KNOX CHURCH

Evening Star, Issue 21582, 30 November 1933, Page 5

KNOX CHURCH

EMINENTLY SATISFACTORY YEAR ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING An eminently satisfactory year was indicated by Ute reports submitted by church officers to the annual congregational meeting of Knox Church last evening. The Itev. .1). C. Herron presided, and expressed pleasure that there should be such a large attendance of members. Mr J. Ai'Crae moved the adoption of the annual report (already published), and said that, on reading the report, one’s feeling was of thauklulness to God for all His goodnesses during the year. It had been a difficult year in the history of the church, but the work had gone on and prospered, and the congregation should lie thank)ul lor the measure of success achieved. Three years had passed since Mr Herron had come to the church, and Mr M'Crao recalled that the late Professor Hcwitson had remarked, at the welcome social tendered to Mr Herron then, that he would “ wear well.’’ Those words had certainly been well borne out. (Applause.)" The longer the church had him the more it liked him. And in Mrs Herron ho had an able helpmate. Mr M'Crao went on to say that Mr Herron had a very loyal session and deacons’ court, and named several ol the church officers as deserving of the warmest thanks for their unflagging interest and zeal in the conduct of its various departments. As to the congregation, a large number were just on the fringe, so to speak, and those who were more definitely connected with the work of the congregation could do more to see that members attended public worship more regularly. At the same time the spiritual life of the congregation was higher than it had been for many years, and for this they owed a great deal to the high ideals of their minister. Ihe financial position of the church was a credit to the congregation, and indicated a great deal of sacrificial giving. Mr James Taylor seconded the motion, and stated that it was clear that the church possessed a large band ol devoted Christian workers, and lor their constant sell-denial and sclisacrifico the warmest thanks ot the congregation were due. Mi Taylor, who returned a few days ago. from an extended tour abroad, mentioned that he saw Air Tulloch Yuillo at North Berwick, the latter wishing to convey to the congregation his kindest regards, together with the assurance that he would always have a warm spot in ns heart for Knox Church. Mr lailoi concluded with a brief sketch of the services he had attended abroad and the famous cathedrals ho had visited, singling out the King’s College Chapel in Cambridge for special mention Mr C. 11. M‘Lcan spoao m detail or the financial position of the church, and expressed appreciation ol the excellent social service work carried out during the year. He paid particular reference to the club, supervised by Miss Hayward, in connection with the cure of unemployed men and their dependents, and mentioned that during the year some 550 pairs of shoes anti boots had been repaired m this club, and that 350 haircuts were provided. The sum of £ll3 had been contributed for the year in a special retiring collection, and Mr M‘Lean detailed the expenditure of this sum. There could be no doubt, he said, that the coiigregation was making a worthy contribution to the relief of distress in the city. The congregation had been asked to raise £1 300 for mission iunds, and had been able to reply to this with the sum of £1 6G4. This favourable position was due largely to the two donations ol £3OO from" a generous anonymous contributor. Mr M'Lean then referred to the figures in connection with the various church and social organisations, and said that altogether the church irave £1,878 for outside objects. they had realised that the year was going to be a difficult one, and as many economies as were possible were effected. \ credit balance ot £ls was realised, and the minister and congregation could he congratulated upon such a satisfactory position. . The motion was carried. The Ilev. H. Graham, ot Mosgiel, and the llev. G. Dunn, of Port Chalmers, were present as representatives ot the Presbytery, and congratulated the church upon its achievements in developing the spiritual and material outlook of its community. Air Graham spoke appreciatively of the varied youth work, the social services and the missionary activity, and said that the church was maintaining the high pulpit traditions suggested by the name of John Knox. Air. Dunn extolled the social work of the church, and stated that it was making an important and valuable contribution to the welfare of the whole community. During the evening songs were given In- -Miss Hope Hodges and Airs J. A. Moore. After the Benediction had been pronounced the meeting adjourned for supper.