CUBA STREET CHURCH

Manawatu Standard, Volume LI, Issue 110, 10 April 1931, Page 4

CUBA STREET CHURCH

QUARTERLY MEETING. ' The quarterly meeting of the office feearers of the Cuba Street Methodist Church Circuit (Cuba Street and Longburn societies) was held last evening, Lev. J. D. McArthur presiding. Mr McArthur reported that since ■the last meeting the names of four members had been removed from the roll, two of whom, Mrs Halford and Mr AVakeham, had died; three new members had been received since the fast meeting. The Cuba Street roll now stood at 234 and the Longburn roll at twenty. As compared with a debit balance of £27 at the last meeting, the balance-sheet revealed a debit balance of £4 ISs. The collections had | been splendid during the quarter in i spite of the financial stringency, and over £lls had been received in this way. The Longburn society had contributed magnificently towards the earthquake fund. Mr McArthur said that he was more .than pleased with the result of the financial side of the church’s work.

Mr Sandford suggested that in future the envelope and casual collections be shown separately on the balancesheet, and this was agreed to. The special travelling allowance was passed. It was decided that special collections be taken on Juno 14, for young people’s work. Mr McArthur read an appeal from the Methodist Church Earthquake ReJief Committee in which a statement of the damage done in the stricken area was made. It was estimated that at least £4OOO would be required to get things into order. The ministers and their families were carrying on their work and the committee would have to maintain them for about a year. The stipends and connectional charges would have to be met. The AVaipawa parsonage was beyond repair, while the Napier and Hastings and district parsonages had been badly damaged, as well as the churches suffering damage.—lt was resolved that, in the meantime, a retiring collection for the relief fund be taken once a quarter. Mr Hancox raised the matter of the transportation of preachers by private car owners and said he considered that the car list should be augmented. The

work was falling on the shoulders of a few men. Air McArthur said that he would look into the matter closely and would endeavour to extend the list. The Ashhurst-Bunnythorpe circuit required the motor cars a great deal. Mr. Fislier, circuit steward, stated that op each Sunday two local preachers were required and hardly any of these had means of conveyance.—Air Hancox’s motion, that the chairman (Rev. Air AlcArthnr) and the two circuit stewards go into the problems concerning the matter of transport and report to the next meeting, was carried unanimously. The foreign mission committee was re-appointed for the ensuing year, with power to add to its members. Reporting -on behalf of the Cuba Street Young People’s Department, Air H. Hopkins stated that there was a senior Sunday school roll of 65 and a junior roll of 80. Mr V. Screech reported that there were thirty-two on the Longburn roll and fourteen on the Cloverlea roll.

Air McArthur reported that the Young Alen’s Bible Classes had held a very successful camp with 104 in attendance. The Young Women’s Bible Classes had also held a successful retreat at Feilding. “The Easter camp is an absolutely established fact in our church,” said the chairman in enumerating some of the successful camps held. Air J. S. Win ton reported on the conference of the Methodist Church held in February. The ordination service for six young men had been very fine indeed. The concert chamber of the Town Hall had been crowded for a social gathering which impressed Mr Win toil very much. The missionary meeting in the Town Hall had also lieeu very successful. Air Winton enumerated some of the outstanding men who. attended the conference. A vote of thanks was accorded the speaker. At the conclusion of the business supper was dispensed.