HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVI, Issue 89, 31 March 1926, Page 3

HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH.

ANNUAL SOCIAL GATHERING. The annual social gathering of members and adherents of the Hastings Baptist Church took place on Tuesday evening, Rev. T. Keith Ewen presiding over a good attendance. The Church secretary, Mr. F. E. Barley, presented his annual report which revealed steady progress in every Church agency. The membership had increased by seven, making a total of 183 on the roll. There were live baptisms durffig the year, including a Chinese convert. The formation of a Young People’s Institute, with four Bible Classes, totalling 50 members, is a bright feature of aggressive work. The voluntary services of Air. J. Bewley as choir conductor, and Miss Napier’ and Miss McHutcheon, organists, were specially eulogised. The treasurer, Mr. R. Edridge, gave a brief financial statement, showing that total receipts from all sources amounted to £914 4/5; £lOB had been raised for mission work. By special' efforts the church debt had been reduced by £126. In well chosen words Air. Ray Price paid a glowing tribute to the ministry of Rev. T. Keith Ewen, making reference to his splendid messages each Lord’s day and his helpful visitations to the sick. During the evening songs were rendered by Miss Sowersby, Aliss Donaldson and Aliss Vera Gosling, and a recitation. “The Vision Beautiful” (Longfellow) by Air. F. E. Barley. The dispensing of a dainty supper and the singing of the Doxology terminated a happy and successful gathering.