St. John’s Anglican Church

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 97, 24 April 1941, Page 3

St. John’s Anglican Church

THE VICAR’S ANNUAL REPORT “In many ways the year just ended was an encouraging one,” states Ven. Archdeacon F. H. Petrie, of St. John’s Anglican Church, Feilding, in his annual report. Both the interest taken in the church activities and the attendances at the services had been greater and better than ever before during the 20 years he had been vicar. This he attributed, in a measure, to the troublesome times through which our nation was passing. It was a source of thankfulness to liim to note, the marked increase in the attendance at Holy Communion which he felt was a sign of real turning to God on the part of parishioners. All the country services had been attended and the Sunday schools had maintained their standard of efficiency. The attendances at Sunday schools were good and the examination results at Feilding and Colyton were excellent, reflecting great credit ou the teachers. The Ladies' Bible Class had a profitable and happy season and the Boys’ Bible Classes under Rev. W. L. Low were well attended. Inability to secure the services of a lady superintendent for the Girls’ Bible Class had obliged this activity to be suspended temporarily. The efficiency of St. John’s choir showed no signs of. falling off and members gave their loyal support at all times. Their singing on all occasions was much appreciated. The juvenile choir, trained by Mr. W. H. McLean, sang very reverently and sweetly on all occasions. The Girls’ Club, under the direction ol Mrs. J. W. rSporle, had a happy season and its stall at the missionary sale of work realised a substantial sum of money. The Ladies’ Auxiliary had a successful year and the annual sal6 realised the very satisfactory sum of £65. The vicar could not speak too highly of the enthusiasm and zeal as well as hard work put in by Mrs. Kitchen, the chairwoman, and Mrs. Legg, the secretary, towards making the auxiliary the efficient organisation it was. Once again St. John’s Mite Society earned the. appreciation and gratitude of the vestry for providing the money enabling certain necessary works to bo done. New heaters were installed in the church and repairs done to the Vicarage from the funds raiswl by the Mite Society. The Paddy’s market resulted in a satisfactory sum being realised. Concluding, the vicar expressed his deep thanks to all who assisted him in the work of the year. He. records appreciation of the loyal co-operation ol his colleague, Rev. W. L. Low, and congratulates him on the success attained at his recent theological examinations. Mr. Low had performed very valuable work. Thanks weer also due to the two iay readers, Messrs Fitzpatrick and Funston,-to •Fh.e church, .wardens and vesarymen, the choir and organists. The vicar also • thanked Rev. M. R. Pirani, who was always a welcome preacher at St. John’s. - • •