ST. PAUL’S CHURCH.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 12197, 24 July 1902, Page 3

ST. PAUL’S CHURCH.

ANNUAL MEETING. At the annual meeting of the congregation of St. Paul's Presbyterian Church last night there was a very large attendance of members and adherents, the schoolroom being crowded. The Rev. J. A. Asher presided, and was supported by the Rev. Dr. Sidey, senior minister. A short address from Mr Asher, the reports of the Kirk Session and Board of managers were read, together with the treasurer’s balance-sheet. The report of the Board of Managers indicated that Mr J. Wilson Craig, who had filled the office of hon. treasurer to the church for the past 30 years, was now desirous to retire from the position. In speaking to this matter, the Revs. Dr. Sidey and Mr Asher referred to the ability, devotion, and conscientiousness with which ‘Mr Craig had fulfilled the duties of this particular office, and to his untiring interest in the affairs of the church. On behalf of the office-bearers and members of the church, Dr, Sidey presented Mr Craig with a silver salver, suitably engraved, and an epergne. In replying, Mr Craig mentioned that during the 30 years he had been treasurer the sum of £26,000 of congregational moneys had passed through his hands, of which amount £2865 was for home and foreign mission purposes. An intimation by Mr Asher that Mr B. A. Wilson had been elected to the office of church treasurer, in succession to Mr Craig, met with approbation. The report and balance-sheet were adopted. The retiring members of the board of managers—Messrs Cottrell, Dean, and Wilson—were re-eleoted, and three additional members, Messrs R. Anderson, T, H. Ringland, and R. C. Runciman,' were added to the board of managers. The meeting partook partly of the nature of a conversazione, refreshments being provided by the ladies of the congregation. Musical selections were contributed by Miss Canghley and the Misses Dean and Mr F. J. Griffin, while Miss Loudon contributed a pianoforte solo. After votes of thanks to the friends who had assisted with the preparations and programme, a most successful meeting was brought to a close with the Doxology.