Wesleyan Social at Ashhurst.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 6698, 16 May 1900, Page 3

Wesleyan Social at Ashhurst.

The above social was held on Jiion day evening, and considering the state of the weather, was one of the best attended for some time. The choir, under the baton of Mr Andrew, contributed their share of an enjoyable programme in a style that might safely be termed first-class, and which showed wonderfully "good results for the two or three practices they had indulged in, the singing of the different solos made it plain that music is a great feature in the Church.

The report and balance-sheet, which showed a credit balance of 2s 3d, was read by Mr Soarle. We understand the Church is free from debt, and may therefore be pardoned for remarking that, although a Church without a debt is a grand moral in itself, we cannot but think that a small debt, in a nnmber of instances, conduces to bringing out the real good points of a congregation and the management; to some it acts as a stimulant. However, we sincerely trust that the members of the above Church will not feel hurt or disappointed because they have a free Church.

A special v©te of thanks was tendered the organist (Miss Rumble) for the able manner in which she had assisted the services during the past year.

The opportunity was seized to welcome both the Revs. Lawry and Newbold to Ashhurst, both of whom replied in a manner which made them prime favorites with their future congregation, especially the latter, whose stock of anecdotes and puns at once pronounced him to be a new, bold man.. The Rev. Mr Lawry spoke at some length, calling attention to the three great scourges that are at present overshadowing different parts of the Empire, viz,, war, plague and famine, and made an appeal on behalf of the famine-stricken inhabitants of India. During the evening refreshments were handed round and the following programme rendered: —Choruses by the choir, "Hear my Prayer," " Give unto the Lord," " My Shepherd is divine," " The Lord shall come to Zion " ; solos, "The Priceless Gift," Miss Clapham ; "The Angel of Light," Miss Rumble; " Life's Lullaby," Mrs Hutchings; " The Holy City," Mrs Andrew; " Heaven at last," Mr Hutchings. Tho usual votes of thanks to the ladies and all who assisted in making the anniversary an unqualified success were proposed, and the singing of "Praise ye the Lord " by the choir concluded a very i pleasant social.