ST. PAUL’S CHURCH

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 306, 24 November 1932, Page 2

ST. PAUL’S CHURCH

SUNDAY SCHOOL ANNIVERSARY. The Sunday school hall at St. Paul’s Methodist Cnurch failed to accommodate all who desired to attend the anniversary- concert last evening. A tea was held at 5.30 when two sittings were required and the attendance in the evening was quite as large. A comprehensive programme had been arranged by the various classes and for two and a-half hours the audience were splendidly entertained. The programme was as follows: —Primary children, action songs (“Land of Nod,” “Growing Up,”); John Cunningliame, “Vespers”; intermediate boys’ Bible class, sketch (“The Purple Chamber”); recitation, “The Minuet,” Miss Joyce Stevens; Miss Clarke’s class tableau (“A Dancing Lesson”); intermediate girls’ Bible class, sketch (“The Patchwork Quilt”); Mr L. Bvcroft’s class, sketch (“Ten Little Nigger Boys”); Miss class dialogue (“Dame . Nature’s Feet”); Mrs Gooch’s class, sketch (“The Right Silver”); senior girls’ Bible class, parts song (“Turn ye to Me”); pianoforte solo, Roy Robinson; recitation, Jack Randall; song, Gordon Cameron; recitation, Rex Petrie ; song, Len Shailer. Rev. A. N. Scotter, 8.A., the minister of the Church, was in charge of the proceedings which opened with the singing of “The Old Rugged Cross” and the reciting of the Lord’s Prayer. The stage was most artistically arranged and the lighting unique in its adaptability. The costuming in the playettes and primary items was splendid. Between the items Mr H. Lock, the trainer of the St. Paul’s Association football team, spoke of the club’s phenomenal success during the season by winning two cups, which were on the stage. He commended the behaviour of the boys. Mr G. H. Stiles, the superintendent, in a few remarks, extended his thanks to the teachers and children for their good work during the year, and at the anniversary. He paid a special tribute to the conductor (Mr Tregurtha), Miss Nola Tregurtha (the youngest accompaniste), Mrs W. Watson (the organist), Mr E. P. Wix (for the lighting installation) and Mr E. Lock (the secretary) for his harmonious co-operation. Mr Stiles expressed appreciation of Mr Scotter’s keen interest and said he hoped the Church would not soon lose him by promotion. “We do not want him to go, but if he does we wish him well,” he said. Mr Stiles returned thanks to all workers and said he hoped that a larger Sunday school would be built soon to provide greater accommodation. Prizes were then distributed to about 50 pupils by Mr Stiles. ANNUAL REPORT.

During the evening Mr Dock presented the 58th secretarial report as follows:

“The roll number at September 30 was 246, as follow Primary department 64, main school 107, junior Bible classes 17, intermediates 35, seniors 23. The primary department is superintended by Miss. G. Laurenson, Mrs E. Lock having resigned that position. Tho main school is under the able superintendency of Mr G. H. Stiles, and the Bible class leaders are Miss Jones, senior young womens’; Mrs Wild, intermediate; Mrs G. H. Bycroft, juniors; Mr A. McLeavey, senior young men’s; Mr S. Laurenson, intermediates; and Mr East, juniors. At the present time our school is fully staffed by 27 permanent and 3 auxiliary teachers. We regret having lost the services of Mrs E. Lock who has done good work in the primary department for the past 13 years; AXiS3 M. Stiles (Mrs Barnett) who has been a teacher and pianiste for the past four years, and Mr, Barnett and Mr Seymour. Wo have been pleased to add to our staff, Mrs G. H. Bycroft, Misses E. Sinclair, B. Baillie, T. Clark, and Mr M. Verry. Our usual anniversary services wero held during November, when tho church proved to bo too small to accommodate the largo number who would have worshipped with us, many having to be turned away. Again wo are indebted to Mr Trcgurtha for his. work in training the children, and wo wish to thank him for his services, which . . are greatlv appreciated by all who are privileged to'hear the children sing. Twenty-seven scholars sat for the Scripture examinations conducted by our local Sunday School Union, all of whom scoured prizes, tho average marks for our school being 75 per cent. Our annual rally day was held in June, when a large number of both children and parents attended, and the meeting was addressed by our Minister, Rev. A. N. Scotter. The Young Worshippers’ League has a roll number of 33, and is now superintended by Mr H. Lock, Miss Lyon having relinquished this position after many years of faithful service, for which we tender our thanks. The Wesley Guild continues to meet fortnightly and has a membership of 31. We. have 52 names on tho cradle roll, which is now controlled by Miss Ada Cresswell, Mrs Wild is in chargo of tho Junior Christian Endeavour which now meets every- Sunday morning at 10 o’clock. The roll number is 26. and an average attendance of 22 has been maintained throughout the winter months, which has been very encouraging to the leaders. Tho children read their own papers, and generally conduct tho meetings themselves. The missionary paper, Tho Lotu, and the temperance leaflet, ’ The Challenge, are distributed regularly to the children, and both missionary and temperance lessons are given periodically throughout the year. Home and foreign missions are contributed, to .by tho school, our home mission contribution being £lO 15s Bd, and foreign missions £l4 15s. The girls’ club, conducted by Mrs Wild, which commenced with a membership of nine, now has 22 members with an average attendance of 16. The girls are keen in their work for the mission field, and a parcel of goods has been sent to sister Ruth Grant in the Solomons, and one to Sister Nicholls for distribution among the Maori children. The Boys’ Club, under the guidance of Mr H. Lock, meets regularly during the winter months. The ’‘soccer” team was most successful in winning both the Chinese Cup and the “Knock-Out” Cups, only one match throughout the whole of the season being lost. It has been a great pleasure to us to welcomo Rev. A. N. Scotter and family, who, although they have only been with us a few months, have shown a keen interest in the children. Rev. Mr Scotter has helped us on several occasions in the school; Miss E. Scotter conducted a class for a few months before she left tho district; and Miss K. Scotter has been most successful in forming a troop of Girl Guides, and Scout Cubs. Tho Guides number 17, conprising 3 patrols, and meet every Friday evening. They have taken chargo of the Church gardens, and have imprpved them considerably. The Cubs number 14, and meet on Tuesday evenings. Both the Guides and Cubs have attended two Church parades. Wo cannot mention individually all those who have contributed to our success, but we wish to take this opportunity of thanking them for their assistance. Neither can figures convey all the good which is being done week by week by our willing helpers, but wo feel we are being rewarded when wo see the large number of young people attending our various meetings, especially our Church services.” The financial statement showed a credit bank balance of £34, with 11s cash in hand after an expenditure of £62 9s Id. Collections up to September 30 totalled £2l Us 4d and tho anniversary had realised £47 7s 4d. . Tho evening concluded with the singing of the Doxology and the pronouncing of the Benediction by Rev. Mr Scotter.