LEESTON WESLEYAN CHURCH.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXX, Issue 8671, 21 December 1888, Page 3

LEESTON WESLEYAN CHURCH.

The quarterly meeting of this church was held on Tuesday last, at 2.80 p.m. The Eev J. A. Lusford presided, and there were present Messrs Goldsmith and Moore (Circuit Stewards), Barnett, Wills, F, Overton and Carston (from Leeston congregation), H. Overton and Hill (from Irwell congregation), Withell, Grainger, W. Watson, J. Watson, Thompson and Frampton (from Brookaide congregation). Representatives from Southbridge and Dunsandel could not attend, but sent written representations. The Chairman reported that the membership roll showed 174 names, and that the congregations in all churches were large and encouraging. The Sunday School returns showed that nearly three hundred children v/cre receiving religious instruction from a staff of forty-one teachers. An encouraging report was presented with reference to the Tanmutu Maori Sunday School, and the Eev Te Kote conveyed to the meeting his thanks for the interest members were taking in the natives of the district. The Circuit Stewards presented their financial report, which showed an income of about £7O, and an expenditure (including a special item of .£18) of .£9O. In addition, the sum of JE4S had been raisedduring the quarter for Home Missions. Reference was made to the small amount which was raised in some of the Canterbury circuits toward this fund, and the Conference representative was requested to draw the attention of the Conference to the matter. Mr P. W. Goldsmith was elected representative to the Conference, to be held in Dunedin next month. The Chairman referred to the valuable services that had been rendered to the church by the Circuit Stewards, Messrs Moore and Goldsmith, the former had held office for five years, the latter for four years. They wished to be relieved. A desire for the extension of Christ’s Kingdom, the prosperity of the Wesleyan Church and the happiness of the minister, had characterised their long term of office. He was sure they left office with the testimony of their consciences, the love of the church, and the thanks of the ministers who had been in Leeston during their term. A hearty vots of thanks was carried by acclamation. The Chairman then nominated as their successors Messrs H. Overton and G. Prampton ; the meeting unanimously endorsed the nomination. Stewards for the various congregations wore nominated, and elected subject to the confirmation of leaders’ meetings of each church. Other business brought the meeting tern close.