ST. ANDREW'S CHURCH

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4807, 7 July 1939, Page 5

ST. ANDREW'S CHURCH

ANNUAL MEETING. SUBSTANTIAL DEBT REDUCTION In spite of the inclement weather nearly 40 people attended the annual congregational meeting in connection with St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, held last night. Rev. S. W. Webber, Moderator, presided, and nearly all the reports were of an optimistic character and showed that general progress had been made.

The Session Report presented by Mr. A. Edwards showed that in spite of many removals there was a gain of five in membership. The minister had celebrated 20 marriages, conducted 28 baptisms, and 10 funerals.

Reference was made to the departure of Mr. R. R- Browne, one of the elders and organists, and Mr. and Mrs. Duncanson, foundation members of the Church. Hearty appreciative references were made to the work of the minister, Rev. W. T. Brabyn, and Mrs. Brabyn. The managers' report, given by Mr. H. J. Irvine, referred to the fact that £222 had been given as donations to the Centenary "Debt Reduction Fund. Thanks to the voluntary labours of Messrs. Henderson, Robertson, Wood, Kepple and Darvell, repairs had been effected to the foundation of the church and renovations to the hall. An electric range and hot water service had been installed in the manse.

The treasurer, Mr. L. R. Cobb, presented the balance sheet which showed a record revenue. Collections showed an increase of £29 and the debt had been reduced by nearly £3OO.

Encouraging reports were given by Mrs. Clokey, representing the P;W.M.U., Mrs. E. J. Read (Ladies' Guild), Mr. E. McKenzie (Sunday School), Mrs. Brabyn (Primary S. School), Miss I. Wilson (Senior Bible Class), Miss .E. Causley (Junior Bible Class), Miss Janet Wilson (Girls' Auxiliary), Mrs. McKenzie (Busy Bees), and Mr. F. E. Wilson (Choir).

The following were elected to the management committee for the year: Messrs. J. Henderson, H". J. Irvine, J. G. Sturges, F. G. Kibblewhite, E. McKenzie, J. M. Somerville, A. C. Ferneyhough, and Mrs. Clokey, representing the Missionary Union, and Mrs. Read, representing the Ladies' Guild.

It was unanimously agreed that the Missions Committee and Presbytery be asked to appoint Rev. W. T. Brabyn for another year, making it the fifth year. Mr. Brabyn thanked the members for their hearty invitation to stay another year. He and Mrs. Brabyn had been most encouraged in the work and thanked all for their hearty co-operation.

A comprehensive vote of thanks to all helpers was moved by Mr. Kibblewhite and carried with acclamation.

A very hearty meeting concluded with refreshments and the Benediction.