CHURCH MEETINGS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 289, 6 December 1930, Page 23

CHURCH MEETINGS.

r ; . MOUNT EDEN PRESBYTERIANS. ' In recognition of his 14 years' service as envelope sacretary of the Mount Eden Presbyterian Church, Mr. B. Robertson •was presented with a specially bound hymn hook at the annual meeting of the congregation on Thursday by the Bev. W. J. Comrie, who presided over a largo gathering. Speaking to the annual report, the session clerk, Mr J. B. Ramsay, said that all the organisations of tho church were in a flourishing condition and had made greater progress during the past year than ever before. The treasurer, Mr. W. Drummond, referring to the annual report and 'balance sheet, said that, although the past year might appear to have been an uneventful one, much work lad been accomplished. The interim moderator expressed his appreciation of the way the congregation had rallied round and assisted the session during the illness of tha minister, the Rev. L. H. Hunt. Ho stressed the importance of the church keeping iu view the possibility of extension work in the direction of Mount Roskill, and hoped that the coming year would see the establishment of a branch Sunday school in that district. The chairman of tlie finance committee, Mr. J. A. Sherriff, addressed the meeting oil the financial prospects for the coming year. The committee, he said, was likely to recommend the institution of the duplex system of giving in the- New Year. The following members of the board of managers who retired by rotation were re-elected for a further term: Messrs. .C. M. Brash, J. B. Ramsay, jun., p. Boyce, R. D. Cowie, and N. Anderson. The following iiew members were elected to the board: Mesdames S. Palls, J. W. Poyntbn, and E. Simpson, and Messrs." T. P. Bovaird, F. C. Lopdell, and H. Randall. This is the first time in the history of the Mount Eden Church that, a woman has been elected to the hoard. Mr. E. M. Edgar, A.P.A. (N.Z.), was re-elected auditor. ' Musical items were given by the choir, and Misses Halliday and Hamilton, and. the meeting closed with supper -dispensed by the members of the ladies' guild.

ST. ANDREW'S, DARGAVILLE. At the annual meeting of the congregation of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Dargaville, the Rev. N. 0. Wood, in a general survey of the year's work, said the member ship had increased from oo to 94. The area of the district had ibeen reduced considerably, and'it was hoped the eleven preaching places now attached to Dargaville would have regular services. Mr. Wood said his duties as minister had been materially increased by the introduction of Bible lessons into the schools at Dargaville and Aoroa, but as a Church +liey were glad to have a part in this work, which seemed to be appreciated by parents and children alike. The session report acknowledged with thanks the many services rendered by Messrs. T. Martindale, H. W. Page, R. Page and J. Webster, all of whom have filled the pulpit most acceptably in the absence of the minister. Reference was also made to the work of Mrs. H. T. Wraith, Messrs. H. Mavvson and M. Munn in the Sunday School, Mrs. H. Smith and Mr. H. Mawson, organists, and H. Roscveare,'choirmaster. Mr. Alex. Jordan was elected an eldei and the following were, elected a committee: Messrs. D. W. Rae, G. Nicol, H. Roscveare, B. Berry, H. Mawson, J. W. Main, W. L. Grinlington, W. A. Beattie and C. Holm; auditor,, Mr. Alex. Barlaes. A special vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. W. Maitin. MOUNT ALBERT METHODISTS. . The Rev. A. Mcßean presided at the aiinual meeting of the Methodist Churc i at Mount Albert on Wednesday. In tlie report submitted a tribute was paid to the good work done by Mr. Mcßean his arrival in April. The work of the ladies' guild had been largely responsible for bringing about a most satisfactory financial position. _ Less than three years ago the building was enlarged and renovated at a cost of approximately £3300, but by the beginning of 1930 the debt was reduced to £400, all of which had since been paid off. Membership had increased by 25, and it was hoped before 16ng to install a.pipe organ. Reference was made to the services of the choir under Mr. S. Dimery, •also to,.the work'of Miss Brooks in floral decorations. , . ST. ANDREW'S, HENDERSON. At the annual meeting of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Henderson, the managers elected for the ensuing year were Mrs. Fenny, Miss Duncan, Messrs. Spencer, Macleod, Fordyce, Pollock, Duncan and Coop. The report stated that during the past three and a half years the Ladies Guild had raised £703. Instead of a sale of work this, year an appeal was made for direct donations, with the result that £140 17/6 was given. Reference was made 'by several speakers to the faithful work done, by the Rev. o. E. Perkins, ably assisted by his wife. AVONDALE PRESBYTERIANS. A social was tendered on Wednesday evening.by the ladies' guild oftheAwndale Presbyterian Church to all who had helped during the year. A large gathering taxed the capacity of the hall, and an enjoyable time was spent. Items were rendered by Mesdames Black, i assiek, and Wilson, and Misses Clough, L. ' Wilson, and Cooper. Mrs./ Whale and ; Miss Houghton played the accompani- : ments. An honoured guest of the evening was Mrs. L. Coutanche. Her long connection with and service to the church were stressed by the minister in calling dn Mrs. Heron, sen., to make to Mrs. Coutanche a presentation with a. covering letter from the congregation. Mrs. Coutanche made a happy reply, and was accorded musical honours. DEVONPORT PRESBYTERIANS. The annual meeting of the Devonpoit Presbyterian Church on Thursday was well attended. It was reported that notwithstanding losses through removal and death of members, the roll stood at 257, no fewer than 44 new names being added during the twelve months. The gross revenue amounted to £1428, there having been an increase on the "weekly offertory; The debt on the : church buildings had been reduced by ! £363, and the amount donated for missions was £223. The Sunday school, under the superintendency of Mr. 1. Macky, had 178 scholars, the increase for the year being 36, while another 30 had been added to the roll of the Stanley Bay branch school. The income of the Sunday school totalled £89, and foi the Bible classes, £51. Special reference was made in. the report to the faithful labours of the Rev. W. Lawson Marsh and Mrs. Marsh. The following were elected to the board of managers:—Messrs. A. Watson, G. Falla, J. F. O. Buchanan, G. S. Goudie, [A. Cowie and W. Lawrie.