ST ANDREW’S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Hokitika Guardian, 10 August 1928, Page 2

ST ANDREW’S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

ANNUAL MEETING... The annual meeting of St. Andrew's congregation was held on Wednesday night, when there was a good attendance and much interest shown in the proceedings. The Rev. J. W. Hayward presided.

A resolution of condolence with the relatives of the late Mr John Murdoch was passed, the congregation standing in silence.

The various reports presented showed the state of the church to be healthy and the prospects enouraging. Mr \V. Folley, session clerk, read the report of the Kirk Session on spiritual affairs, showing that public worship had boon regularly conducted and the sacraments duly dispensed—the average attendance at the last four quarterly communions being 71. The report expressed admiration of the faithful and devoted work of Mr James Park and of his staff of workers in the Sunday School.

Of those lost by death during the year Mrs Peebles had been identified with Sabbath School work for half a century.

The report referred to the quickening of interest among the young people—three organisations having been recently formed, viz.: a Young Women’s Senior Bible Class; a Young Men’s Junior Bible Class; and a Young People’s Society. Provision is made once a month for a social hour in St. Andrew’s Hall after the Sunday evening service.

The managers report read by Mr James King expressed approval of the envelope system of contribution and thanks to Miss Davidson for her work in connection therewith. The gas heaters had added greatly to the comfort of the congregation during the winter months. The interior of St. Andrew’s Hall and classroom had been painted and renovated, adding considerably to its comfort and appearance. The Ladies Guild was specially thanked for their efforts in raising founds for the church and the organists, Miss P. Thompson and Miss E. Robinson were also thanked for their services, and Mr Pilkington as leader of the choir. Mr Henry Blank who had acted as organist, had removed during the year and his services had been recognised by a presentation from the managers. The balance sheet (Mr Urquhart. treasurer) showed receipts £039 1/s Bd, expenditure £514 18s 6d. balance in hand £24 18s 6d. The income from ordinary collections was £290 16s, and from special efforts and collections £lls, Sunday School for missions £ls and the balance in rent from reserves. The Scots Memorial Fund report hv Mr A. B. King showed amount in hand £I6OO 9s.

Other reports read were Sunday School (Mr James Park),' P.W.M.TJ. (Mrs Preston), Ladies Guild (Mrs

Thompson), and Young Women’s Junior Bible Class (Miss Potts). These organisations had contributed during the year about £4O to various missions and church schemes, in addition to their own maintenance.

The following were elected a committee:—Messrs D. Stevenson, W. Good fellow. S. Preston, W. Urquhart. J. King, L. Gooch, A. B. King, W. Wilson. S. Woods, F. On- and* A. Park-hill. A resolution expressing appreciation of the good work that was being done, as shown by- the -'reports presented and of thanks' to all the workers was carried with acclamation. During the evening there was some hearty singing of familiar hymns, and a dainty "supper was provided by the Ladies Guild.