ST. STEPHEN’S CHURCH

Evening Star, Issue 23354, 25 August 1939, Page 13

ST. STEPHEN’S CHURCH

ANNUAL MEETING Despite adverse weather conditions there was a good attendance at the annual meeting of St. Stephen s Congregation, presided over by the Rev. Thomas Miller, M.A. . Encouraging reports were received from all church organisations. The Sabbath services had been well maintained, also the mid-week prayer meeting. The earnestness and zeal of the Minister and his wife were deeply appreciated, also their interest in all departments of the church work, and under their leadership the year had been one of much blessing and progress. The Minister was thanked for his inspiring messages, special mention being made of his course of sermons on tlie Psalms. The good wishes of the congregation had been extended to Miss Jean Miller, the eldest daughter of the Manse, whose marriage to the Rev. Kenneth Bell took place in March, and fitting acknowledgement was made of the great service she had given to St. Stephen’s Church, particularly amongst the young people. In May, Miss Kathleen Every, who had completed her course at the Presbyterian Women’s Training Institute, was ordained as a Deaconess, and goes forth with the united good wishes of the congregation. The membership (172) has a proportionately large number of young people, and at the present time there are in connection with the congregation nine men in training for the Ministry. Eighty young people have met weekly in tlie three societies of Christian Endeavour, and during the year celebrated the tenth anniversary of Christian Endeavour in Otago. The Sunday afternoon Bible Classes have a membership of 57—21 young women and 36 young men—while the Sunday School

has a roll of 124—61 boys and 63 girls—with a staff of 11 men and II women woikers. The young worshippers at the morning service number 42 (21 boys and 21 girls). The P.W.M.U. has had an average attendance of 25 at its monthly meeting, and the missionary contributions have amounted to £75. £lO5 has been received for the Centenary Fund, making a total to date of £205. The general finances are in a sound position . Much voluntary service has been rendered by members of the Deacons’ Court and others in the way o| renova-

tions and improvements to the church property. Valued service has been rendered by the choir, both at tha Sunday services and_ on special occasions, their Christmas Cantata, ‘The Morn of Glorybeing.especially outstanding. During the evening Misses. Beatrice Miller and Hazel Roxburgh sang a duet, and the choir rendered Jackson’s ‘To Deum,’ and the anthem. ‘Sun of My Soul’ (Adams). After a comprehensive vote of thanks to all workers for hearty support and loyal service, supper was served by the ladiea.