ST JOHN'S METHODIST CHURCH

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LIII, Issue 73, 27 March 1919, Page 6

ST JOHN'S METHODIST CHURCH

ANNUAL MEETING. . The annual meeting and social gathering in connection with St. John’s Methodist Church WEis held in the schoolroom last evening, when there was a large attendance of members and friends. The Rev. E. D. Patchett presided. The proceedings opened with the singing of the. hymn, “Praise God from. Whom all Blessings Flow,” after which Mr. P. A. Dickson. (Church of Christ) led the meeting in prayer. The Chairman, in his address, gave a resume of the past year’s work, and 1 expressed gratitude for the success that had attended all efforts, spiritual and financial. He thanked members for their hearty co-operation, in both ordinary and special work, Thirteen new names had been added to the Church troll during the year, v ■Mr. A. A. Lucas, Secretary and Treasurer of the Trust, presented the annual report and balance-sheet, in‘ which notice was taken of the conclusion of the' war, and the hope was expressed that a permanent peace would soon follow. A welcome was extended to returning soldiers. Reference was made to the efficient ministry 'of' the Rev. E. D. Patchett, the attendance at Divine service being well maintained,' and the Church generally' being in a healthy state, the various’ organisations 'in connection therewith, being at their usual standard. Notwithstanding the eni- • deffljc find other circumstances, the church finances had suffered, and the various funds were in a very sntia factory state. The Trustees thanked the conductor and members of the choir, the Ladies’ Sewing Guild, the superihtendient, officials, and teachers of the Sunday School for very efficient service during the year. During the year the church’ had lost by death three old an* faithful member's, viz., •Mrs Crump, Mrs Had do w ) and Mrs. Thompson. Additions to the Trust •Board had been .made by the appointment of Messrs, James. Wigzell, A G, . Nightingale. B. Trathen, and R. A. Leaper. Mr Mayson had been appointed organist. „and was giving every satisfaction. The tot'd funds raised during the year was £777 17s lOd, of which amount £155 was' devoted to Home and Foreign Missions’. * The Rev. G. H. Gibb (representing the NeV an Minfstors’ Association) conveyed the greetings < of the several churches, rind expressed his pleasure at being present. He delivered an address. Scaling with the various causes’ which tend to lack of enthusiasm in Christian work, . and gave some good advice whereby to maintain a continuous interest in the work of the chtiroh,-. stronglv condemning the spirit of carping criticism. The reverend hen Reman closed his address by referring to the: ouestion of church union. He looked 1 forward to an earlv consummation of the union of the Presbyterian, Methodist, an* Congregational Churches in thr» Dominica. At intervals thrnimhout the evening a musical and elocutionary programme was rendered, items being contributed follows Orchestral selection; re-' citation,. Mrs Ravage; duet, Misses Smith and Neale; song, Mr Glover; in-, etrumental trio.; song, Miss Docksey ; humorous sketches. Mr Chi “holm ; song, •Miss Smith; recitation, Mbs Bunker;. An orchestra consisting of Misses Joyce. Flett, and Glairy, Mesdames Tunes and Bush, and Messrs Allen, Branded, and Louiflson contributed {several items, and a special vote of thanks was accorded to the performers for the musical treat. Mr -Mayson. (church organist) played the various accompaniments. Th« e>" : r contributed a glee The ladies provided sapper, a halfhour’s sociality following, after which the meeting was closed with the Benediction.