ST. MATTHEW’S CHURCH

Evening Star, Issue 22686, 28 June 1937, Page 15

ST. MATTHEW’S CHURCH

PARISHIONERS' ANNUAL MEETING The good work done by the various organisations attached to tho church was referred to in the report of the vicar (tho Rev. W. A. Hamblett) at the annual meeting of parishioners of ■St. ATatthew’s Church, Dunedin, held last Thursday. Tho Sunday school continued to meet in the morning, tne report stated, the teaching stair being adequate and faithful in carrying out its duties. The senior and junior young women’s Bible classes had been combined under the leadership ot Miss H. E. Robinson, but tho senior young men’s Bible class was not meeting at present owing to the Jack of a leader. The members of the Service Guild, Sanctuary Guild, and Bell Ringers had carried out their duties regularly. Atothers’ Union members continued their monthly meetings, and entertained the children of the church homes. The Dorcas Society was still continuing its work on behalf of the sick and needy. The Girls’ .Friendly Society was meeting this year on alternate Mondays, and the members had again made a donation of garments to tho children of St. Alary’s Orphanage. A Junior Club of young men had been formed, and met on Saturday evenings under the leadership of Air A. Ferry. A credence table for the Anzac chapel, designed and beautifully executed by Mr C. 11. Watson, was presented by Archdeacon Curzon-Siggers. On bis departure for Christchurch, a presentation of a clock with cathedral chimes was made to Air A. J. L. Martin as a token of appreciation of the many services he had rendered at St. Matthew’s. Air L. Armstrong was taking his place as lay reader. The following members prominent in the life of the church had passed away during the year:—Mrs" E. E, Blackledge, Mrs E. Knight, and Mrs E. Alorrison. The official acts of tho vicar had been :—Baptisms • 15, marriages 16, burials 15. Tho bishop had confirmed seven candidates.

Tho church warden’s report, which was presented by Mr W. J. Ingram, senior warden, stated that the financial position was very satisfactory. Tho total income had been £1,038, and there was a credit balance of £8 16s 9d, there being no liabilities. The funds for the incoming year were likely to be considerably improved through the increased number of Duplex envelope subscribers. Some repairs had been effected at tho vicarage, and minor repairs at both the vicarage and the Sunday school would need to be carried out this year, but, generally speaking, the church property was in good repair. Hearty appreciation was expressed to parishioners for their ready response to the treasurer’s appeal. New curtains provided for tho Parish Hall and a new screen for the stage added much to tho attractions of the interior. In tins connection tho thanks of parishioners were due to the Dorcas Society and the Playreading Circle, and also to Mr E. Wood for his excellent lecture given in aid of tho special fund. At a special meeting of parishioners held in April, it had been decided to resume the Women’s Guild. A strong committee had been fonjied, and work was being carried on energetically with a view to a sale in November. The practice of recent years adopted during tho depression of placing alms in the church box in the porch has been discontinued in favour of the usual collection in church. Friendly visits by members of the vestry had been paid to the parishes of All Saints’ and Holy Cross. True to its reputation as a missionary church, the parish would again more than meet its mission quota. The choir, under Mr Axel Newton, had, by regular attendance, helped to make the services bright and inspiring, especially by the new setting of the Holy Communion. Vestry meetings had been well attended, and all matters pertaining to the church given careful consideration. Regret was expressed at the removal to Wellington of one of the young members of tho vestry, Mr A. C. Birse.

Tho reports were adopted. A special vote of thanks was passed to the honorary treasurer (Mr C. W. Hannah) for his excellent work throughout the year, and votes of thanks to all church workers and the Press were carried.

The vicar reappointed as warden Mr W. J. Ingram, and Mr G. G. Austin was re-elected parishioners’ warden. The following were elected vestrymen; —Messrs J. W Beattie, S. Dunkley, W. Ellis (secretary), H. R. Geddes, C. W. Hannah (treasurer), P. W. Knight, I). Parsons, A. Rule, A. J, Taylor, and Df Williams.