ST. PAUL'S CHURCH

North Otago Times, Volume CV, Issue 13859, 20 April 1917, Page 7

ST. PAUL'S CHURCH

~ The annual l'resbyterial visitation 'of \ the St, Paul's charge took place yesterday afternoon, in connection with the ordinary meeting of the Presbytery, Tlie. members of the Presbytery examined the minister and 'office-bearers,; of the church and also inspected the pro-' pertv. ' . In the.evening a congregational social was held in the Street Hall, at-which there was a fair attendance, when the finding of the Presbytery ;in connection with the visitation was made known- to' the congregation' anfl\ addresses were delivered on various aspects of' church life.

The retiring f moderator, Rev, .T.. Law-on Robinson, pr<!sidpd, and the proceedings' were opened with the singing of the Doxology. The chairman said he had great pleaidiie ; in bringing the congregation the greetings of the Presbytery, especially to; flij■ mother Presbyterian Church of Oairiiii'ii. . He.'said that the example of Stj 'Paul's was' an inspiration to the whole of the churches in the ■■Presbytery," Riui he urged the members of the Churcli toi iiiumtiiin that- leading place which all the oMier churches were content and proud to follow. He then proceeded to address the congregation on the real objects of tile Christian religion and stated that if the religion wa3 true, the great obligation resting upon all those who subscribed to its tenets was to further its interests and its influence. The great centre of the Christian religion was (lod, and the need of the churches at the precent time was to get back to the conviction that the religion of God could sweeten the putrifving influences of life mid purify it in every sphere. Mi Robinson said that the prevalence of low ideals in the world was due to the fact that God had ceased to be the ruling spirit in the lives of His people. The great war was due to the fact that Germany had practically dethroned God, il'he primp need of the moment was a fresh realisation of the central place and the impelling power of God in the religious life of the people. 1 The Rev. W. Nicliol, clerk, delivered th«\ finding of the Presbytery on its visitation, The Presbytery reported finding the discharge of the duties by both minister and officers faithfully being carried out. The minister and oti;ce,i» were congratulated upon the satisfactory state of the Church, both spiritually mid financially, and upon sevwnl matters of improvement in connection with the work of the Church generally. Favourable comment was made upon the excellent state in which the church property was maintained and illso upon the care of the Church grounds, Jlr Nicliol supplemented the Presbytery's finding with a personal congratulation to tlie congregation upon the excellent state of the Church's af- : fairs as revealed bv the Presbytery's investigation.

: The Rev, A, Watson, of the WestonTutara charge, tlien addressed the congregation. He urged theln (li'a't-though the' finding' of the Presbytery was so favourable not, to imagine that there ivas nothing further left for St. Paul's Church to do. Mr Watson referred to the great part the Presbyterian Church was playing in the world. He said that nc' New Zealand the Presbyterian Church was lcndinjjr every other church in educational matters. There was an aspect of educatoinal work however, which w.<u not being taken full advantage of, and that was the education that was given to children at the home fireside and round the table. Mr Watson said the home influence was the mightiest influence for the good of the young and the building up of good Christian character. lie believed that the Presbyterian Church was best fitted 'o meet the present need.- of the world fn respect to development of the influence of the home 011 the young.

• The Rev. S. F. Hunter expressed his tlianks to the Presbytery for their presence at.the meeting, and for the very encouraging words spoken in connection with the "result of the Presbytery's report on the work of the congregation of St. Paul's, ilr Hunter look the op-, portuuity of saying that the good report of. the Presbytery was due to the very excellent service given by the loyal band of workers associated with fit, Paul's, He paid a graceful tribute to the workers, particularly mentioning the organist (Mr Navlor) and the choir, He also referred to the spirit of worship in which the-people Attended the cervices; The work of the women in the Ladies' Guild also received special mention, which provoked warm applause from, those present. Mr Hunter concluded by expressing his thanks to. the church-.workers for the very loyal way in which they had supported liim in his work.

Sir A, Fraser, session clerk, moved a vote of thanks to. the Presbytery and also to the members of the choir who had contributed to make the gathering a'success, and to the ladies for dispensing, supper, The vote was carried by acclamation.

■During the evening musical items were.rendered by members of the choir, the concerted numbers being given under the direction of Mr G. V/. Maylor, organist and choirmaster. the items inclmled the part songs, "In this hour of softened splendour" (Pinsuti), "Daffodils" (Phillips), "The Sea hath its Pearls" (Pinsuti), and "Spring Song" (Pinsuti); and songs by Miss Will, Miss Edwards and Mr A. Leslie. The singing of the National Anthem ami the pronouncement of the Benediction concluded the proceedings.