CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

Evening Star, Issue 19023, 19 August 1925, Page 9

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS _Tho United Congregational Church, King street, is at present celebrating its anniversary, and special services were held on Sunday. Last evening the proceedings took tho form of a soiree. Mr J. Abernothy presided. The annual report of tho committee contained the following clauses:—Soon after the last annual meeting the Rev. A. H. Wallace, pastor, intimated that ho would be resigning from the pastorate and retiring from tho ministry at tho end of March of this year. This occasioned a season of grave concern for those responsible for the carrying on of tho various activities of the church. Mr Wallace had a unique_experience in connection with the United Church. In the early days of the King Street Church Air Wallace, when a young man, was .selected to fill the pastorate, and for several years he labored with splendid success, throwing himself into tho work with .such sacrificing zeal as to inspire to noblest efforts tho young men ami women of the congregation, and also by his devotion to duty to win the good-will and admiration of the older members of his flock. Ho then labored for several years in Australia. On returning to the dominion tho Leith Street Church pastorate being vacant he was called to be their minister, a position that he filled with acceptance until the two churches came together and formed the United Church. Here lie served until the close of his ministry, practically closing his life work in the same building where ho began his ministry. Thanks were duo to Mr W. R. Sinclair (conductor of the choir), Mr Ron. Aberncthy (organist), and to the individual members of the choir for their services during tho year. The obligation imposed by tho Health Department that all schools should bo closed during tho infantile paralysis epidemic seriously affected the attendance, ami occasioned the loss of, a few of tho senior scholars, who did not return to school when tho restrictions were relaxed. Wc desire, however, to record a year of work faithfully carried on by an earnest hand of teachers under iho .superintendence of Mr Joseph Aberncthy. During the year the claims of the mission field have been kept well before tho people, and a fair measure of financial support has been given. Several members have been appointed representatives on the local auxiliary of the L.M.S., ol which Mr W. Paterson is secretary. The deputation who visited the churches tins year was the Rev. Bowen Reece, of Tiger Cloof, a man with a wide experience in missionary work, and with a wonderful story to tell of the uplifting and beneficial effects of the Christian religion on the people of Africa.. The Ladies’ Society, of which Mrs Wallace was president until Mr Wallace resigned from the church, has taken a keen interest, in all that contributes to the wellare of the church 'they have generously contributed to the funds of tho church, assisted in clothing the poor, and ever ready with their services at tho social r.ml other gatherings. The Revs. W. Saunders, C. Da Hasten, G. Clement, and Finch spoke of the services of the retiring pastor, tho Rev, A. If. Wallace, and also of the new minister, the Rev. G. M. Ellisso, of Brisbane. The Rev. Ellisso, it was stated is an acceptable preacher and good student. During the evening songs were given hy Misses Dolan, A. Wilkinson, and M. Pratt, Messrs A. Perry and D. Dryden. The choir rendered several part songs. 'The church choir (fifteen members) made its first appearance, and sang a number of glees. A recitation was provided hy Mr G. Ward. The accompanist was Mr Ron. Abeructliy, and the choirs were conducted hy Mr W. R. Sinclair. Later in tho evening supper was provided.