CHURCH MEETINGS

Evening Star, Issue 18050, 18 August 1922, Page 2

CHURCH MEETINGS

MUSSELBURGH PRESBYTERIANS. Tho Rev. R. Scott Allan presitted at tho annual meeting of iho Musselburgh Presbyterian Church. The Kirk Session report stated that the membership roll stood at 219, against 207 last year; eighteen had joined by certificate andi seventeen by profession of faith, white there had been twenty-two disjunctions, and ono death, The attendance at tho quarterly communion services had been : September 142, December 156, March 142, and Juno 128. The Rev. B. Scott .'Ulan had officiated at ten baptisms, ten marriages, and forty-one funerals. The weekly prayer meeting had been well attended, white the Young Worshippers’ League, choir, Sabbath school, Bibte classes, andi P.W.M.U. wc.ro doing excellent work. Tho report concluded with a glowing eulogy of the work of tho minister.

lire Deacons’ Court report stated that tho finances are in a healthy condition. The ordinary collections and contributions j to missions show a substantial increase, i A sale of work promoted by tho Ladies’ | Guilds (senior and junior) resulted in £lB5 | 10s lOd being placed to tiro credit of tho building fund. As a practical appreciation of the work of the minister tho court hud granted him a bonus of £3O in addition j to stipend. Tho Sabbath school roll numbers 246, with twenty-six teachers. Tho scholars contributed £5 5s to the Presbyterian Social Service Association, £3 5s to foreign missions, £2 2s to Maori missions, and £2 2s to youth of the church fund. Mr J. R. Grant, in moving the adoption of tho reports, referred to the high standard ot Mr Allan’s pulpit addresses, particularly mentioning the talks to tho young folks, which were of tho utmost value to grown-up people also. Ho thought the congregation could congratulate itself on tho progress it had made in the few years it had 1 been in existence, and with Mr Allan as their pastor and a loyal band of workers such as they had the prospects for tho future were exceedingly bright. Mr W. J. Davidson seconded the motion, which, after a brief discussion, was unanimously adopted. Miss. M. Drysdalo made an appeal for more facilities for carrying on tho work among tho younger children in tho Sabbath school, and her remarks were strongly supported by Messrs Ashton and Grant. The meeting agreed to take steps towards the adoption of Miss Drysdalo’s suggestions. During tho evening a quartet item was was rendered by Mr and Mrs J. Lano and Mr and Mrs G. H. Elliffc, while Mr ElMo contributed a solo with much acceptance. Refreshments were handed round, and the meeting closed with the Benediction. MOSGIEL PRESBYTERIAN. Tho moderator (tho Rev. D. Calder) presided at tho annual meeting of the Mcsgiel Presbyterian Church, and at tho outset a vote of sympathy was .passed to Mr and Mrs E. Wilson in the death of the latter’s father. Mr Williamson (secretary ot the Management Committee) advocated stops being taken to have some repairs carried out at tho manse, for which this year the quinquennial grant was due. Ho also pointed out that tho Sunday School and Church Hall required painting—a work it would bo advisable to have attended to at an early date.Mr John Logio (session clerk) read the balance-sheet. This ishowed a healthy state of finances. Last year closed with a debit balance of £ll 10s, and this year with a credit balance of £3l 12s (Applause.) Tho reports and balance-sheet were adopted. Referring to the finances, the Moderator noted with pleasure that the sum of £415 19s 8d had been sent by the congregation to outside schemes. Of this sum, foreign missions received £57 12s 9d>; homo missions, £110; P.S.S., £lO2 6s 3d; and Maori missions, £B9 9s Bd. For tho work within the charge the sum of £483 10s 3d had been # subscribed. These sums were very creditable. Mr Calder also referred to tho pleasure it gave him to attend the .meetings of the Committee of Management, and said that tho congregation's thanks were due to the church managers. Tho reports from the secretaries of tho various organisations of tho congregation showed good interest in them all, and excellent attendances at all meetings and classes. All looked forward to greater things in the year just being entered on. Messrs E. Wilson and John W.' Graham were elected elders. Messrs Jas. A. Aitken, G. A. M'Leod. O. F- Leery, T. W. Dallas, and J. C. Browne were added to tho Management Committee. A discussion took place at the end of the reading of tho reports on tho host means to adopt to raiso the funds necessary for the repairs to _ tho manse and paintin'? of church buildings. Votes of thanks were passed to all those holding responsible positions, particular mention- being made of the faithful and jbvoted service of tho pastor, Rev. D. Calder. Tho meeting closed with a hymn and the Benediction.