CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 72, 24 February 1932, Page 2

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Emmanuel Congregational Church was held last evening, Pastor C. G. H. By croft presiding over a good attendance of members. In presenting the annual report the secretary stated: “The year just ended has been one of much happiness and blessing, Pastor and people being united in loyal service for the extension of the Kingdom, and we are happy to report that we have seen definite results. We have been privileged to reap_ as well as to sow. The Sunday services have been of an extremely helpful nature; the subjects dealt with have appealed to the public, as is evidenced by the fresh faces seen from time to time in the congregation. We desire to express our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to our Pastor for his untiring efforts, and his faithful and able pulpit administrations. The mid-week service which IVo consider is the thermometer of the Church is not only well attended but is a real means of grace to those who have been present. The Bible study is of a very helpful nature and the volume of prayer which _ ascends to the throne of Grace is a means of spiritual power in our midst. During the year the choir, under the leadership of Mr A. W. Leet, as con ; ductor, and Mr F. N. Leet, as organist, has assisted in the services of praise, and also very ably rendered the sacred cantata “King David,” in addition to an anthem at the evening services.” The Sunday School secretary reported a year of splendid work and definite progress, it being one of the best years in the history of the Church. There is a staff of eleven, all of whom are very enthusiastic in the discharge of their duties; 21 new scholars joined the school during the year. Six of the children gained 100 per cent, of the marks, while 10 others gained over 95 per cent., thus gaining diplomas of honour. Three of the children completed the seven years’ record and received their diplomas framed; two of the three gaining 100 per_ cent, for seven years running. The scholars raised £B6 3s for the L.M.S. Ships, and the missionary collections amounted to £2 15s 2d, making a total of £ll Is 5d for foreign missionary work. The secretary of the C.E. Society reported a very happy and successful year. Some very helpful papers and addresses have been given from week to week. During the year several young people’s services were held on Sunday evenings, members of the Christian Endeavour Society taking part. The members are keenly interested in missionary work, having donated £2 7s 7d to the London Missionary Society, and 70 handkerchiefs toward the missionary parcel; also £1 to the Sunday School funds. The social side has not been neglected, several functions having been held at intervals proving very happy and successful.

The Ladies’ Auxiliary reported a year of good service. Great work has heen accomplished. The allocation of £2O has been met and a donation of £1 5s has been made to the auxiliary funds. Two Christmas parcels were dispatched to the mission fields, one to Miss Inglis, Erode, South India, and the other to Dr Stuckey, of the McKenzie Memorial Hospital, China. The London Missionary Society deputation was Miss May, of India, and Miss Edmanson, of China. Both gave interesting accounts of their different fields of labour. The secretary of the Ladies’ Guild also reported a year of progress. This loyal band of workers has contributed £4O toward the Church general fund, and is always willing to lend a helping hand where required. A branch of the Congregational Women’s Federal tion was formed, the members assisting to raise £lO for the Napier Church.

“No report of ours would be complete without expressing our sense of gratitude to Mr A. W. Leet for his able and willing services as choir conductor, and to Mr T. N. Leet, whose regular and unfailing attendance at the organ has done so much to assist in the solemnity of our services. Also the ladies who, Sunday by Sunday, contribute the floral decorations to the church, and also Miss Burges for her regular attention to the sacramental vessels. Generally surmised, notwithstanding the age of spiritual and general depression through which we are passing, the prospects of the church are bright, and we are in good heart spiritually, and are looking forward to a time of usefulness during the coming year.”