death seven, and to reserve roll two). With the addition of 25 members at Wakanui the membership now stands at 571, with 43 on the reserve roll. The ministers officiated at ,45 baptisms, 31 weddings and 35 funerals. Services at P.W.D. Camp. The organising of Sunday School and Sunday evening services at the Mitcham road Public Works Department Camp was mentioned by Sister Mavis Patterson (Deaconess) in her report. As a result of a visit made at the Hospital the camp was visited and arrangements made. About 10 children attend the Sunday School* iVliss Eouie 'Mercer, a student Deaconess at the Women’s Training Institute, had relieved while Sister Mavis was on holiday. This was the first experiment of its kind in New Zealand, and proved most successful. Brief reports were presented dealing with the activities of the following; Allenton and Ashburton East Women’s Fellowships and Ashbm'ton Men’s Fellowship, Wakanui Presbyterian Ladies’ Guild St. Andrew’s, Allenton, Ashburton East,.and Wakanui Presbyterian Women’s Missionary Unions, St. Andrew’s and Wakanui Girls’ Auxiliaries, St. Andrew’s Junior and Senidr Young Men’s Bible Classes and St. Andrew’s Senior, Intermediate and Junior Young Women’s Bible Class and Wakanui Bible Class, Sunday Schools, intermediate, junior, primary and beginners’ departments, Young Worshippers’ League, Boys' Brigade, Life Boys’ Team, Girls’ Life Brigade, Choir and Cradle Roll. These reports weye spoken to by members of tire Session and the congregation, all expressing, satisfaction at the excellent progress revealed. The financial statement showed that the year opened with a credit of £4B and closed with one of £ll9. The total expenditure for the year was £3194, and receipts totalled £3313. On behalf of the congregation Mr G. A. Gilchrist thanked all who had worked during the year for the benefit of the church. Particular reference was made to the harmonious co-operation of the Revs. J. S. Murray and M. f). Steedman and Sister Mavis. A special tribute was paid' to the work of Sister Mavis. Mr Gilchrist made reference to the passing of Mr L. Watt, who was for many years conductor of the choir.