PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume X, Issue 1846, 4 February 1888, Page 3

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

The congregational meeting of tbe above was beld in the church on Thursday evening. There was a fair attendance of members.

The Rev. A. McLean presided, and opened tbe meeting with devotional exercises. Letters of apologies from the Revs Clarke and Thomson were read, and the Rev. Bunn was unable to attend on account of illness. The Chairman explained the nature of the meeting, and then called upon Mr. D. Hutchison to read tbe kirk session report. This stated that, while perhaps all the desires and expectations with which tbe year had been commenced bad not been realised, yet it bad been a season of progress and blessing. During the year 40 had been added to the membership of the church. Two aged members had been removed by death, and four had left the district, thus leaving an increase of 34. It referred to the Evangelistic services held during September by the Rev. Mr. and Mrs. Mountain, and tbe good results from such ; and stated that one result was the formation of a Young Disciples' Union, which had continued to meet weekly ever since. The interest in tbe Bible-class and week evening prayer meeting continued to be kept up. On the whole, the report bespoke a healthy spiritual tone in connection with the church.

The Treasurer then read tbe balancesheet, which Bhowed the amount received from all sources to have been £626 10a Id, while tbe expenditure had been i' 593 15s Id, thus leaving a credit balance of £33 3s 2d. During the year £126 bad been raised towards reducing the debt on the church.

Mr. Hutchison referred to the satisfactory state of the finances of the church, which, considering the depression which had existed throughout the district for the last twelve months, could not he looked upon otherwise than as most favorable.

Mr. M. Hunter moved the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, and expressed the pleasure it had given him to learn that financial matters were in sucb ft healthy state, and also, ho took it, as a sure indication of the spiritunl condition of tbe church.

Mr. D. McLean seconded the resolution, which was carried.

Rev. McLean congratulated the members upon the state of affairs, and although he had not come prepared for a a speech, yet he would base any remarks he might make upon the reports just read. It was a matter of satisfaction to find the affairs of the church being so well carried out. There were many reasons for thankfulness some of which he would touch upon. First there was perfect peace amongst the members, and to have a healthy and progressive church wo must have peace and unity. In every department of the church as far as he knew perfect peace existed. His intercourse with the session had been most harmonious and pleasant, while also the meetings of the committee of management bad been marked by tbe cordiality with which all worked together for the welfare of the church. He appreciated the kindly feelings existing between himself and the people. He had found a great deal of sympathy in tbe work. There was no discord to bis knowledge, but that spirit of unity which is the sign ol progress. A Minister finds it hard work to Btand before the people without getting their sympathy to encourage him in his work. He would exhort the people to often carry the pastor before the throne of Grace in their prayers. He referred to tbe Wednesday evening prayer meeting, and would point out what an opportunity Christians have during the week of refreshing their Bpints by BUch a gathering. Another reason for thankfulness is the sympathy we have always received from the public. On any occasion we have come before the public, asking their assistance for carrying on the work of the church, we have invariably had their cooperation. Above all, we have reason to be thankful that we have had the favor of God, and a large measure of his love. That God's blessing has been with ub there is abundant proot. He expressed the pleasure it had always given him in proclaiming the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, and ho had enjoyed seasons of blessing. We. had reason to look forward to the work in the future with courage. The experience of the past would fit us better for our future work, and we should all realize tbe individual duty resting upon ns going forth in the strength of our Heavenly Father.

The Sunday School report was then read by the superintend Mr. B. C. Robbins, it showed that there Lad been a large icorease in the number of scholars the average attendance being 80. The teaching staff consisted of seven ladies and ■even gentlemen teachers. £51 8s had been raised dnring the year. The library had been increased by 01 new books, bringing the total number of volumes in tbe library up to 154. The report was supplemented by a few remarks upon the importance of the work done in the school.

The following gentlemen were elected as the managing committee : — Messrs. M. Hunter, J. "Winko, D. McLean, J. Robertson, D. Spence, P. Nielsen, D. Buchanan, and B. C. Bobbins together with the elders D. Hutchison, W. McFarland, and A. Mair.

Votes of thanks wore recorded to Miss J. Buchanan for acting as organißt for the year, and Mr. D. MoLean for his special efforts in collecting funds towards the church debt. *

During the evening tbe choir under the leadership of Mr. Pierard, rendered a cumber of pieces in a most pleasing manner.

The meeting was brought to a close at 0.80 p.m.

•Sir George Grey is ill at Kawau, and is too weak to go to Auckland where his presence was desired at some function in connection with the Art Gallery and Library which he has so magnificently endowed.