CHRIST CHURCH

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 26 May 1936, Page 6

CHRIST CHURCH

MEETING OF PARISHIONERS THE ANNUAL REPORT PRESENTED ELECTION OF OFFICERS The annual meeting of parishioners of the Christ Church was held in the Marsdne Church House Library last evening. The Vicar, the Very Rev. P. B. Haggitt, presided over a good attendance. The annual report of the Churchwardens and Vicar were as follows: The election of officers of the church resulted: — Vicar’s Warden: Mr T. E. Maunsell. People's Warden: Mr W. B. Pitt. Vestrymen: Dr. W. D. Johnston, Colonel Brereton. Messrs H. G. B. Hurst. G. Samuel, W. R. P. Jaques, A. F. Waters, A. R. Dyson, L. B. Rowe, T. Pavitt and T. A. Johnston. Synodsmen: Messrs G. Samuel, W. R. Jaques and Professor T. H. Easterfield. A letter was received from the Diocese and Trust Board on behalf of the standing committee desiring the parish to sanction 1 per cent, of its quota for travelling expenses of laymen in outlying districst to attend Synod. It was decided that this amount be granted. CHURCHWARDEN’S REPORT The Churchwardens, Mr T. E. Maunsell and Mr W. B. Pitt, submitted the following report:— “On the sth day of March, 1936, Mr F. H. Richmond passed to his rest. He was for nearly forty years a regular worshipper at the Cathedral and until his retirement some seven years ago he was almost continuously either Vicar’s or People’s Churchwarden. Tiie Vestry forwarded on behalf of the parishioners a floral tribute and proffer their condolence to his family and relatives. We record also with regret the death of Mr Giblin, who for many years was a member of the choir and also served for a short period on the Vestry.

“The outstanding fact during the financial year is that the necessary financial arrangements have been made and a contract let for the new Sunday School, of which the Parish was so much in need.

"At one time it appeared that for the third successive year we should be unable to balance our budget, but towards the close oi the year there was such an improvement that this end was accomplished and a small credit balance disclosed.

"The financial position will, however, require to be strengthened to meet the commitment of the parish to repay the loan ol' £7OO raised for the new Sunday School within 10 years. "The Ladies’ Guild are to be again congratulated on having a very successful sale consequent upon their energetic and enthusiastic work. They are undertaking this year to meet the interest on the Sunday School loan. “Once more we desire to place on record the valuable help rendered by the Mite Society and Mission collecrors towards our finances.

“During December last Mr Plumb left the parish to take up a curacy in Wairau. His place was filled some months later by Mr Ross Dalby, whom the Vestry welcome to the parish. Penning Mr Dalby’s arrival the Rev. H. S. Leach acted as curate. “Owing to advancing years Mr Masters resigned his positij.i as verger, which he held for many years. The Vestry record its appreciation of the faithful service he rendered and regret the fact that his health at present is far from satisfactory. His place has been filled by Mr Lummis. He has readily become acquainted with his duties and the Vestry think that parishioners will unanimously express appreciation of his thorough and efficient work. He is fortunate in having the able assistance of his wife and daughter.

VICAR'S REPORT The vicar’s report was as follows: — “It is impossible to gauge the spiritual progress made by a parish in twelve months. There is no solid basis of judgment. So far as numbers are concerned, the early celebration of Holy Communion and Evensong .are quite weii attended, in comparison with other churches in New Zealand; but the number at the 11 o’clock service is not so satisfactory, particularly when the colleges are on vacation. I wish more parents would bring their children to this service. “During the year the several parish guilds and institutions carried on their useful work. The Sunday School teachers worked with their usual loyalty and efficiency. Teachers and pupils alike are longing for the day when the new building will be ready. The honorary organiser of the building fund, Mr Hurst, is deserving of a vote of thanks for his enthusiasm, ability and liberality. The Mothers’ Union is one of our brightest and most useful organisations. No society for women can be more important than one that exists to safeguard marriage and the home. Our branch is now (14 strong, having increased by 20 during the year. The choir consistently maintained its efficiency in the rendering of the services, due partly to Mr Ciaughton’s ability and devotion and partly to the choristers’ sense of duty and loyalty. The members of the Mite Society once again carried out their arduous task of gathering grist for the parish mill. The Ladies’ Guild worked consistently month after month in preparation for the sale of work. To both of these financial agencies, the wardens and vestry and I as chairman are very grateful. “Concerning the financial support of the Church, may I say two things? (1)1 am gratefully appreciative of the liberality of many of you. (2) Some of you take your share in this responsibility but hold aloof from the services. We are thankful for your help but we miss your presence. Our worship seems incomplete. I am sure God is saddened when He sees your chair empty. Regarding overseas missions our parish quota set by the Board of Missions, £225, is comparatively large, though not a great amount considered in the light of the need. The boxes yield a good harvest, but it would be better if more of you had boxes. The hon. secretary and other agents of the scheme, who also distribute the parish leaflet, do a work that demands much time and patience and I thank them. Mrs Lockyer’s weekly “Bright Afternoon” realised £6. Splendid from two view-points, social and finance. “All of you will support my expres-

sion of appreciation of the work of those who arrange the flowers on the altar, polish the brass and look after the Communion linen, etc. The task of distributing and getting in the subscriptions for the “Witness” entails a large amount of work. Many of you do not take this excellent little paper (tiie Bishop's diocesan magazine). Why not? It costs only 2s a year. I desire to support the wardens in their appreciation of the work of Mr Lummis, as verger, and of the co-operation of his wife. “In the Rev. Ross Dalby I have a loyal and useful colleague. Already he has given evidence of spiritual reality, enthusiasm and ability, particularly in his work among the young. To the wardens and the members of the vestry I desire to acknowledge my indebtedness for their unfailing devotion to duty. I feel there cannot be many parishes with wardens as attentive and helpful as Messrs Maunsell and Pitt. “During the year I had the privilege of baptising 19 children, preparing 44 young people for confirmation, and uniting 13 couples in marriage. Apart from the Sunday School I have a Bible Class at Nelson College every Thursday evening, about 100 strong, and Mr Dalby and I give a Scripture lesson weekly at the Central School. "A last word. Some are born critics. Where criticism is constructive, based on knowledge, and made to (hose directly concerned, it can be very useful.” WOOD MISSION REPORT “Holy Communion was celebrated on the second and fourth Sundays at 10 a.m. The average attendance was about 16. Miss Wearing acted as hon. organist and did her work very efficiently. Before she left some weeks ago the congregation invited her to afternoon tea and gave her a wedding present. Mr Webb has readily agreed to take her place. Miss Oldham and others always see that the hall is ready for service with flowers on the altar, ciean linen, etc.

“The Sunday School had a very successful year under the control of Misses G. flail and Brown. The number of scholars rose to 43. On the Sunday after Easter a Harvest Festival was held for children and adults. The hall was beautifully decorated. With the help of the Mite Society the Dean has decided to improve the appearance of the inside of the hall by the substitution of bright carpet and matting for the present worn-out floorcovering. We suggest that if any find 11 o’clock too late for morning service or 8 o’clock too early they come to the half-hour service at the Mission at 10 a.m. SUNDAY SCHOOL REPORT "Not much change in numbers took place during the year. When the new building is ready there will doubtless be an increase. The teachers did their work loyally and well. Mr Waters was compelled by circumstances to resign from the staff. We are very sorry to lose him but we are grateful for his years of service. The Dean has appointed the Rev. Ross Dalby superintendent. We are very glad to have Miss R. Mabin back with us as teacher and pianist. In summer we held a picnic at Tsel.’ It was a great success.”