ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 234, 1 September 1938, Page 8

ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH

62nd ANNUAL MEETING. MINISTER’S SERVICES PRAISED. The sixty-second annual meeting of the congregation of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Palmerston North, was held in the church hall last night. There was a large attendance. The Minister (Rev. John Hubbard, M.A., 8.D.) presided, and with him on the platform was Mr W. B. Tennent (session clerk). Proceedings opened with the singing of a hymn and Mr Hubbard leading those present in prayer. Speaking to the annual report (already published), Mr Tennent first of all paid a tribute to the services of Mr J. B. Gerrand, a retiring elder, to the Church, his faithfulness and loyalty, and for, at all times, his gentlemanly manner and his desire to further the Church’s work. Reviewing the year, Mr Tennent remarked that from whatever angle it was taken it was a matter for satisfaction, numerically, financially, socially and spiritually. On the Sunday School roll, added Mr Tennent, there were 303 boys and girls, and he eulfcgised'the work of the teachers who had given much of their time in instructing the children in religious education. Mr Tennent also thanked Mr N. A. Tiley for substituting for him during tiis absence in the South Island, recently. The number of young men and women in Bible classes was a record, the session clerk continued. Mr J. Poole had been a very good leader. It was a department, however, . that could not be foste'red too much, for from their ranks came the future office-bearers.

The P.W.M.TJ., said. Mr Tennent, had showed a series of records in all phases.

The speaker next made brief reference to the financial aspect, stating that in three years the debts had been lowered from £6300 to £2500. testifying to the generosity of the congregation. Mr Tennent, in concluding, paid a tributerto the work of Mr Hubbard. How had the progress they had made been accomplished? he asked. Although they had a loyal congregation and excellent office-bearers, it was their leader who had inspired them. He had kno\vn Mr Hubbard since their University days together. He had had an opportunity to study Mr Hubbard’s character, and he felt that they had a friend, pastor and preacher who carried out the highest ideals of the Church.

The leaders of the various branches of the church’s activities followed with their detailed reviews of a "year of progress and spiritual attainment. The deacons’ court report was presented by the treasurer (Mr R. C. Donald), who remarked on the very satisfactory position of the finances of the church. They had put up new buildings and in the last few years bad been called ripon to pay for them. This task was being accomplished in a very satisfactory manner. Mr Donald expressed the opinion that the total collections in all branches revealed the progress achieved.

Mr A. J. Graham, on behalf of the congregation, added his tribute to the work of Mr Hubbard, who. he said, had been an inspiration ,to the congregation.

Replying, Mr Hubbard said that the progress shown during the past year had been due to the harmony among the members and the good work of the officers. Much of the credit was

due to Mr Tennent. It was a great help to have a session clerk of his calibre. The elders and deacons had also performed their duties in an excellent manner. Mr Hubbard added that it had been a great factor to have ) had such harmony as existed for his four years in this charge, and he hoped that it would continue for years to come. Their views had differed at times, but all had had one object—the furtherance of the work of St. Andrew’s. Their outlook had been threefold —sacrifice, elation and the fostering of the missionary spirit. Mr K. McDonald spoke in appreciation of the work of the office-bearers. He represented the members of the congregation who were not officers, and it was desired to sincerely thank them for their splendid work. The election of five deacons who are due to retire in 1941 w9a confirmed. They are: Messrs J. Callesen, J. Campion, J. Ellis, A. M. Laseelles and L. S. Watcrreus. s After the formal business had been completed a social was enjoyed, those contributing items being Miss Joan Baton (’cellist), Mr Russell Laurcnson (Wellington), and Mrs V. ilfrid Andrews, with Mrs Muir as accompanist.