ST. STEPHEN’S CHURCH

Evening Star, Issue 22721, 7 August 1937, Page 13

ST. STEPHEN’S CHURCH

ANNUAL MEETING At the annual meeting of _ St. Stephen’s congregation the minister :(the Rev. Thomas Miller) presided over a good attendance of members. The session clerk (Mr Malcolm Matheson) expressed high appreciation of the work and ministry of Mr Miller and of the inspiring nature of his messages. Eulogistic reference was made to the services of Mr William M’Elrea, who has retired from the session clerkship after a period of 19 years in office. This term included seven years as Sunday school superintendent. WORK OF THE CHUROH. It was reported that attendances at the Sunday services and prayer meetings had increased. A week of prayer was observed in May, followed by a monthly day of prayer since that time. 'During the year 34 persons joined the membership of the church — 11 by certificate and 12 by profession

of faith. There were 24 disjunctions, 13 by removal and 11 by death. Among the removals, special mention was made of the services of Mr James Lindsay and Mr Graham Miller, who had held the office of deacon. Amongst those removed by death were two of the earliest members of the congregation, Mr James Mitchell and Mrs Alexander Spence. Forty-five Young Worshippers attended the service on Sunday mornings, and the choir, under the capable leadership of Mr Alexander Chisholm, rendered helpful and valued service. There were 137 scholars in the Sunday school, with a staff of 12 men and nine women teachers. The roll of the four Bible classes numbered 68, with an average weekly attendance of 54, and the three Christian Endeavour Societies had a membership of 75 and an average weekly attendance of 65. The P.W.M.'U. had had a successful year, the average attendance being 34, and there being an increase of £l9 in the amount given to missions. The Women’s Association reported the sum of £63, received by freewill offering 1 for property debt reduction. Miss ! Mabel Hutchinson was thanked for her efficient services ns secretary and treai surer

INCREASED COLLECTIONS, The church treasurer (Mr J. PEvery) congratulated the congregation on tne year’s financial results, the increase in collections being £SO. With the aid of the synod grant, the exterior and the roof of the church were being thoroughly renovated, giving the building a very handsome appearance. During the year various improvements were carried out at the manse. . Au interesting part of the evening s proceedings was the reading of their annual reports by the secretaries of the various church organisations. The Minister thanked all officebearers. workers, and members , for their heartv and loyal support. The Rev. George Miller congratulated the congregation on the result of the year’s work, and spoke on behalf of the now ‘ Outlook.’ During the evening a solo was sung by Mrs Alexander Chisholm, a duet by Misses Roxburgh and Glass, and two anthems wore rendered by the choir. The meeting concluded with supper provided by the ladies.