HANOVER BAPTISTS

Evening Star, Issue 22633, 27 April 1937, Page 7

HANOVER BAPTISTS

ANNUAL CHURCH MEETING At the annual meeting of the Hanover Street Baptist Church the Rev. J. Ewen Simpson presided over a large attendance. SECRETARY’S REPORT. The secretary presented the following report:—The year just closed has been a memorable one in the life of the church, as it marks the close of a long and difficult 'period, during which the church has been without the services of a settled minister. In such circumstances it is only to be expected that the work of the church should become somewhat disorganised, and it is a matter of thankfulness that it has not suffered more than it did. The absence of a minister threw additional work on certain of the officers, _ and thanks are due to those who assisted in supervising and directing the various activities of the church during this period. During the earlier part of the year the pulpit was occupied by the Rev. T. Keith Ewen, who ably served the church in this capacity. He brought his ministry to a close on Sunday, May 24, when, after the evening service, the members met to spend a social hour together and to bid him farewell. The opportunity was then taken to make a small presentation to Mr Ewen. In the meantime the officers of the church had been in touch with the Rev. J. Ewen Simpson, and at a church meeting held on April 1 a call was extended to Mr Simpson, which was subsequently accepted by him. Mr Simpson commenced his ministry on Sunday, June 7. He lost no time in settling down to work, and quickly won the hearts of the congregation. It is gratifying to be able to record that his efforts are steadily bearing fruit, as is evidenced by a steady increase in the numbers attending the Sunday services.

The church commenced the year with a membership of 358. During the year we have received ll new members, four by transfer from other churches and seven by profession of faith, while we have lost sis by death and eight by transfer, leaving our membership at the close of the year at 355. In addition I would call attention to the fact that our young men’s Bible classes report an increase in members of nearly 50 per cent, over that at the commencement of the year, while our young women’s senior class reports an increase of over 100 per cent. Owing to the paralysis epidemic the Sunday school was unable to 'reopen until the first Sunday in March. Under' the wise and energetic leadership of Mr J. Jackson Purdie and with the assistance of a fine ‘ staff of teachers we anticipate a successful year of work. During the year our choirmaster, Mr James Simpson, found it necessary to tender his resignation. In his place Mr H. P. Desmoulins has been appointed, and is throwing himself into the' work with energy and enthusiasm. The choir plays a vital part in our church services. It seems to be but fitting that special reference should be made to all those who are giving_of their time and ability to the carrying on of the various departments of the church’s work. Whether they be Sunday school teachers, Bible class leaders, leaders in other departments, or members of the choir, all are worthy,of the highest honour. Our deaconess, Mrs Hiett, has put in another year of service. Only a perusal of her detailed report can give any indication of the amount of work she gets through. Her work is of a trying nature, but she is supported in it by the knowledge that her visits are a source of help and comfort to many. During the year the church has retained its interest in the Missionary Society. Miss Williams, the local treasurer for the society, reports the receipt of £B2 7s 4d, while in addition the B.W.M.U. has raised the sum of £92. Other amounts bring the total to £289 18s 7d, a very creditable contribution from the church. Of the lighter side of the church’s activities, mention should be made of the Badminton Club. This club has proved to be very popular with the younger members of - the congregation, and is filling a felt want in the church’s life. Renovations to the manse, removal expenses in connection with the call to Mr Simpson, and repairs to the church and Sunday school buildings have imposed an unusual strain on the finances. We commenced the year with a debit balance of £44 3s 3d, and we closed with a debit of £4O 2s 9d. The total amount raised by the church during the year amounted to £1,150 18s 9d, With the ■ increased attend-

ance already referred to, we are glad to note an upward trend in the collections, which during ' the last few months have shown a distinct increase over those in the earlier part of the year. There are definite Indications that the church is on the up grade, and there is a spirit of , expectancy in th» hearts of a large number of our . members, and expectancy itself goes a long way towards bringing to pass the things hoped for. With the advent of Mr Simpson the whole position has changed. OFFICE-BEARERS. The following office-bearers wer* elected;—Elders —Messrs S. C. Kerens, W. J. Bardsley, E. H. Drew, J. Jackson Purclic, H. P. Desmoulins, Lan Strang, James Swan, H. J. Hayward; deacons—Messrs C. Meggett, H. Drew, G. Austin, Gordon Hendry, D. 51, sl‘Pherson, K. Brown, A. Maxwell, H, J. sliller, G. Brasier, G. S. Jones; secretary, Mr G. W. Gibson; treasurer, Mr N. D. Anderson.