TERRACE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 191, 8 May 1924, Page 8

TERRACE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

EIGHTY-SECOND ANNIVERSARY. The eighty-second annual meeting of The Terraco Congregational Church was held in the church schoolroom on Tuesday evening, Mr. F. Meadowcroft being in the chair. The reports of tho lion, secretary, Mr. C. R. Lankshear, and the hon. treasurer, Mr. P. T. Smither, disclosed a very satisfactory position as regarded church progress and finance, the year ending with much good work accomplished and. a bright prospect ns to the future. Other speakers were the Rev. W. M. Holland, 8.A., B.D-, of the Cambridge Terrace Congregational Church; and the Rev. C. Hawke, of Trinity Church, Lower Hutt; and messages of congratulation and good-will were received from the Rev. F. de Lisle, of the Newtown Church, and the Rev. W. Greenslade. of tho Thorndon Methodist Church. The chairman, in kindly terms, expressed the good wishes of members of the Church to Mrs. and Miss Glasson, who are shortly leaving Wellington to reside in Adelaide.

Mr. J. M. A. Hott spoke of the helpful influence of the presence of boys and girls of the Young Worshippers' League at morning services, and expressed the hope that the numbers would in future still further increase. The choirmaster, Mr. L. Barnes, spoke of the loyal support given by choir members, and said that, with a continuance of that ready assistance, a very fine choir w’Ould, no doubt, be built up within a few months. The annual report, referring to the death of the Rev. J. Reed Glasson, said: The year just closet! has been a menioiable one in the history of the church; the hand of death has touched us very closely. In the passing of our late pastor, there has been removed from our midst one who has for nearly thirty years been closely identified with oui church and also with the denomination in New Zealand.

The Pastoral Selection Committee, acting upon instructions from the church, the report also slated, was opening up communications with the Congregational authorities in Great Britain and Australia with the view of securing the best .possible man to fill the pastorate. At the beginning of the year (he church membership stood at 128 meinbers, nt the close 132 members—a gain of. four. The church building had received a very thorough inspection and overhaul. The expert who surveyed the building reported that the framework was in a very satisfactory- condition Tho buildings are .now in ‘ good order, and will not need much in tho way of repairs for another ten years. The Sunday school, under the supenntendantshlp of Mr. Mill, had maintained its standard of efficiency. Tn -Inly a branch of tho New Zealand Young People’s Congregalionnal Association was formed, and ns time goes on the committee hoped to see the work among the young people extended. A troop >f R n v Scouts will shortly bo established, and friends will be asked to give the movement their support. Regular meetings of the Women’s Club were held throughout the year and the attendance of members was very satisfactory. Successful efforts were made to raise the sum of £lOO towards the renovation fund. Altogether the past year had been one of the must successful in the history- of the club. Owing to the retirement of Mrs. and Miss Wasson, It had been necessary to elect now officers, Mrs. Quinton being elected president. Miss Aldovs treasurer, and Mrs. E. J. Archibald, secretary.