PITT-STREET WESLEYAN CHURCH.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIV, Issue 254, 26 October 1893, Page 3

PITT-STREET WESLEYAN CHURCH.

ANNIVERSARY SOIREE AND PUBLIC MEETING. The anniversary soiree and public meeting in connection with the Pitt-street Wesleyan Church ws held last evening. Tea was served in the school-room at half-past six, aboub 250 partaking of the good things provided. The tables were presided over by Mes James Prior, W. S. Wilson, G. Winstone, Ambury, Purdy, Craig, Jones, W. Winstone, Peak, Harris, Crowe, Gilbert, Hosking, Misses Phillips (2), Caley, Parkinson and Doughty. The public meeting was held in the Church, the Rev. W. Lee (Chairman of the district) presiding. The Revs. S. F. Prior (pastor of the church), C. H. Laws, S. J. Serpellj and Messrs W. Shepherd Allen (of Te Aroha), occupied seats in the pulpit. Mr J. Purdy (Secretary)', read: the annual report. This commenced by referring to the departure of the Rev. J. Berry for South Australia, and.the appointment of the Rev. S. F. Prior, of Adelaide. Mr Prior by hia energy and ability had justified the confidence the Church had placed in him by giving him the invitation. Reference was also made to the departure of the Rev. W. Morley for Chriatchurch, and the 'appointment of the Rev. W. J. Williams as hi 3 successor, a preacher of ability, whoso services had been willingly given. There waa a generally increased interesb in all departments of the Church work, notably Wednesday evening services, Christian.Endeavour and society '. classes. The attendance ab the Sunday evening special prayer meeting was most encouraging. The- Sunday-school afetend- : ance was larger than former years. There were 442 scholars on the rolla, and a staff of 44 teachers. The Literary Society had a roll membership of 100; and Mothers' Meeting 28. This latter society, by gifts of clothing and other necessaries, has ralieved many in sickness and distress. The amount derived from seat rents during the year was £169, while the trust collections amounted to £183, which, with rent of Wesley Hall and sundries, made a total trust revenue of £400. The trustees have in view a scheme, which it is hoped will materially reduce,,if nob extinguish, the present church mortgage debt of £1,400. Mr G. Winsbone (Treasurer) read the balance-sheet. This showed total receipts to be £418 Is Bd, and after defraying charges left a balance of £19 13s 2d, After Mr Benton had rendered the eolo, "For Ever With the Lord," the Rev. S. F. Prior gave his pastor's report, dealing with various Church mabters. Mr W. Shepherd Allen and the Rev. S. J. Serpell gave capital addresses, while a strong choir, under Mr J. G. Culpan, rendered anthems and the chorus from "Creation." At the close, a vote of thanks was passed to all who had made the gathering n success.