ST PAUL'S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17263, 2 September 1916, Page 5

ST PAUL'S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

ANNUAL MEETING. Tho annual meeting of the congregation of St Paul’s Church was held on Thursday. The Itov J. Paterson, presided, and thero was a satisfactory attendance of members. After devotional exercises, tho annual session review waß read / by tho session clerk (Mr D. 0. Burns). It referred to tho able manner in which the minister of the church had met his obligations, and to tbe success of tho work undertaken during tho year. A largo number of tho young men of tho congregation had enlisted for tho front, and were nobly helping to bear the Empire’s burden. Tho work of church extension had been vigorously carried on. The hall built at Now Brighton in the previous year had led to such, development that it was found necessary to form that centre into a fully sanctioned home mission charge, where Mr Bickerstalf is doing very capable and earnest work. Halls had been erected at. Linwood and Richmond, and MrJ. Tennjont is conducting services in those centres, where large and enthusiastic congregations have been, gathered. Hie Sabbath schools already established had grown considerably, and upwards of 200 children now attend them. This work suffered during the vear owing to the death of Airs R. H. Wilson, who had taken,groat interest in its welfare. The introduction of the duplex system ef giving had resulted in the finances being soundly maintained. In addition to the largo amount expended in church extension work, tho contributions to outsido objects, such as foreign and home missions. Maori work, orphanage upkeep, etc., had nearly doubled thut of any previous year. Great credit .was duo to Messrs 0. Callender and A. W. Jamieson for their services in guiding tho finances of the church.

Reports from the Sabbath schools (Messrs W. R. Davidson and George Burn), Bible classes (Mr T. AY. Reese), Ladies’ Association, P.W.M.U., choir, Maori Birthday League, etc., were presented, showing that a great amount of good work had been overtaken during the year! The Rev J. Paterson reviewed the whole field, and warmly thanked members for their co-operation in the year’s labours, and urged ,a continuance of this for the coming year. Mr P. Horens referred to the value of the work put through as revealed by the reports presented, and on his motion a vote of thanks was passed to the many who had assisted.

Special reference was made to the services of Mr A. W. Jamieson, who this year finds it necessary to retire from tho treasnrevship owing to business claims.