Milton Methodist Church.

Bruce Herald, Volume LI, Issue 68, 2 September 1915, Page 5

Milton Methodist Church.

! ANNIVERSARY SOCIAL. Milton Methodist Church was crowded on Monday evening, on the occasion of the anniversary social. Despite the rough weather the people wore present from the country in large numbers. Rev. A. Hopper occupied .the chair, and proceedings were opened with prayer. Rev. Mr James (Baiclutha) complimented the church on the occasion of its anniversary. He was also pleased to hear that- the church had had such a successful year, and hoped they would have a more successful one this year. He (the speaker) made reference to the incident circulated in the papers throughout New Zealand re the angels appearing in front of the trenches at the retreat from Mons. When the enemy's cavalry was charging at full speed angels arose in front of the trench, and the enemy's lioises bolted in fright. The truth of this is doubted by some, but he (Mr James) assured them that it is possible, as it had happened on other occasions during tne war. Mr \Y. H. Hitchon, treasurer, commented on the various items in the balance-sheet, which disclosed a very satisfactory financial position. The church general account showed a credit balance of £7, and the new church building fund credit balance had increased to £3OO during the past months. The principal items in tiie receipts were £;45 for the annual gift auction, and £7O nett from the Christmas, tree. The Sunday School account also showed a credit balance of £8 lis 4d. He had undertaken a personal canvass to raise twenty £5 notes for the building iund; in the meantime he had been unable to complete the canvass, but had secured ten "livers." (Applause). The treasurer was accorded a hearty vote of thanks on motion of Rev. Hopper. Mr Thomson, Circuit Steward, spoke of the satisfactory position of tne church financially, increased attendance, and membership. He also stated that if the membership and attendance increased much more they would be compelled to build. Reference was also made to the manner in wnicn the attendance iiad increased during the past five months, and he complimented Rev. Mr Hopper the able way he had carried out "his ministrations in their midst. The Mayor (Mr C. King) said he was an ex-office-bearer in that church and he had noticed the decided difference in the membership and increased interest taken in church matters. He also spoke of the great success of the recent special services. Rev. Mr Orr spoke of the able way in which Mr Hopper had discharged his duties, and the church was fortunate in seouring that gentleman as their minister. Mr Orr referred to the neglect of home prayer, The home altars were almost a thing of u the past, and the children of the present generation preferred to tilk the topics of the day, rather than Christian religion or read the Bible. Thus the children were men and women in their own ideas before they were out of their infancy. Rev. Mr Keen (Lawrence) said it gave him great pleascure to be pre • sent at the anniversary, and to see t he hearty spirit that prevailed during the evening. He complimented the church on the success that they had had during the last year, and trused they would bo even more prosperous this year. Rev. Mr Hopper thanked the officebearers of the church for the energetic and helpful manner they had rulfilled their duties during the year. The rev. gentleman also spoke of the success that had attended their week-night meetings since their inauguration. He tliankta the choir for the manner in which it had responded to the worthy uccasion. The following concert _ programme was submitted at intervals during the evening:—Song, Rev. Mr James; musical monologue, Miss Facey; vocal duet, Misses M'Donald and Clyde; song, Miss I. King; song, Mrs Gregory; song, Mr C. King; vocal duet, Captain and Mrs Whitley; song, Mrs James and an anthem by the choir. The. accompaniments wero played by Misses Marshall and King. Supper was provided by the ladies of the congregation, and the refreshing cups of tea and edibles were done full justice to. Mr Woodliiil boiled the "Billy." After supper had been disposed of, the Benediction was pronouuced, and brought an enjoyable evening to a close,