PATEA ANGLICAN CHURCH.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue LXXIV, 26 April 1918, Page 3

PATEA ANGLICAN CHURCH.

ANNUAL MEETING OF PARISHIG_>; -li-iuS.

Tne annual general meeting of ti_<_parishioners of tit. George's Churcn v.*._& lield in the Sunday School on Wednesday evening last. The Rev. Mr Barnett presided, and there was a moderate attendance of parishioners.

The vicar briefly reviewed the past year's work, stating that he believed there were evident signs that God's blessing had rested upon their endeavors, even though the population of the whole parochial district was a constantly changing one. An evidence of such change was to be seen in the fact that over forty names bad been struck off the communicants' roll during the three years that he had been in Patea, while the number now on the roll was 120. The attendance lat the setrvices was maintained throughout the district, an annual confirmation was held, and the balance-bheet spoke of material progress. Mi* Ernest Beardmore,. who was elected parishioners' warden at last annual meeting, resigned office on account of his intention to leave the district, but he had since died. Mr Andrew Thompson, a vestryman, had left Patea on account of ill-health, and he regretted to learn that he. was not yet fully, restored to good health. Last year Mr and Mrs T. Death had given a special donation of £50. This year Mrs Honeyfield had given half an acre of land to be a site of a future church building in Whenuakura. The vicar thanked the parishioners for their generous support of the Church Military Affairs Committee, and he trusted that such support would be continued as long as the war lasted. He desired to thank Mr F. G. Davies for his services as choirmaster, and regretted that he found it necessary to resign. Miss Homer had, at his request, taken charge of the choir, and .was doing very good work in that capacity, Mr E. C. Homer, who was elected parishioners' warden in succession to Mr Beardmore, had made a great success of his work. In conclusion, he desired to express his warm thanks to all who had so loyally supported him in his work—lay readers, church officers, Ladies' Committee, choir conductor, organists, choir members, and SundaySchool teachers, and all who had helped. The Sunday Schools were growing apace, and doing excellent work.

The report and halance-sheet for the year were then dealt with. Mr Grainger congratulated the vestry and wardens on the state of the finances, remarking that the balance-sheet presented to the meeting was a very creditable one, and it was quite refreshing to see that the general account had closed with a credit balance.

The report and balance-sheet were adopted.

A hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr E. C. Homer for the very able man-; ncr in which he had carried out the duties of parishioners' warden.

The election of otfice-bearers was then pi*oceeded with. The vicar stated that he had nominated Mr C. R. HoneyfieJd for the position of vicar's warden* and he was very pleased to state that Mr Honeyfield had accepted the position. Mr E. C. Homer wa6 re-elected parishioners' warden, and Messrs Grainger, Hamerton, Davies, Tarrant, Amos, Wills, Templar, Laing, Stephenson ana £>hiela were elected vestrymen. Mr Harding was elected auditor.

The cnairman said that a number of parents had recently asked him if it would b e possible for tne church to establish a Kindergarten school in Patea lie outlined the Anglican Church's attitude towards tnese schools, and after a general discussion on the matter Mr liraingtu* said he would suggest tnat a committee be set up to maice enquiries and report to a special meeting of parishioners. He said he quite favored tne establishment ot a kindergarten school, but the larger proposition was another matter altogether. The chairman then moved, and Mr Grainger seconded "That a committee consisting of Mes^ dames Simmons and R. S. Thompson. Miss Honey field, Mr.R. S. Thompson', and the vestry and wardens be set up to obtain all necessary information on the matter, and to report to a specif meeting of parishioners.'s—Carried. The chairman stated that the vestry had fully considered the Church Franchise Bill, and recommended that the resolution adopted by St. Peter's Church "to adopt the suggestions of the Archbishops of England," be adopted by this church, and on the motion of Mr Grainger, seconded by Mr Tarrant, the vestry's recommendations were affirmed. The chairman said it was with very sincere regret that they had learned of the death of Captain Sprott while on active service, and moved the following resolution:—"That we, the parishioners of the Parochial District of Patea, learn with deep regret of the death of the bishop's eldest son, Captain W C Sprott. M.C. That w e desire to place on record our thankfulness to Almighty God for his heroic self-sacrifice in the service and defence of our nation, and of the liberty and freedom of mankind: and to assure his Lordship the Bishop and Mrs* Sprott of our sympathy and prayers in. their great bereavement." The meeting then adjourned.