PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 209, 2 August 1940, Page 5

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

PROGRESS AT ST. PAUL’S. The annual meeting of the St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church was bold last evening, Rev. A. L. Dixon presiding. In moving the adoption of the session. report, Mr T. Pagan said the year could be regarded as successful. It had been a difficult period, perhaps one of the, most difficult in the history of the church, and the coming year would probably prove even more strenuous.. The times were depressing and it would be the duty of the church to comfort its members who might suffer worry as a result of the war. The members should be united in the common cause and seek victory in their work and in their prayers. The continued success of the Church lay in unity of purpose, and it was incumbent upon all to remember that and be wholehearted in their support and worship. He had refrained from making mention of any particular worker; he wished to thank all. He also made mention of the passing of the late Mr It. W. Brown, of Colyton, who had given wonderful service at Waiata; over a lengthy period of years. Mr Lcitch, on behalf of the managers, referred to their report and paid special tribute to the work of Messrs A. V. Svendscn and T K. Hay. Mr Pagan congratulated the treasurer (Mr 0. Aldis) on showing a credit balance qn the year’s working. It was many years since there had been a credit balance. Mr Aldis attributed the favourable balance to the envelope system, which had been a marked success. Messrs A. E. Mathieson and A. C. Buist also commented on the envelope system and trusted that the membership in this would he increased.

Mr Dixon congratulated the managers and the treasurer. Regarding Mr Aldis, he said that his personal devotion was an inspiration to all. Mr Buist referred, to the success of the morning Sunday school, stating that there had been an increase in the number of pupils since the change from afternoon. The attendance had been 88 per cent, of the roll. Regarding the other reports before the meeting, Mr Pagan made mention of the splendid work of the “Busy Bees” and paid a tribute to the services of Mrs Goldfinch, who had collected no fewer than 22,500 stamps out of a total collection in the presbytery of 35,000. Mr Dixon endorsed these remarks and said the effort involved a prodigious amount of work. He also announced that Mrs Goldfinch had already collected 900 stamps for the coming year. Mrs Dixon thanked Mrs Buist for her efforts in connection with the “Busy Bees.” Mr lan Brown solicited the support of the congregation towards furthering the interests of the Bible classes. Thanks were extended to the choirmaster (Mr J. L. Fleetwood) and the choir members for their valuable assistance. Mr N. Peat, of Waiata, was appointed country elder on the session, and Mr Dixon congratulated Mr Peat on being raised to eldership. He was confident that it would be a pleasure to work with Mr Peat and to have his advice and support. The following managers were appointed: Messrs D. N. Fergusson, C. Parker, T. Iv. Hay, C. Robson, D. Pryde, J. W. Stewart. B. McLeod, F. Campbell, M. R. McEwen, A. V. Svendscn, H. E. Thurston, 1. H. Caldwell. and D. McFarland. The moderator announced that he and Mrs Dixon had received a letter from Miss L. Spence, of Wellington, extending her good wishes for a successful meeting. At the conclusion of the business Mr Dixon thanked the officers and members of the congregation for their loyal support.