Sr. JOHN’S METHODIST SUNDAY SCHOOL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 14 November 1922, Page 5

Sr. JOHN’S METHODIST SUNDAY SCHOOL

ANNIVERSARY SERVICES

The 76th Anniversary celebrations in connection with St. John’s Methodist Sunday School were held last Sunday. The services throughout the day were largely attended. Rev. H. L. Blamires conducted the morning . and evening services and Dr. Weeks' (Dean of Nelson) that of the afternobn. The special feature of what is now known as “Children’s Day” is the festival songs which are rendered % the scholars. All the songs were well given and thoroughly enjoyed by those present. Even the smallest children seemed to be quite conversant with the music and took their parts without the slightest hesitation.

. Bast evening the celebration was continued before another large attendance. Rev. H. L. Blamires presided. Mr Nightingale, Superintendent, spoke of the enprospects of the school and Mr Comer also made a short speech and read the animal report of the school. Ihe scholars repeated many of their festival hymns and songs. Those taking part in solos and duets were Misses Holdaway, Phillips, Carlisle,' Greig, May Edridge, Rena Platt, Susie Pitt, Mabel Blamires, Jean Nock, May Cook, Dorothy Woodhouee, Joan Mitchell, Pay Cook, Dorothy Shallcrass, Marjorie Nightingale, Eunice Gibson, Vera Cook, Gwen Pickwoll. Elsie Cook. Masters J. Newport, L. Newport, T. Lester and H. Cass.

The annual report as given by the secretary (Mr S. Collier) detailed the various activities of the school, and showed that it had had a very successful year. During that period 29 from the school and Bible’Classes, had joined the Church and 24 received info junior membership. It was shown by the report that the school had had "a record year in every way and the prospects for next year were exceptionally good. The annual returns are as follows Scholars on the main roll 153, young men’s Bible Class (senior) 25, young men’s (intermediate! 16, young ladies’ Bible Class 19. primary ' department. 65, primary helpers 14, total 298; average attendance 225; teachers and officers on roll 25; average attendance 22. Last year there were on the roll 276, ,with an average attendance 193; this year the" roll number is 292, with an average attendance of 225, showing a nett gain of 17 scholars and an increased average attendance of 32. The balance sheet shows receints £llß Os Id, expenditure .£ll6 18s Id, leaving credit balance of £2 2s.

The following is the prize list: —. Dux of School, Ai!sa Brain, (inscribed gold brooch presented by Mr Norman Kerr). Special attendance prize was won by Rhoda Batchelor, lor the Bth year in succession.

Tablet Prizes.—-Ailaa Brain, Susie Pitt, Rhoda Batchelor, Joyce’ Batchelor, Edna Thompson, Nancy Boyes, Fay Cook, Roy Heal, Marjorie Heal, Jean Thompson, May Edridge, Marjorie Nightingale, Ena Mitchener, Prank Large, Marjorie Price, Jack Thompson, Bert Price, Enid Moves, Mavis Cook, Stanley Russell, Alan Nightingale, Harold Cass, Marjorie Phillips, Margaret Heath, Dorothy Shallcrass, Elsie Cook, Votu Cook, Lena Stallard, Alice Butcher. Attendance' Prizes.—Rhoda Batchelor, Ena Mitchener, Irene Platt, Mabel Blamires, Frank Large, Jack Kidson, Harold Cass/ Roy Heal, John Savage, Lawrence Gubin Jack Thompson, Ruth McConchio, Marjorie Heal, Crissie Forster, Edna Thompson, Phyllis Goldsmith, Marjorie- Nightingale. Jean Thompson. Winners Banner Competition.—lst class boys; John Kidson, Harold Cass, Roy Heal, Hubert Flower, Alan Nightingale, Owen Hill. Wellington Sunday School Union Scripture Examination Prizes.—George Pitt, Ailsa Brain, Kathleen Thompson, Mary Moss, Jack Thompson, Marjorie Nightingale, Jean Thompson. Certificates.—Rhoda Batchelor, Ilona Boyes, Ena Mitchener, Mavis Cook, Roy Heal, Susie Pitt, Edna Thompson, Alan Nightingale, Tiolet McConchie, Marjorie Heal, Joyce Batchelor, John Carlisle, Herbert * Price, Olga Boyes, John Savage. A vote of thanks was accorded to Mr A. P. Lucas (conductor), Miss G. Neale (school organist), the orchestra, and Miss Bennett and her helper's for the decorations. Misses Ray, M.A., E. Hold away, and Mr H. R. Holdaway (Bible Class leaders), were also thanked for their services during the year. Acknowledgement was also made of the very useful work carried out by Mr and Mrs Tiller, who control the infant school, and also of the important part taken by Mrs Blamires in conducting the Young Worshippers’ League on Sunday mornings.