THE CHURCHES.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 97, 24 April 1912, Page 11

THE CHURCHES.

ST. THOMAS'S. The annual report of the wardens and vestry of St. Thomas's Church states that the attendances at the services during the past few mouths have much improved j the number of Communicants at Christinas and Easter were slightly in excess of former festivals. 'Ph« need for an ossi&'.ajit for tho vicar its growing more apparent, especially if any satisfactory progress is to be made at Borhampore. The Vestry carefully considered the matter and have authorised the vicar to procure suitable assistance, feeling sure that the extra finance required will be forthcoming. A change has been made as regards the organist and choirmaster. Messrs. Collie and Bobbins relinquished their positions, and Mr. J. R. Smith was appointed to the dual office. Tho large Sunday-school building is now out of debt, the last of the debentures being redeemed on 31st March. That 6o much, has been accomplished reflects great credit upon the originators and all who have laboured in the past for this building, and especially upon tho several committees who have controlled its finances since its erection. In connection with the erection of the vicarage, debentures, which, were so freely taken up, obviated the necessity and expense of a mortgage. They are of fiv© years' currency a]*>o, from last June, which shows tho d<jeii'ability of some comprehensive and combined action by the parishioners and the several organisation^, to promote v. special effort annually towards mincing the principal. I The Vestry acknowledges the help of i Mr. Hoar, who supervised the ereetiou of the building. The stipend endowment fund rae&ived an additional anonymous donation of £15, which increased the capital to £100. Nearly all has been invested in vicarage fund debentures ac being more nemuneMtiv© than the previous investment at fixed deposit. The window fund, ]ruuigwated by Mr. E. Collie, lias now reached £46, und ib .deposited in a Eeparato iKgaugk iu-tlio

The report of the Sunday School Superintendent (Mr. J. W. Salmon.) states that the gradual increase in the attendance of scholars, the regularity and diligence of tke toachers and iLs«i6taiits during the past year is very gratifying. The number on the roll is 280, with an average attendance of 202. This doee nob ii> clode the infant branch, which numbers 114 with an average of 73. These figures show an improvement in tho averages" compared with former years. One hundred and two- new scholars were enrolled in the main school, and 127 in the infant school. The desirability and necessity for a still greater improvement in the regularity of the children should impress itself upon any right thinking person, considering tho absence of the Bible in day-echools. Parents can materially assist the teacheis if they in- 1 fiisted upon regularity, and assisted the. children in theii* lessons, as both ai-o most important to teacher and scholar. The prize system has been maintained and ifi worthy of continuance, considering the fundamental principle, which is to induce the children to supply themselves with the necessary books. The library now contains 627 r volumes, of which 52 have been added by gifts and purchase. Among the donors were Dr. Kemp, Mrs. Salmond, Mrs. Lee, and Mr. Mowlee. The need of further claes room accommodation is emphasised by the superintendent.