ST. JOHN'S METHODIST SUNDAY SCHOOL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 13 November 1928, Page 5

ST. JOHN'S METHODIST SUNDAY SCHOOL

82ND ANNIVERSARY J'he concluding function in connection with the colobratioti of the 82ud anniversary of Wt. John's .Methodist "uriday school was hold la.st evening, when there was a -good affentLmco tif parents nnti friends. ' Mr A. C. Nightingale, superintendent of the school, presided. During the evening the scholars sang some ot their anniversary songs and many enjoyable items were rendered, 'the prizes won during the year were presented by the Rev'. P. N. Knight. A hearty vote of thanks and appreciation was expressed by the Rev. P. N. Knight and congregation to the superintendent, the officers and teachers, for their work throughout the year, also to Mr F. Mitchell, who so ably trained the scholars in their anniversary music; to Miss A. Keys organist, Miss A. Knight pianist, and to the committee who had decorated the church so well. The annual report was read by the secretary (Mr S. Collier). In the course of the report it was stated that the work in the. main school had suffered considerably during the past three years, owing to the lack of teachers for the boys' side. The superintendent, Mr A. G. Nightingale, had frequently to take two or three classes on a Sunday afternoon. These unsatisfactory conditions have, however, at last been overcome, and now there is a full staff for the main school. Despite the past difficulties, teachers have loyally supported the superintendent in his work. The work in the young men's and young women's Bible, classes was still one of the. great features of the school work, and the results of these efforts will be seen, in the coming days by the linking up in church membership oif Bible class members. The work iji the, primary department was still under the guidance of Mr and Mrs Tiller. The Young Worshippers' League, had now a membership of 75, and on a Sunday morning most of them were found attending the church service also. Their presence was, indeed, an inspiration and pleasure to both minister and congregation. For the Wellington Sunday Schoul Union Scripture examination this year, 17 scholars entered, and of these 10 gained prizes with 75 per cent, and over and the others certificates. Elsie Cook who was dux ai the school for 1926 and 1927, won first prize in Grade 3 with 100 per cent. She had also won her attendance prize for the sixth year in succession. This year 27 of our scholars had won their attendance prizes. Howard Russell and Norman Phillips had now gained their 4th year seals for the attendance diploma. The school banner for the best class attendance was won by the Ist class girls. "We regret to report the loss cnir school has suffered during the past year in the deaths of Mr H. 0. Hoklawav and Mr AI. S. -Smith. .Mr Holdaway had been a leader in our Y.M.B.C. for some time, and when he relinquished that position some years ago he accepted the office of Tablet Secretary of our school, and that office he occupied until shortly before his death. Mr Smith had been connected with our school as teacher and superintendent for many years, and his influence on the young life of our school and church was indeed a wonderful help ami inspiration. For Foreign Missions the school had given £ls, £lO of which went to support a native teacher in the Solomons. I'av Homo Missions £l2 was granted. In the Christmas collection for children in the Mental Hospital £3 Is 6d was ■ received and deeply appreciated. The office of cradle roll secretary was still held by Miss J. Bennett, and thanks were expressed for the service she renders the school in that work. We have to report the loss from our teaching staff of Miss P.. Boycs and Miss A. Maysoii. Both of these teachers have rendered loyal and faithful service to our school. The office of tablet secretary is now held by Mr B. Mayson. The teachers expressed thanks to Air Norman Kerr who had again donated the dux prize. Air Kerr had given this prize now for a number of years, and the school was indeed grateful for his generous gifts. The school returns, which show a slight increase, over last year are. as follows: Scholars nil main roll 131; Y.M.B.C. 40; Y.W.B.C. 25; primary department 65; primary helpers 11; total* on roll 272; average attendance 190; teachers and officers on roll 27, average attendance 24; cradle roll 38. " . PRIZE LIST Dux (solid silver cup presented by Mr N. Kerr), Elsie Cook. Tablets (intermediate): Elsie Cook, Betty Stokes, Donald Brain, Audrey Heath, Joan Mitchell, Abbott Heal, Andrew Yuill, Dorothy Shallcrass, James Collier, Paul Thomson, Dudley Leaper, Marjorie Phillips, Phyllis Johnson, Eunice Gibson, Alice. Butcher, Lena Stallard, Algic Pierson. Junior tablets : Norman Thomson, Merwyn Bridgeman, Joyce Marks, Edgar Xinnes, Doris Pierson, Ruby Pierson.

Attendance prizes: Elsie Cook., Alice Butcher, Molly Stokes, Audrey Heath, Jean Mitchell,' Algie Pierson, Florence Forsler, Vernon Patching. Bryan Savage, Harry Gaskell, James Collier, Allan Russell, Donald Brain, Noel Savage. 4th year seal, Howard Russell, Norman. Phillips. 3rd year seal, Stella Russell. 2nd year seal, Doris Pierson, Ruby Pierson', .Norman Thomson, Alan Mitchell, Charles Pettit, Edward Williams. Ist year diploma, .Beatrice Guy, Natalie Gallon, Joyce Marks. Wellington Sunday School Union examination : Prizes—Elsie Cook, Betty Stokes, Alison Williams, Jean Mitchell, Audrey Heath, Molly Stokes, Albert Heal, Andrew Yuill, Leo Pitt. Patricia Gallen. Certificates: Pay Cook, James Collier. Dorothy Stokes. Juniors: Rex Goodall, Atliol Gubb. iicvan Walker, Reggie Russell, Donald Kerr. Alan I'cttit, Bert Woodhouse, Kathleen Duke, Helen Davies, Lorna Stallard, Beatrice Guv, Mavjorie Marks, Dorothy Kerr, Natalie Gallen, Joy Guthardt, Lancie Craighead, Rosie Hewlett. Winners of banner competition : Phyllis Johnston, Eunice Gibson, Joan Mitchell, Linda Guy, Audrey Heath, Freda Gubb, Alma Frisk, Molly Stokes, Rae Boyce. During the evening very creditable iUmis were contributed by the .following : Florence- burster (recitation); Marion Gubb and Iris Chapman; John I Miteliell, Stella Russell, Rosie Hewlett. Roy He-water, Pat Gallen. Laura Ben- | yon, Beatrice Guy, Howard Russell, land the Misses Cook.