ST. PAUL’S CHURCH

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 197, 19 July 1935, Page 7

ST. PAUL’S CHURCH

QUARTERLY MEETING. The quarterly meeting of SL_ Paul’s Methodist Church was held on Wednesday, Rev. A. N. Scotter presiding. Apologies for absence were received from Messrs G. H. Bennett, E. G. Bennett and G. H. Stiles. There was a fair attendance of officers. Prior to the usual business, votes of condolence and sympathy to the relatives of two deceased members, tho late Mrs Rumble and Mr Ira Gordon, were passed. Similar expressions were shown'to Mrs A. Tregurtha and Messrs H. R. Smith and J. Walker, who had i suffered bereavement during the quarter. The membership roll showed totals of 257 adult and 56 junior members, with 14 adult and six junior members at Aokautere. Mr H. G. Bycroft was unanimously appointed a circuit steward, thus filling the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr E. G. Bennett. Mr E. Lock, in presenting the figures for the youth department, said he was impressed by the continued improvement in the primary department figures. In this section there was a total roll of 69, with an average attendance of 39; one Sunday there had been 63 children present. There was still the need of more teachers in the main school, the roll of which was almost the same as in tho preceding quarter. Speaking to the report, tho chairman referred to the good work being done in the Sunday school. It was particularly pleasing to learn that the results of the Scripture examinations, though not quite ready for publication, would be a cause for pride to the teachers who had been engaged in that work. It was decided to ask Mr H. C. Blackwood to visit the school during the present quarter. Mr Lyal Bycroft reported on youth work at Aokautere, referring to the continued interest being shown in the Boys’ Club. Regarding home mission work, Mr Cameron asked if a visit from the touring Maori choir would be possible. The chairman said he thought it would, adding that he was hopeful that an exchange of choirs would help in the concerts of St. Paul’s and. other circuits. The financial statement presented by Mr W. H. J. Watson showed a slightly increased debit balance on last quarter. Referring to the jubilee celebrations, the chairman said he was more than pleased with the results. Throughout the festivities there had l>een a most helpful spirit prevailing. The Ladies’ Guild were desorving of special thanks j for their great help, and he was im-1 pressed by the great interest shown by j the young people of the Church. Their j help at the concert was especially good. The Communion service, in which the ministers of other congregations had' so willingly participated, and the meeting of the old people were remarkable gatherings and sources of blessing to all present. A financial statement was not yet possible. On the motion of Mr W. B. Cameron, it was decided to place on record the appreciation the meeting felt toward the Ladies’ Guild for the splen-

did assistance during the celebrations, particularly at the banquet. Replying to references to the work of himself and the choir, Mr A. 'Tregurtha asked for recognition of the work of Miss Muirhead at the organ : | he was sure she was deserving of their best thanks. A letter of thanks to Miss ! Muirhead is to be sent, and to the 1 soloists who rendered such good service. • Mr L. Bycroft voiced the thanks of the church officers to Mr Scotter for j his untiring work in order to make success in the celebrations assured. To their minister, said the speaker, a good deal of the credit was due. He had worked night and day.

Efforts are to be made to arrange for a week of special services later in the year, tho chairman voicing the great need for more evangelical work.