METHODIST FREE CHURCH SABBATH SCHOOL.

Auckland Star, Volume V, Issue 1393, 29 July 1874, Page 2

METHODIST FREE CHURCH SABBATH SCHOOL.

The second anniversary tea-meeting of the above cause, took place last evening at the school-room, Vincont-street. Long before the time for opening crowds of persona had gathered, and as the door was swung open a regular rush took place to socure seats. It was a most gorgeous affair. Sixteen tables were laden—even to extravagance—with the choicest possible eatables that could tempt the taste. The room was beautifully decorated with evergreens, tastefully arranged, and hung around with the mottoes of the school. About 500 persons partook of tea at three or four sittings. As soou as tea was over the crowd gathered into the Church adjoining, where the public meeting was held. The Rev G. H. Turner, poslor loci, occupied the chair. Ho said it was gratifying to ace so much sympathy expressed towards their Sabbath-school and to the church as was shown that evening by the large audience assembled Faends he saw from almost every church. Since they commenced the school, the friends had shown much sympathy and had helped them greatly. Twelve months had passed away since last they met upon a similar occasion. They had during that time much uphill work. There had been changes, trials and triumphs. They had joys and sorrows, but still he thanked God and took courage for the future. The annual repoit was road by the secretary, Mr Trigg, and was of a most encouraging character. It showed average attendance of children 79 ; teachers on the books 25; books in the library 105 ; receipts during the year £107 13s lOd ; expenditure, £116 10s lljleaving a debit balance of £93s Id. Mr Battley took for his subject " Success," and in a few minutes took his audience over the whole field of missionary effort, shewing by iigures the success that had attended Christian labois in the past year. Mr E. Wood chose as his theme the "Sabbathschool teacher," and pointed to teachers their various work 3 and appealed to them to go on yet further to greater eiForb. Messrs Elliott, Parker, Hcuiub, and Martin gave speeches, but we give the palm to Mr Martin, who assuredly shewed himself able to express thoughts which would be retained in the memory of his hearers, and would become food for future study. The traya were given by Mrs Turner, Mrs Kaine, Mr K. Tudehope, Mr A. Tudehope, Mrs Trigg, the senior class of girls belonging to the school, Mrs Geo. Honms, and two by Mrs C. Major. The affair was a great success in every point of view. The meeting closed in the usual way.