ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH.

Hutt News, Volume 1, Issue 14, 30 August 1928, Page 5

ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH.

ANNUAL MEETING. The second annual congregational meeting of St. Stephens Presbyterian Church was held on Thursday, 23rd inst. Inspite of a wet cold night there was a good attendance of members and adherents present. The Rev. J. E. Lopdell presided. The reports of the year's work were submitted to the congregation and adopted. Mr. T. G. Cook, session clerk, moved the adoption of the session report, and spoke hopefully of all the activities of the church. Me, H. W. Hersley seconded the adoption of the report and dealt mainly wi»h the youth work of the congregation. There are 21 Sunday School teachers and five Bible Class leaders. When the Moera hall is opened the number of teachers will be increased. The hall is to be opened on September 22nd. Mrs. Jenson spoke of the women '3 work in the Guild, and appealed to every woman in the church to be a member. Mrs. Lopdell spoke of the Missionary work winch the members of the P.W.M.U were doing. MiI.' F. Feist reported on the tennis ciub. The contract had been let for two courts and should be completed in six woeks, when they would be opened. Reference was made to the choir, and the efficient leadership of Mir. James Fordie. Mr. E. P. Lambert submitted the balance sheet which was quite a creditable one for such a young church. In spite of a difficult year and many calls on our members, the finances are in a healthy state. Mr. Lambert struck quite a hopeful note concerning .the future.

Mr. H. S. Barron seconded the adoption of the balance sheet and spoke of the work of the managers. Their attendance at the monthly meetings were satisfactory.

Mr. S. P. Davison spoke on behalf of the Sunday School at Moera. Up to this the school had been in Mrs. W. Stewart/s residence. The church is indebted to Mrs Stewart for her kindly action in giving her house for considerably over 12 months for this purpose.

The following new managers were elected, and inducted the following Sunday night:—Messrs Bayly, Anderson, Cameron, Beattie and Sneddon.

The congregation approved of a fund being started for a new church. No canvass is to be made until the debt "on the manse is reduced. The congregation has in view a new brick church in the section next to the Sunday School hall, now used as a church. The Vev. JVC. Loan of St. David's Church, Petone, was present and spok^ words of encouragement concerning the church and her mission. During the evening anthems, solos, etc" were sung by the choir. Mr. T. P. Allen, the senior elder cf the congregation, moved a hearty vote of thanks to the many, who had contributed to the success of the church and to the evening's enjoyment. The ladies supplied supper, and thus closed a happy evening. St. Stephens starts on its third year as a separate congregation,, full of hope and assurance.