SUNDAY SCHOOL ANNIVERSARY

Evening Star, Issue 15035, 18 November 1912, Page 1

SUNDAY SCHOOL ANNIVERSARY

ST. KILDA METHODISTS. The services in coiinoction with the tenth anniversary of tiie St. Kilda Methoaist Sunday School were hekl yesterday. The attendance throughout .the* day was excellent, the church being crowded at the morning and afternoon services, whilst that at the evening service held in the Coronation Hall was more than anticipated, nearly 500 people being present. The above result proved the wisdpm of the officials in making the alteration. In the morning the Key. G. Knowles Smith spoko upon 'Armor-bearers,' likening the Sunday school teachers thereto, and gave some telling illustrations of the value of the work of these self-denying men and women. These, declared the speaker, were the backbone of the community. In the afternoon the Rev. D. J. .Murray read the thrilling story entitled 'The Drummer Boy.' This was interspersed with singing, special items being given by the infant's, under Mrs Stevenson and Miss Bennett. The Rev. A. J. Seamer conducted the evening service, and spoke especially to parents, his subject being: "Instead of thy father shall be the children,' whom thou may'st make princes in all the earth." He dealt comprehensively with the duties appertaining to parenthood, pointing out that the home was pre-eminently the birthplace of all that is good or evil, and showing the value of religion in the home. The singing of the scholars, under the capable baton of Mr E. Aslin, the superintendent of the Sunday school, assisted by an efficient orchestra, was excellent. Mrs C. J. Liggins presided at the piano. The collections amounted to £l2 13s for the day. To-night the annual scholars' concert will be held in the Coronation Hall.

The tenth annual report, to be presented at to-night's meeting, states: The number of scholars on the roil is 180; average attendance for year, 150; number of teachers on the roll, 16; other assistants, 2. The teaching staff have been most loyal in theu- attendance Sunday after Sunday, ajid have taken advantage of every opportunity to sow the seeds of righteousness in the lives of their scholars, which we trust will result in building up the womanhood and manhood of our borough. The Y.W.8.C., under the leadership of Mrs O. J. Liggins, and the Y.M.B.C, under the leadership of Mr G. Brown, are doing excellently. The membership of the latter stands "at 41— the largest Methodist class in Otago. We are looking to these young men to be the pillars of the church in the future. During the year Mr W. 11. Thomas had to say farewell to the class, after several years of most helpful service as leader. The new Methodist Hymn Book has been introduced into the school. A goodly number of the (scholars have purchased same. Bibles have also been purchased for the use of the scholars, and those have proved very helpful. Mesdames Cherrie and lies have labored most earnestly to place the cradle roll department in a very satisfactory position. During the year 23 babies have been added to the roll, which stands at 84. As the years roll by, the little ones become eligible for transfer, and during the year a number have taken their place in the infant class. The mothers have been entertained twice during the year at a social. Mrs Stevenson and Miss Bennett are instilling into the minds of some nearly 50 infants the Gospel story by action songs,_ sand tray exhibitions," and pictures. This department is in a. flourishing condition, and augurs well for the future of the school. During the year the following resigned on account of removal and other causes:—Mr and Mrs White, Mr J. Liggins, Mrs lies, and Miss Le Brun. There are 130 books on the shelves, and the scholars greatly value the library. The girls hold the place of honor for reading. We greatly appreciate the efforts of Mr J. B. Liggins, late librarian, for the energy imparted in the restocking of the library. We regret -having to record the death of one of our most promising young people, Miss Molly M'Crone. She was always most assiduous in the welfare of Sunday school, ever ready to take a class or assist in any way possible, thus winning the hearts of the scholars and officers of the school. Our sister always had her lamp burning ready for the call. The superintendent, Mr Aslin,. has againtrained the children, mid has them at a high standard of efficiency.