ST. JAMES'S, LOWER HUTT

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 100, 29 April 1937, Page 20

ST. JAMES'S, LOWER HUTT

The vicar (the Rev. H. E. K. Fry) presided over the annual meeting of parishioners of St. James's Church, Lower Hutt, which was held on Monday evening.- In the course of his report on the year's work the vicar referred to the interest which had been aroused in the missionary work of the Church overseas. This was no doubt due to the fact that they now had a missionary priest on the staff in the person of the Rev. H. V. C. Reynolds, who for the last two years had been doing splendid work in Melanesia. Mr. Reynolds was in good health, and they were most pleased to welcome him back, and hoped he would enjoy his furlough.

Mr. Fry spoke of the service being rendered to the church by lay readers,' Bible-class leaders, Sunday school teachers, and others. He alluded to the need for more helpers in the parish, and concluded with an earnest appeal for the deepening and strengthening of the spiritual life of the parish. He dwelt particularly on the subject of fellowship. Where was it to be found if not within the bounds of the Christian Church? he asked. People would find it a great help if they would get together in groups for prayer and study. The following church officers were elected for the year:—Vicar's warden, Mr. S. M. Hobbs; people's warden, Mr. G. L Giesen; vestry, Messrs. W. H. Barker, C. G. Hedge, A. R. Hillman, A. G. W. Jarman; R. F. Jollands, A.S. Kempthorne, H, A. Lines, E. Maclean, J. A. D. Nash, W. H. Smith1; treasurer, Mr. F. J. Jones; auditor, Mr. E. Pyne. The vestry later appointed the following sidesmen: Messrs G. T. Benefield P. Davis, T. Dawkins, A. W. Foote, C. A. Goldsmith, H. Hardy, H. Harris. J. Mair, A. Ross, and A. Wilson.

The report 'of the vestry stated that the attendances at services at all the churches in the parish had been well maintained. During the year the Rev. T. F. Fagg had been appointed curate. The vicar, who had for so long carried on single-handed, was sincerely thanked for his work. It was the desire of the vestry that in addition to a curate an assistant priest should be appointed. The vestry was anxious to bring about a greater increase in the spiritual life of the church and had inaugurated a retreat at Fredric Wallis House to consider means of achievement.

The balance-sheet showed that the finances were in a good condition, the credit balance being approximately the same as at the beginning of the year. Of the income of £2011 6s 9d the amount collected for missions was £215 15s 5d and the amount for social services £77 19s Id. The new church building fund now totalled £733 10s 4d.