METHODISM

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 123, 25 May 1923, Page 5

METHODISM

ISLAND.BAY ANNIVERSARY,

Wesley Church, Island Bay, last night concluded the celebration of its sixteenth anniv«vj:n-y. The services oa Sunday were conducted by the Rev. E. Y. Olds, who spoke in the morning, and the Rev. E. Drake at night. Both services wera well attended.

At tho concert and social on Wednesday night, the Rev. E. Drake presided, and the Revs. J. G. Chapmaji and C. Eaton occupied seats in the rostrum. The church was well filled by members and adherents.

The chairman read the report of the trustees, which , revealed satisfactory statements of the various church activities, the members' roll now reaching 68, being the highest for many years past. The future prospects of the church had never been brighter. Two new trustees were appointed during the year, Messrs. H. Dixon and W. H. Flannagan.

The thanks of the trustees were tendered to the late' organist, Mr. E. Howan, who has left the district; to Mr. Crisp, choirmaster, and members of the choir; to Mr. J. Fencer, late superintendent of the Sunday School, who'has also left the district; to the members of the Ladies' Guild; to Mr. A. H. Brookes, late Churcli steward for the past six years; to Mr. Wortley, who leads the Christian Endeavour Class; and to all others who loyally served the church.

Special mention was made in the report of the very munificent gift of £500 by the. Donald M'Lean Street Church trustees towards the reduction of the church debt, also for the sum of £100 donated by the trustees of the Taranaki Street Church for the same object. The debt upon the organ was reduced almost to vanishing point. Mr. E. Burd, who was responsible for this, was heartily thanked.

The net income for the year from the principal sources was £438 13s 3d, which was considered very satisfactory from a membership of 88.

The Bey. J. G. Chapman, who has just returned from a six weeks' tour in Australia, gave impressions of his visit, and said that, notwithstanding all he saw, felt, and heard, he was glad to ba back again in New Zea'andl. Being much benefited in health and vigour of mind, h<t was looking forward to do his utmost in winning souls for the Master.

The Rev. C. Eaton, pastor of Taranaki Street Church, was .the last speaker, and stressed loyalty on tho part of members to the church, thankfulness to God for the privilege and honour of being church officials, and in doing work for our Lord.

Tlie following contributed musical items and recitations:—Misses O. Chappie, Lindsay, Daisy, Pilmer, Mrs. Martin, the Aeolian ' quartette party, Messrs. Hall, Howe, Mayall', and Burd. Mr. Mayall was an excellent accompanist.

The chairman remarked, in closing, that the anniversary was the best on record, and on his motion a hearty vote of thanks was accorded all who had contributed to the success of the occasion. The Rev. J. G. Chapman pronounced the Benediction, after which tho members of the Ladies' Guild handed round i refreshments.