ST. PAUL'S CHURCH.

Press, Volume LI, Issue 8740, 12 March 1894, Page 5

ST. PAUL'S CHURCH.

The annual congregational meeting of this church waa held this year on Wednesday evening, March 7th, the Rev. Dr. ElmsUe, the pastor, presiding. After the opening services the Chairman stated that, in lieu of the usual report from the Session, there would on this occasion be "a word from the Minister," which next Sunday would be given to the people in type. He then read the names of tho following gentlemen elected to sit on the Financial Committee in the room of those retiring, namely .—Messrs Geo. Callender, J. P. Richardson, P. Hyndman, VV. Barr, A. Burnet, R. Buchanan, N. Hyalop, Geo. Gillies, W. Robinson, H. Thomson and Jas. Inkster. The report from the .Young People's Bible , Study and Christian Fellowship Association was then called for, and given ,in by Mr I James Mitchell, who aiso, in the absence of Mr Dagger, read the report from the Young People's Society of Christian Endeavour. Dr. Elmslie remarked that the most cheering part of his work in St. Paul's Church fot several years had been among these young people. These reports, on tho motion of Mr Mitchell, seconded by Mr Duncan, were unanimously adopted. ' The report from the Sunday School Teachers'" Association was then read by Mr Mcßae, who, on moving its adoption, ably urged the claims of the Sunday schools upon the prayers and liberality of the congregation. The motion was seconded by Mr Tatt, and cordially adopted. The Chairman then called for the Financial Committee's report, which was given in by the Treasurer, Mr Geo. Callender, who very clearly presented to the meeting the financial position of the congregation as, on the whole, more satisfactory than usual. He moved the adoption of the report, which motion was seconded by Mr W. Henderson, supported by Mr Chrystall and others, and earned unanimously. It wis pointed out that in addition to the ordinary liabilities, they had within a comparatively brief period of time reduced the congregational debt by about £900. From the pastoral address referred to above we gather that there are now 1100 persons connected more or less closely with this congregation. And glancing at the several reports, we notice that in the oversight of these the minister has associated with aim 15 elders; that the financial affairs of the church are in the hands of a Committee of 20 ; that the choir numbers 45 voices, under the leadership of Mr Davis Hunt, and that the Sunday schools enjoy the services of 48 teachers. From the Treasurer's report it appears that the money passing through his hands during the year amounts to £1598 14s 4d, and although this includes a small floating debt, still there was a slight balance on the right side after meeting the current expenses for the year. At the close of the meeting, the Chairman expressed his indebtedness to all his office-bearers and fellow-workers iv their field of labour. He made special mention of the Financial Committee and the Treasurer, speaking gratefully of their devotion to so. important and difficult a work, and expressing his satisfaction at the success which in these hard times had attended their efforts. A very harmonious meeting was then brought to a close by the singing of the 122 nd Psalm and the offering .uo of prayer for the. continuance of the Divxue favour.