BAPTIST CHURCH

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 119, 20 April 1932, Page 9

BAPTIST CHURCH

MEMBERS' ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of members of the Palmerston North Baptist Church was held last evening, when Rev. C. S. Matthews presided over a good attendance. Prior to the business commencing there was a session of song and devotion. The secretary, Mr W. Whitehead, presented the 30th annual report. The pastor, officers and members of the Church oould, he stated, look back over the year with thanksgiving. The membership had increased considerably and fine work had been done in the Sunday school and Bible classes. The ( Church had been much blessed by various missionaries, and the spiritual life and missionary zeal of the members had been deepened. On May 24 the anniversary services were held. On the first Sunday of the week of prayer the president and secretary ot the Central Young Men’s Bible Class Union occupied the pulpit. Cottage prayer meetings were also held and the other meetings had also proved a time or refreshing and spiritual uplift. The-Baptist Women’s Missionary Union met monthly for prayer aim fellowship, the members making garments for the native converts and others in India, and a parcel was sent to the Manurewa Children’s Home (Auckland). Good work was being done in the young peoples’ departments comprising the Junior Endeavour, the doling Worshippers’ League and others. There were 93 members in the Sunday school, 33 in the primary and 60 in the main school. There was a staff of 15 teachers and seven officers. The anniversary services were held on October 19, being conducted by Rev. J. D. McArthur, Rev. C. S. Matthews and Mr Gillanders. Mrs Drury, of the children’s department of the League of Nations, gave a talk. A new Sunday school branch had been formed with eight members. Steady progress was reported in the Bible classes. There were 31 infant names on the cradle roll and the parents of 20 did not attend the church. Twenty-one names had been added to the roll during the past year. The Thursday night young people’s meeting was 58 strong and there was great keenness. The Junior Missionary Society—“ The Young ltope Holders”—met fortnightly. The choir deserved hearty thanks for'faithful and useful services. During the year a gift of, beautiful carpets for the church had been made by an anonymous friend. There was an increase in the church’s membership; 29 new members had been gained and at the close of the year there were 213 on the roll after 10 had been transferred and one had died. Gratification was expressed for the faithful services of both Rev. Mr and Mrs Matthews. Mr Matthews had rendered a very effective ministry and had proved himself as one who had not shirked the responsibilities placed on his shoulders. There was also a faithful band of servants who were working unobtrusively.

The financial statement showed income of £1146 Is Cd. The sources and objects were as follow : —Envelopes, £261 6s 9d; cash £213 2s lid; missions £127 6s; Manurewa Home £l2 Is 8d; sundry contributions, £ll4 10s Id. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The following Church officers were elected for the ensuing year: —Secretary, Mr Whitehead; treasurer, Mr F. Grover; deacons, Messrs W. P. Anderson, A. Crabb, G. Thompson, C. Carr, J. Howard, R. Haselden, A. Hay; deaconesses, Mesdames Matthews. Thompson, Grover, Cralsb, Rickard, Wilby, Philpott; envelope steward, Mr G. H. Elliott; assistant, Miss Perry; Communion steward, Mr A. Crabb; union collector, Mr G. H. Elliott; agent for the' Baptist, Mr A-. Crabb; reporter to the Baptist, Mr Gwynne; Manurewa Home collector, Mrs Crabb; organist, Mrs Thompson; auditor, Mr W. P. Anderson; Sunday school superintendent, Mr C. Carr; caretaker, Mrs Carr; baptismal stewards, Messrs F. Grover and C. Grover; representatives on council of Christian Congregations, Messrs W. P. Anderson and R. Haselden. Votes of appreciation were accorded the officers for their conscientious work during the year. At the conclusion of the business supper was served.