EAST TAIERI PRESBYTERIANS

Evening Star, Issue 21565, 10 November 1933, Page 2

EAST TAIERI PRESBYTERIANS

ANNUAL MEETING The Rev. S. C, Francis presided at, the annual meeting of the Fast Taieri Presbyterian congregation held in Kinmont Hall last evening. There was a good attendance, and the chairman opened the meeting with devotional exercises. In his opening remarks he intimated that the jubilee of the church would be held next February (18th and 19th). Commenting on the work of the congregation, the Minister said that the missionary zeal of the congregation was inspiring, and contributions to missionary fluids had been gratifying This was but maintaining East Taieri's reputation, Referring to .Allanton, the choir, Bible classes, and P.W.M.U. had taken on a new lease of life He appealed for larger congregations at the evening services on Sundays, and help with the senior Bible classes and choir. He acknowledged the help in preaching and pastoral work rendered by the Rem Professor Collie, (Applause.) This year ended the first year of his ministry amongst them, and he acknowledged the kindness accorded io .Mrs Francis and himself. He prayed that God would guide them in the year dawning, and that in the twelve months’ time the report would be a bright one. The operations for the year were well outlined in the following reports:— I'ho session clerk (Air Wm. Allan) reported that the session had pleasure in presenting the annual report for the year ended September 30 last. Since the last animal meeting Mr George Ford has been elected and ordained to the office of an elder in the congregation. There arc now fourteen eiders (exclusive of the moderator) — twelve at East Taieri and two at Allanion. Reference was made in last annual report to the world-wide economic depression with its attendant evils, unemployment and consequent distress. While there are now indications of improvement in the financial world and hopes arc entertained that better times are at hand, s.till the past year has not been, by any means, free of difficulties in the church as elsewhere. In all the circumstances it has been gratifying to the session to observe the steady loyalty and support accorded by members'and adherents to the church and its activities and all that they stand for. This loyalty is evident in many respects.

The commencement of Air Francis’s ministry in East Taieri coincided with the beginning of the financial year, so be has just completed his first year in this charge. From the commencement he has taken up the work (both pastoral and pulpit) with enthusiasm, and his zeal for the cause of the Master in this parish has inspired the people to greater effort and had much to do with whatever success has been achieved during the year. It was mainly due to his efforts that a choir, a Bible class, ami a branch of the P.AV.M.U. were started in Allanton. During the year eight new members have joined th echnrch; two have left by disjunction certificates; and '.-co have died. The roll of members now stands at 278. of which number 223 are at East Taieri and fifty-five at Allanton. These figures do not include the members who joined the church at the tober communion, as it was in the current year. Tim PA\ T .AI.F. has a membership of fifty-four at East Taieri ami sixteen at Allanton. and ennl’nucs to do good work. The Senior Young AA r omen's Bible class is under the leadership ot Mrs Francis, and has seventeen mem. fiers on the roll, and (lie Senior Young Men’s Bible class, under Air Francis, has nine members on the roll. The A.llnnion Bible Class (mixed) is led by Mr Francis, and has a roll of twentyeight members. The Junior (mixed) Bible class at East Taieri has a cmhership of twenty-six. The average attendance has been very good. The members of this class have taken for their studies the svllabus published this year for use by junior classes, the theme being ‘ The Life of Jesus.’ The Girls’ Auxiliary has fifteen members, Six children have been baptised during the year After the old Riccarton Hall had been destroyed by tire, he Sunday school joined the school at Kinmont Hall, and them two schools acre carried on as one school. Since the erection of the new had at Riccarton the Sunday school has been rcopsac.l there. There are now four Sunday schools in the 'wish, namely- -Kinnnmt Hall (Air Morton suneriiilendenn. Silverside (Air R. C. Kirk superintendent), Riccarton (Air Will lain AUMillan sun"nntcnd'>c J ' nod ton. The choir at East Taieri. with Air AUBryde as organist and Air Borne as conductor, and the new choir at Adanton. with Air Francis as conductor, help to bright" l ! the services hv 100-Pn.r the praise. The report of the Deacon's Court submitted by Air J S. Watt, stated: During the year the court has met (Miarterly. when (ho business "(fairs of the church have received the usual careful attention. Some few matters demanded immediate attention. Hit every endeavour has been made to economise and keep the expenditure as low as possible, ft seemed evident that, some movement had taken ilaee in the foundation, resulting in an opening in the north wall of the church ed the soldiers’ memorial window. The window lias been repaired at some ost. The position is being closely watch 'd hut so far no further movement is apnnrenl The drive and paths of ‘o church have been, top-dressed. Repairs have also been carried out at Kinmont Mall, attending to roof, also screen on vJ a I form. Gates, fences, septic tank, drains, etc., have •'lso received attention. The fact that the various funds r.r Mic church have been well maintained ■•cflect credit on the congregation. Mrs M‘Brvdo read the annual ho art of the Presbyterian Women's Afisstofiarv Union. The report of the Girl's Auxiliary was ■•" ad and explained by Miss Burn. The Sunday school reports were : Iso submitted and adopted. The choir rendered several anthems in a creditable manner. A vole of thanks to all workers in the various activities of the congregation and a special one to the minister were passed. Air W. Kirk explained the financial statement, printed copies of which were supplied to members. Mr Kirk was especially thanked for In's energies in the financial side of church life throughout the year.