ST. ANDREW'S CHURCH

Evening Post, Volume XCIV, Issue 30, 4 August 1917, Page 3

ST. ANDREW'S CHURCH

ANNUAL REPORT OF MANAGERS.

The annual report of the Board of Managers of- St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, after referring with regret to the loss of the Rev. J. Gib Eon Smith, who retired owing to ill health, states: — "For the past nine months, during which the church has been without a settled minister, the congregation has acted up to the traditions of the denomination to which we belong in loyally supporting the Church during a very trying period, and the board is confident that the same loyal support will continue- until such time as the way is opened up, and we are guided in. the selection of a minister to fill the vacant pulpit. Ac intimated in the report of the Selection Committee, arrangements have been made with Rev. J. M. Thomson, M.A., to carry on the duties of pastor until 31st December, 1917, and the stipend as arranged will be at the rate of £400 per annum without the manse. It has been arranged to let the manse to Mr. Thomson, Tho question of the disposal of the manse in Hill-street has been under consideration by the board, and will be further considered at a later date." The sum of £188 16s Id had been spent in renovating the manse, which was now in a thorough state of repair.

The ordinary collections during the year amounted to £334 Ifis lid, against £324 9s lid last year. A marked falling off was shown in the income from St. Andrew's fund, which this year was £200 10s, against £274 12s 6d for the previous year. TKe item ministerial snpply shows a large reduction, being £344 17s Bd, against £500 for last year. The trust revenue account shows a reduction on last year, due partly to the fact -that the Church Office overpaid £10, which amount wa6 included in last year's accounts,, there being a corresponding reduction in this year's income. Hall revenue shows a falling oft from £36 7s to £23 lls. Home ank Foreign Mission collections amounted to £44 19s 6d and £44 9s 3d respectively, against £46 6s and £42 8s last" year. Since closing the books the item shown in the balance-sheet (accrued interest £119 5s 3d) had been paid into the banking account, and the item bank overdraft £86 8s 9d had therefore been liquidated. The board suffered a severe loss through the resignation of the hon. treasurer, Mr. H. A. Gold, and appreciation of the valuable services he rendered to the church in the past, both as treasurer and a member of the board, had been recorded in the minutes. The vacancy had been temporarily filled by the hon. secretary. A roll of honour, containing the names of those who answered the call of King and country, was in course of preparation, and in due time would be placed in a suitable position in the church. Mr. D. S. Smith, a member of the board, was at present on active service.