ST. ANDREW'S CHURCH.

Evening Post, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 30, 4 August 1909, Page 2

ST. ANDREW'S CHURCH.

THE ANNUAL REPORT. The annual session report, to be laid before the congregation of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church to-night, states that the year just closed has been marked by several special events which distinguish it from its. predecessors. During the earlier months a certain degree of stir was caused by the proceedings taken in the Church Courts in connection with a theological work published by the pastor, but with the decision of the General Assembly in November, this period of unsettlemenfc came to an end. Reference is made to the loss sustained by the deaths of Messrs. James Barry and Robert Letham, Mesdames Burnett, W. Letham, Mouaf, and Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Henry. Through Kelburne being made a sanctioned charge the session lost Mr. J. P. Campbell and the Rev. W. J. Comrie, and several members and adherents and twenty children were also transferred. The number now on the Communion roll is 236. The attendances at Communion wero as follow: — 1908, September 144, December 113; 1909, March 128, June 128. The minister officiated at 18 baptisms, 30 marriages, and 14 funerals. He has also acted during parts of the year as Moderator of St. John's Session, Moderator of Kelburne, Moderator of Wadestown, Moderator of Wellington Presbytery, and President of the Wellington Minister's Association. Wadestown has now been disjoined fiom Onslow congregation, and been constituted a mission station under the supervision of St. Andrew's Session. Tho work in that district is being well carried on by Mr. Rutledge, Home Missionary. The week-night service has been regularly held throughout the year, but only a very small proportion of the congregation is in the habit of attending regularly. The Board of Managers, in its annual report, states that of the £2SOO from tho sale of the farm at Turakina £2000 has been invested, and the balance devoted to tho liquidation of the cost- of the new Sabbath School. The annual income available from the investment is £125, a& against tho rent (£7B) previously received from the farm. The board thanks Mr. J. C. M'Kerrow for his services in successfully carrying through tho various transactions in that connection. Owing to the advantageous position in which it was thus placed the board ventured on a somewhat larger scheme of Sunday school accommodation than it at first contemplated. Mr. James Bennie, architect, offered his services gratuitously, and the tender of Messrs. Meyer and Illingworth at £1298 was accepted for the erection of the buildings. Tho total cost was £1400. The boai-cl thanks the contractors for the way in which they carried out the work, and also tho supervisory committee (Messrs. M'Kerrow, Russell and Tait, sen.) for the careful and diligent attention given to the work wnilsl it was in progress. As no provision had been made in the contract for seats and other furnishings it was resolved to make an appeal to the congregation to provide the necessary funds. This appeal was most liberally 1-es.ponded to, and largely owing! to the efforts of Mr. J. C. M'Kerrow £63 14s was collected. By means of this sum the hall, class rooms, vestry und kitchen were suitably furnished. The board congratulates the congregation upon the commodious and useful set of buildings with which it has thus been provided. Dealing with the statement of accounts the board says there are gratifying indications of liberality. St. Andrew's possesses now the amenities of an organised and equipped church. It remains for the congregation to make ase of these privileges to the utmost, and by personal attendance and personal interest to promote congregational vigour and the growth of true religion.