CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

Evening Star, Issue 19633, 12 August 1927, Page 4

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

SOCIAL GATHERING The anniversary services held in connection with,the 'United Congregational Church, King street, during the weekend were concluded last evening with the annual social gathering. The Rev. Harry Johnson, Moderator of the Congregational Church of New Zealand, presided. Au inspiring address by the Rev. Tulloch Yuillc was well received by the large and attentive audience, while the Rev. C. Maitland Elliss, who has just completed two years as pastor of the church, also gave an address. Air J. H. Wilkinson presented -the annual report, which stated that it had been a year in which good, steady, sincere work had been accomplished. The church was tho poorer by the passing away of two of its most devoted workers—Airs W. Gray (one of tho founders of the church) and Mrs Andrew Nicholson. Tho pulpit ministrations of their pastor, the Rev. Elliss, were always of an interesting and profitable nature. A hearty vote of thangs was due to the choir, tho organist, and tho conductor for their splendid work. The Ladies’ Guild, under the presidency of Airs Elliss, was now organised for active work, and it was hoped that the combined efforts would materially assist tho church in any forward step that might be taken. With regard to the Sunday school, never before in tho history of the church had there boon such a general recognition of tho necessity of giving tho rising generation .sound instruction in Christian principles if tho nation was to be established in righteousness. Never previously had the work of tho Sunday school teachers been so much hampered by indifference and cuuntcr-iutractions as it was to-day. Aliss Alay Benfell and Air W. Paterson were thanked for their continued interest and useful work iu connection with the Condon Ali.ssiou Society, which was doing so much to spread the Gospel in heathen lands. Alessrs Bruce and Dyer had tho gratitude of (he whole congregation for their generosity iu presenting the church with two serviceable gas radiators for the heating of tho building. 'Tho treasurer’s statement .was presented by Air J. S. Douglas, and showed a satisfactory balance.

During the evening an enjoyable programme of musical and elocutionary items was given, those contributing being;—Aliss Doris Zaffcr (pianoforte solo), Air T. D. AA’hito and Air Allan Simpson (songs), Alastcrs Alan Hotting and Eric Johnston (duets), Aliss Phyllis Eckholf (humorous recitation), and part songs by the choir. The accompaniments were played by Aliss Doris Zaffcr, Aladamo Rcggiardo, and Mr R. Abernothy. Refreshments were served by tho lady members of the choir.