GORE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Mataura Ensign, Issue 1034, 17 May 1902, Page 3

GORE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

BUILDING ADDITIONS PIiOI'OSED. A meeting of the congregation of the Gore Presbyterian Church wbs held on Thursday evening to discuss ways and means of increasing the accommodation of the church premises so as to meet ihc larger demands of the growing attendance at the Sabbath school. The I!ov. A. Gray presided. Owing to the stormy weather the attendance was not large. The Chairman detailed the circumstances that had rendered action in the matter necessary, and said Mr W. Gilchrist would explain the scheme decided on by the managers. Mr Gilchrist pointed out thr.t owing to the great increase in the attendance at the Sabbath school, there being an increase of some eighty pupils during the year, the greatest difficulty was experienced in finding room for the different classes. Two large additional rooms were required—one for the senior Bible class and one for the infant division—and even then only present needs would be met. It was intimated that the two rooms referred to would cost about £IOO. The managers were also anxious to carry out several other improvements about the church, and to completely extinguish the debt upon it. The whole scheme would require £230 to carry out. The managers suggested as a means for raising the amount necessary that 10 members should subscribe £3 each, 20 £3 each. 2"i £2, 50 £l, and 100 10s, which would yield £2OO. Nothing would be done until the whole amount was raised. After further discussion, Mr Gilchrist saiel if they went in for a properly-equipped Sabbath school separate from the church it would cost £SOO.

The Chairman said the question of building a new church would have to be faced in the near future, or else they would have to enlarge the pn sent building very considerably. For a new building they would receive a grant of £3OO, but it was not probablo they would receive any assistance in carrying out the proposals before the meeting. Mr H. Smith expressed gratification at the marked growth of the Sabbath school attendance, which reflected great credit upon the zeal of the t-aching staff, and especially upon the devotion displayed by the superintendent (Mr W. Gilchrist). He felt sure the congregation would rise to the occasion, and moved that the recommendation of the managers b? adopted. The motion was seconded by Mr A. Aitken and carried.

The sum of £53 3s was promised by those present, and after fuither discussiou it was resolved to invite the assistance of members and adherents in the movement, circulars to be sent out intimating the line of action decided upon.