A CHURCH DEBT PAID.

Evening Star, Issue 12687, 13 June 1907, Page 7

A CHURCH DEBT PAID.

Members of the i\u. b ■ ~'t Congregational Church met last night to rejoice over the extinction of the debt. Mi. J. H. Wilkinson, who presided, briefly outlined the steps by which in the ten years since the Rev. C. Heighway and his wife came to the church a debt of . over £1,400 [including renovations) had been cleared off To mark the occasion of the silver wedding of the pastor and his wife it had been decided a year ago that an effort should bo made to clear off the last £3OO of the mortgage, and the result had been that more than the amount aimed at had been subscribed. It had been accomplished because the congregation had taken the matter up so heartily and loyally. This event would have a wonderful effect upon the future of the church. To the influence of Mr Heighway and his wife the success was largely duo. The members of the congregation had the warmest regard for Mr and Mrs Heighway, and he (the chairman) had the greatest pleasure in presenting Mr Heighway with an illuminated address, the work of a member of the congregation, Mr Hodgson. On behalf of the church Jlr Jos. Aberne thy presented to Mrs Heighway a silver afternoon tea server and a silver epergne. Mrs Heighway was held in high esteem by the congregation as an invaluable helpmeet to her husband, and, in connection more particularly with the Ladies’ Society, a capable guide. Tbo Chairman handed to Mr and Mrs Heighway a silver-framed address embodying a photo, of his late church at Gerringong, New South Wales, as a memento from members of his old congregation. Dr Morris (Inspector of Education, New South Wales) and the Rev. W. Saunders congratulated the church upon the success that had been achieved, and Mr and Mrs Heighway upon the celebration of their silver wedding. In returning thanks, Mr Heighway said the debt upon the church had always been felt in a personal way by Mrs Heighway and himself. The loan of £2OO from the New Zealand Congregational Union still remained to bo paid, and it was their determination that it, too, should be speedily liquidated. He felt unable to express the giatitudo of his wife and himself for the good-will shown them During the evening a capital programme of music was presented by the choir, under the direction of the conductor (Mr C. H. Plant), with Miss Ficldwick as accompanist.