St. Paul’s Church

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7084, 5 December 1929, Page 3

St. Paul’s Church

REPORT FOR FEILDING,

Following is the annual report of St, Paul’s Presbyterian Church, presented to members and adherents at the annual meeting last evening:—ln November last, the Rev. D. Raeburn McDonald took up the -work of the ministry in Feilding, and though his first year has been somewhat trying through sickness we look forward with expectation to the coming year, knowing full well that our minister has the fullest confidence and good wishes of all members. Attendances at Communion services have been a.s follow: 1928, September 101, December 110; 1929, March 111, June 108, September 89. The roll of communicant members at the beginning of the year number 188. During the year 11 joined the church by profession of faith, 5 were received by certificate from other congregations; 12 were, removed by disjunction and 4 by death; the roll number being 188.

The Rev. McDonald has officiated at' 14 wedding's, 12 baptisms and has conducted 8 funerals. The balance sheet shows a debit balance of 11s 4d, with accounts amounting to £49 18s lid -still unpaid. But much extraordinary expenditure Has been incurred during the year. Urgent repairs to the manse were effected before the arrival of the new minister.

It is estimated that at east £155 14s 9d of the amount paid out this year is non-recurring expenditure and a further sum of £32 15s lid in the debts outstanding is ajgo of that nature. The position, therefore is that a total sum of £IBB 10s 8d of this year’s indebtedness is of a kind that we should. not have to meet again for some years. •• It will' be' seen, therefore, that the financial position is not nearly as bad as appears at the first glance. Receipts for the orphanage are a record for this congregation. During the year, the Christmas :Cheer appeal raised £ll 15s 6d, and this sum helped to make the amount contributed larger than usual.

In the Sunday school the number of teachers on the roll is 16 and the average attendance 14. Scholars, girls 74, boys 61, total 135; average attendance 86. Infants'on the" cradle roll number 32. . '

We continue to support-a native teacher in’the.New Hobrides and this year are also working Tor the T.M.G.S. at Marton, China (Evangelistic) and Rev. 0. Michelsen (New Hebrides). Eight parcels, each weighing 111 b and a Christmas cake, were sent to Sister Anne and four sacks of old clothes, linen, e,tc., to Sister May. It is pleasing to report the healthy state of the Girl’s Auxiliary of the Bible classes and also of that useful and happy band, the Busy Bees. The choir continues to lead the praise with great acceptance. Wo acknowledge with gratitude the efforts of all friends in the varied activities of our church.