HOLY GROSS CHURCH, ST. HILDA

Evening Star, Issue 22681, 22 June 1937, Page 1

HOLY GROSS CHURCH, ST. HILDA

ANNUAL MEETING OF CONGREGATION The annual meeting of the congregation of the Anglican Church at St. Kilda was held last evening, when there was an exceptionally large attendance. The vicar (Rev. C. E. P, Webb) presided. Before the meeting commenced, at the request of the chairman those present stood in silence for one or two moments as a token of respect to the memory of those parishioners who had passed away during the last 12 months. The Vicar, in his report, stated that “ the spiritual progress of any parish cannot be fully measured. It is known to God alone. ‘ Deeds are ours) the results are God’s.’ Progress does not necessarily mean large congregations, flourishing organisations, and finance desirable as they may be, but whether our church, life, and work are conforming to the Divine plan of winning souls to the Kingdom of God. Bearing this in mind, may I state I believe that, mainly owing to the loyal, cheerful, and unselfish service of the many helpers, the work of the parish continues to prosper.”, The attendance of parishioners at the services, in particular the Holy Eucharist, had been consistently good. He gav» in his report a brief review of the work done by the following organisations: The Sunday School, the choir, the Mothers’ Union, the Ladies’ Guild, the four Bible classes, the Girls’ Club, and the .Sanctuary Guild. He laid special stress upon the good work done by the vestry during the past year, especially Messrs J. Dickie and C. Oaten, the hon, secretary and treasurer. He was pleased to be able to announce that the missionary quota had again been exceeded, and paid a tribute to the box secretary; Miss Dora Carpenter, and concluded by stating; “It is impossible to mention many names in a report of this kind. We are, however, grateful to the many helpers who, with cheerful, unfailing' regularity, carry out the routine work of the parish, and also to those who helped by giving both work ahd money at the annual bazaar.” He thanked the congregation for their consistent kindness to himself and his family. The vestry report stated that the attendances at all church services had shown a great improvement on the previous 12 months. Reference was made to the deaths of Mrs Buddicomb, Mrs Thomson (of Wavcrlcy, one of the earliest parishioners), and Mr Frank King (one of the vestry). Dealing with the financial aspect, the Vestry reported:—“ The balance sheet at the beginning of last year showed a debit of £294 ]ls 4d, and at the close of the year had increased to £325 15s Id, It should bo pointed out, however, that an amount of £24 13s 2d due to the missions appeared in last year’s assets, and had to bo included in this year’s expenditure. This, with repairs to the church roof and vicarage and a new gas range, has been responsible for the increase in the debit balance. It is pleasing to note that the offertories have increased during the year, £330 9s 7d being received, as against £289 11s lOd last year. Mrs Steele still continues her good work as stipend collector. The thanks of the vestry are again due to the committee of the penny scheme. The clock has now recorded 29,600 pennies and the sum of £lO7 has been handed to vestry to date. This result is mainly due to the efforts of the late Mr F. King, whoso place will be difficult to fill.” In moving the adoption of these reports and the balance sheet the Chairman expressed his gratitude to the various parishioners who had rendered such excellent services in connection with the various church activities, especially the leaders of the Bible classes and Sunday Schools, in the persons of Mrs Cummings and Airs Ombler (Mothers’ Union). Misses Carpenter and Gore. Messrs Rosevear and F. Andrews (Bible classes and Sunday School), and Mr S. Brent (social reunions). Mr P. J. Priest seconded the motion and referred to the choir, especially thanking the organist and Mr Grant for assistance rendered to him as choirmaster. The Churchwardens reported that they had received a circular from the bishop relating to the inadequacy of the stipends being paid to the clergy, and upon the motion of Mr Jacobsen it was decided to increase the vicar’s salary. The election of officers resulted as follows:—Vicar’s warden, Mr P. J. Priest; people's warden, Mr W. Jacobsen; vestry—Messrs A. E. Dunstan, J. Dickie, E. Newman, C. Oaten, G. Pope, J. Robson, F. A. Andrews, S. R. Brent, G. Utteridge, and C. West; hon. auditor, Mr E. K. Broad. The parochial nominators were re-elected. The meeting closed with hearty votes of thanks to all the officials and the principal workers, the majority of them being specially named. At the close of the meeting an enjoyable social was held, dancing being interspersed with musical and other items.