UNITED CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

Evening Star, Issue 21811, 29 August 1934, Page 14

UNITED CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

ANNIVERSARY SERVICES Anniversary services were concluded at United Congregational Church last evening. The Sunday services were conducted by the pastor, the Rev. C. G. Hedley Bycroft, who had given two spiritual and inspiring addresses, the musical service having been Jed by the choir, a solo being contributed by Mr \V. J. Robertson. There was a large gathering at the social reunion last evening, when the pastor occupied the chair, being supported by the Rev. A. H. Wallace. In a few words the chairman spoke of the loyalty he had received from congregation and choir during the short time of his ministry, and appealed to his people for continued support. A brief statement by the treasurer (Mr J. S'. ’Douglas) revealed an encouraging financial position. The annual report, as presented by Mr E. E. Wilkinson, referred with much regret , to the departure of the Rev. James M. Sineeth and his wife, whose valued labours and engaging personality had been greatly appreciated. During the “ interregnum ” the activities of lhe t church had been carried on hv a faithful band of workers. The Rev.’A. H. Wallace-in particular was to be thanked for his welcome pulpit ministrations and his visitation of the sick and bereaved. Until a regrettable illness had temporarily laid him aside, Mr joseph.Abernothy had laboured iudefatigably, leading the weekly fellowship and the senior Christian Endeavour meetings, as well as superintending the Sunday school and leading the boys’ Bible' class. His speedy recovery was earnestly prayed for. Appreciative reference was made to the services of the treasurer and many other workers who were mentioned by name. _ The value of the choir was stressed, with a special word of praise for the organist and the conductor. Senior, junior, andintermediate Christian Endeavour activities had been carried on successfully. A - sale of work organised by the young people had realised £l3. The Sunday school, under an efficient staff, had made progress during 1 the year, the primary department being a feature. A special thamkoffering had resulted in £SO, being- contributed by the members and adherents. The work of the deaconess; Mrs Binniej had been unfortunately-interrupted by an accident, from which she was happily recovering. Home and foreign missions had been assisted. • thanks being due to the-honorary, collectors. The inducting of the Rev. C. G. Hedley Bycroft to the pastorate had: been a source of great satisfaction. _ Ho > came with a fine reeor<J of service in his previous pastorate, and in the short time since his arrival there was evidence that expectations of valuable work here were likely to he realised. As an . addendum ’to the report the chairman- read a special reference to the services of the secretary (Mr E. E. Wilkinson), who in his conception and carrying out of the secretarial duties was maintaining a tradition of which the church was proud. The Rev. A. H. Wallace, offering congratulations to the church upon its successful’ year and buoyant finance, • drew an inspiring picture of world conditions in the religious sphere, illustrating with facts and’, figures the wonderful > progress that had been, made, especially hr China and India. The programme presented was of a highly enjoyable character, most of tho items being encored..'. Miss '.Alison Tyrie, Sir Evan Tuck well, and Mr H. M. Brosnan contributed solos'.! Recitations were given by Miss Winnie Dyer, an action song and a recitation by Miss Joan Smith, and vocal duets by. Misses M.. Johnston and M. Dryden and Messrs C. C. ‘ Scott.’ and. 6." Dyer.’ Mr L. J. Smith’s offering was, a guitar solo, and Mr John Connor'contributed a flute solo, as well as being associated with Mr Ron Abernethy in two. clarinet and flute- duets.. Several numbers were rendered by, the choir. Votes of thanks to the performers; to the Rev. A. H. Wallace, and to !the ladies having been accorded, supper and conversation brought a successful evening to. a close. , ■ •