ANNIVERSARY SERVICES

Evening Star, Issue 16093, 19 April 1916, Page 8

ANNIVERSARY SERVICES

MORXINGTON BAPTIST CHURCH. The anniversary service of the Mornington Baptist Church was held in the church last evening, and there was a large attendance. Mr Robertson presided and led in prayer. The Rev. W. Trotter (Mornington Presbyterian) said he was very pleased at the reception they had given him. He had not come to give a formal address, but as a neighbor to say a few friendly words to them, as they were all working for the progress of the Kingdom of God in the district. He wished them prosperity in connection with their work. The prosperity of one congregation did not mean the adversity of another congregation. 'Hie prosperity of one was the prosperity of all, and he hoped that the coming year would be a prosperous one. He urged the members of the congregation to take a greater active interest in the church. He said they were apt to think that all the work had to bo carried on by the officebearers. There was a place for every man in the church. In conclusion he wished them all prosperity on the year they had just entered. The annual report, read by the secretary, stated that they had been without a pastor during the past year, and that that state of affairs had now been remedied. There had been a greater desire manifested in their midst for the salvation of souls and an extension of Christ's Kingdom. They were much indebted to their former pastor (Rev. Chas. Dallaston) for his kindness in helping them at the time of the vacancy. ( They took this opportunity of thanking him and all those other brethren who had given their serYices so willingly in occupying their platform. The membership for the. year was 75. The cradle roll contained 67 names. Close on 50 scholars had been sm-olled in the Young People's Worshipping League, with the result that there had been an increased attendance at the Sunday morning services. The report also referred to the men connected with the church who from a sense of duty to Kin<r and country had gone forth to fight for what they firmly believed to be a just and righteous cause. Their names had been inscribed on a roll of honor which was hung in the school, and another is in preparation to hang in the church vestibule. Two widows belonging to the church had between them six young men away. As a mark of appreciation the congregation stood while the names of the men were read out. The Rev. R, S. Gray (Hanover Street) congratulated them on the satisfactory report presented. He said he was sorry to see that many members had never come to church. He urged the people to give greater assistance to their pastor. He emphasised the fact that the church did not make men tremble to-day as she should have done. If the church in England and Germany had been what they should have been there would have been no war. In conclusion he congratulated them on caJling Mi- Robertson to the pastorate, and wished them all prosperity and happiness for the coming year. During the evening the choir contributed many items in a most acceptable stvle Other singers were Mr and Mrs Hall and Miss Aslin. At the close of the service the people adjourned to the hall, where refreshments were provided.