SOCIAL GATHERING AT ST. LUKE'S.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVIII, Issue 6254, 2 December 1881, Page 5

SOCIAL GATHERING AT ST. LUKE'S.

The annual social gathering of the members of St. Luke's Episcopalian Church, Mount Albert, was held in the Public-hall yesterday evening. Two omnibuses conveyed a large number of visitors from town, and there was also a large muster of residents from the surrounding districts, including a number of members of other religious denominations. At 6 o'clock the company sat down to a most sumptuous repast which was provided, and was presided over by the following ladies: — Mesdames Beck, Martin, Motion, Taylor, Thompson, Webster, Wright, and Stone. The concert commenced shortly before 8 o'clock. The ball was crowded to excess. The Rev. J. Haselden, incumbent of the church, occupied the chair, and in his opening remarks said that the parish was of such an extent, that unless the people as well as the pastor earnestly persevered, they would not be able to overtake the work which lay before them. Thecongregregation worshipping at St. Luke's had so increased during the past year that it would soon be necessary to enlarge the church. Then followed a lengthy and very excellent programme. A pianoforte solo was played with exquisite taste by Miss M. Baker. Songs were sung by Mesdames Tebbs and A. K. Taylor, Misses Blades, Dakin, McKay, Messrs. Llewelyn and Shirley. They all rendered their several pieces in a most excellent Etyle, and in almost every instance had to respond to an enthusiastic encore. A vocal duet was well sung by the Misses Baker. A recitation given by Mr. J. Sloman was greeted with loud applause. Rev. Wm. Tebbs (St. Matthew's) delivered a very instructive address. He said there was something for everybody to do in connection wit.h the Church's work. If they looked diligently, they would find their sphere somewhere, and then they must pursue it with all their might, since the time for doing so was limited. Tiie Rev. B. T. Dudley (St. Sepulchre's) also addressed the meeting. He spoke on the duty and privilege of each member of the Church taking some part in Christian work, and the spirit in which such work ought to be performed. At the conclusion of the concert, Mr. J. Bollard proposed a vote of thanks to the ladies for the ample refreshment provided by them. Mr. A. li. Taylor proposed a like compliment to the speakers and musical friends who had assisted in the evening's enjoyment. Both of these votes were carried with acclamation, and the proceedings were terminated by singing the National Anthem.