NEWTON CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH SOIREE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIV, Issue 173, 22 July 1903, Page 3

NEWTON CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH SOIREE.

The annual soiree in connection with the Newton Congregational Church, Edinburgh-street, was held in the church last evening, when there was a large attendance. At half-past six tea was provided in the upper room, and later in the evening the annual meeting was held in the church proper. Mr J. Ellyett presided. The deacons' annual report, read by the secretary, Mr P. Rowe, stated that the past year had been one of changes, with a full share of difficulties, but they must acknowledge many a ray of sunshine. Reference was made to the resignation of the Rev. G. W. Barrett, and the hope was expressed that in his new sphere he would continue to prosper. Lengthy reference was also made to the departure of Mr and Mrs Wood, who had been connected with the church from the beginning, and who had done a great deal of work in eonnectiou,«w-ith the Successful harvest festival and Easter services were held during the year. The Ladies' Sewing Circle, assisted by the young ladies of the church and school, had held a successful sale of work, and £50 was netted, which was devoted to the reduction of the mortgages of the cottage adjoining the church. The balance now owing amounted to £25, and this the ladies hoped to pay off from the proceeds of another sale to be held shortly, and whatever balance is left over will be davoted to church improvements. The .Band of Hope, under Mr John Rowe, had been very successful in its operations, and the monthly meetings were much appreciated. The Sunday-school was still being conducted by Mr Wood. In this department there was a lack of earnest teachers, and there was a smaller number of pupils on that account. An appeal for more teachers was made. The choir, under the conductorship of Mr W. E. Baxter, were to be congratulated on their devotion to duty. The average attendance at morning services was 15, and evening 24. Since the beginning of the year the church had been without the services of a pastor, and the services we're conducted by ministerial and lay supplies. The workings of the past year were most encouraging. The church had been established some 40 years, and there was no reason for despondency as regards the future. The treasurers statement of accounts showed the total receipts to be £100 16/1, and the expenditure £188 10/1. leaving- a credit balance of £4 6/. The collections amounted to £155 13/4, and subscriptions to the choir fund totalled £15 12/6. .The pastor's fees amounted to £91. Addresses were given by the Revs. TV. S. Potter and C. H. Garland. Vocal items were contributed by the Misses Taylor, N. Campbell, and the choir. Mn>-i<> was supplied by the church orche^r-.