CHURCH ANNIVERSARY

Evening Star, Issue 20555, 6 August 1930, Page 2

CHURCH ANNIVERSARY

UNITED CONGREGATIONAL CELEBRATIONS Tho anniversary services conducted at the United Congregational Church on Sunday were weil attended. At the morning and afternoon services Dr A. H. Driver, of the London Missionary Society, described the great developments being made in India, while an inspired service was conducted in the everting by the Rev. C. Dallastou. Music was a feature of the evening service, vocal solos being rendered by Mrs N. G. Sbrimpton and Mr John Leech, and a.violin solo by Mr J. B. N Larkins. Solo parts in the anthem were sung by Miss May Dryden and Mr G. Dyer, and a quartet was rendered by Messrs W. Johnston, E. Johnston, \V. Berryman, and G. Dyer. The anniversary social was held last evening, and an enjoyable time was spent. Mr Joseph Abernetby presided, uni the Revs. C. Dallastou and A. Mead were present, the latter in felicitous terms offering congratulations to tho church. Mr J. S. Douglas presented the treasurer’s report, which showed a very satisfactory position. The secretary (Mr J. H. Wilkinson) read the annual report, which stated that for the past six months the church had been without a settled. minister. Thanks, however, to the spirit of helpfulness shown by many friends, the services had been maintained at a high standard of efficiency, and the people, by their attendance and interest, had shown commendable loyalty and devotion. Heartiest thanks were recorded to the following ministers for filling the pulpit so acceptably during tho interregnum:—The Rev. A. Mead, W, Saunders, W. M. Grant, A, H. Wallace, and C. Dallaston. To the lastnamed the church was specially indebted, as he supplied for several weeks consecutively. The following local preachers also gave much appreciated assistance :—Messrs Joseph Abcrnethy. E. D. King, J. A. Wilkinson, and J. H. Wilkinson. The Rev. James M. Smeeth had accepted a call to the pastorate as from September 1. In connection with this settlement the Rov. G. Heighway had most generously made the gift of a manse, earning tho wannest thanks of the church. Tile fiftieth anniversary of the opening of the King Street Church had been marked by the holding of special pubilee services which brought visitors from Melbourne, Auckland, Wanganui, Christchurch, Palmerston, Port Chalmers, Owaka, Central Otago, and the different suburbs. To the ladies of the church who, weekly and on all festive occasions, adorned the rostrum with flowers, thanks were due. One organisation of the church whose enthusiasm never abated was the Ladies’ Guild Year by year, with commendable zeal, it carried on its good work of arranging for socials and assisting the poor. By its sacrifices and service it augmented the church funds. The choir, under two officers, Messrs R.. Abernethy, organist, and W. R. Sinclair, conductor, had completed another year of service. The Sunday School, of which Mr Abernethy was still superintendent, had rendered another year ot faithful service, the attendance and interest of the young women in the Bible class conducted by Miss Etheridge being specially commendable. The Girls’ Club, under the direction of Miss .E. Laing, had proved a live institution. On several occasions during the winter it had entertained parents and friends. It was gratifying to know that a number of the church members subscribed to the ‘ Congregatiqnaliat,’ tho denominational magazine, which contained many inspiring and helpful articles. It was the best means that has so far been conceived for fostering tho denominational spirit, and for emphasising the corporate .unity in this domiution. In conclusion, grateful thanks were offered to the head of the church for the wonderful encouragement experienced during the past year, and tho church looked forward with hope and confidence to tho new era that was dawning, and that was so radiant with promise. Th« report was adopted. An enjoyable programme was contributed to by Misses Maud Kenward and Nell Wilson (duets), Mrs E. Ewart (solos). Miss Dora Wilson (violin solos) Miss V. Jefferson (recitations), Mr John Connor (flute solos), Mr M. Peake (solos), Miss M. Kenward (solos), Miss N. Wilson (solos), and the choir (three part-songs, the solo parts being taken by Mr W. Berryman). The accompaniments were shared by Mrs R. Wilson, Mrs A. Matheson, and Mr R. Abernethy.. Supper brought a very happy gathering to a close.