CHURCH MEETING.

Franklin Times, Volume XIX, Issue 138, 27 November 1929, Page 4

CHURCH MEETING.

PUKEKOHE BAPTIST COMMUNITY. PROGRESS FOR PAST YEAR. The annual meeting of the "P'ukekohe Baptist Church held on Monday evening was well attended. Mr J. T. Stembridge presided. The following report on the past year's operations was presented: "During the year we have had two new members added to the church by baptising, while we have lost one by transfer. Our present membership stands at 22. Your officers desire to record their gratitude to God for His guidance and blessing during the past year. i

On February 23, 1920. the foundation stone of our church was laid by the president of the union, Mr S. Barry. In addition to the contracts let for portions of the binding, a large amount of free labour was given and the church is indebted to Messrs Musk (2), Youlden, Wilson, Stembridge, Smith and Morris, for labour on the grounds and building, to Messrs Slevin, Douglas and Hart for installation of the electric light, also to numerous friends who have given financial help, also for curtains, vases, communion table, chairs, clock, cushions* library, hymn books, kitchen crocked electric water urn and numerous other articles.

"The church is under a deep debt of gratitude to Mr Stembridge, who presented to the church a very fine organ, an instrument which we can justly be proud of, also to Mr and Mrs Smith for their, gift of the rostorum, and to the Auckland Baptist Auxiliary who met the expenses in connection with the baptistry. All of these gifts have been very thankfully received and add to the comforts of those attending our services. . Good Financial Position.

"The church was opened on May 11, 1929. Mr S. Barry presided. Mrs J. T. Stembridge performed the ceremony of formally opening the door and declaring the church open for worship. Rev. Knowles Kemp ton preached the dedication sermon. A social was held ia the evening when we had a good attendance. On Sunday, May 12, Dr. J. J. North conducted the morning and .evening services. Since the opening of the now building our services have been conducted principally by students from the Baptist College.

-■ "The past year has witnessed a continuance of the Master's work. All members have worked together for the common good. We feel that we have been led by the Master in the erection of this church and we seek the hearty co-operation and prayers of all for a continuance of that blessing of which we have had a foretaste. "You treasurer's report shows the finances of the church to be in a satisfactory state and your officers recognise the self-sacrificing efforts put into this work by your treasurer." The financial statement showed that receipts totalled £277 18s 7M. expenditure £248 3s 3d, leaving a credit balance of £29 15s 4Jd. There was an excess of assets over liabilities of £758 19s. The reports were adopted. During the evening musical and vocal numbers were contributed by Mesdames E. L. Curnow. Waddell, McCready, Hiddlestone, Miss C. Jamieson, Messrs Curnow and B. Clark. Addresses were given by the Rev. J. Hiddlestone and Mr Wilson.