BERESFORD – STREET CONGREGATIONAL SUNDAY-SCHOOL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 7161, 29 October 1884, Page 5

BERESFORD - STREET CONGREGATIONAL SUNDAY-SCHOOL.

ANNIVERSARY SOIREE, The 33rd* anniversary of the Bereafordstreet Congregational Sunday - school was held last evening. There was a large attendance of scholars and friends, and the schoolroom in which the tables were laid was brilliantly decorated with flags, banners, (lowers, and evergreens. The tables, which were most liberally supplied, were presided over by Mesdames Eady, Lowe, Lyons, Daldy. and Service, and Missesßrown, Tyler, Archibald, Hoskins (2), Daldy, H*les, Edwards, and McDonald. Full justice was done to the viaads, after which an adjournment to the chuich took place, and there the formal proceedings were opened by the Rev. J. Robertson, the pastor of the church, giving out the hymn, ** Hail the Children's Festal Day." We may here mention that the sinning of the anniversary hymns by the children and teachers was really the feature of the whole proceedings. Books with the wcrds set to music were in the hands of all, and the singing was very good. The tunes are full of rhythm and beauty, and the manner in which they were given showed that skill and culture were exercised in training the young singers so as to produce the most harmonious effect. For instance, the hymn, "We praise thee, we bless ihee," with its soloa, semi-choras and solo?, was strikingly effective and beautiful, and the "Sabbath Bells," with its beautiful jingle and effective echo solos, was most pleaslugand poetic. Several succeeding hymns also possessed equally interesting features, and one and ail were listened to with feelings of pleasure. But to resume. After prayer, Mr. VV. Cox, the Secretary, read the annual report, which contained a review of the work done during the last year. The report expressed gratitude for manifestations of Divine approval, and the teachers and officers, while recognising their responsibility, regarded with joy the privilege of being engaged in the work. Although their numbers had not increased since last year, it must not be taken that they had made no progress, for while losing some scholars through removals, etc., they

had renewals, and they had lost one young I scholar during the year, who before his death gave undoubted testimony of his faith in Christ, to the comfort and joy of his parents and teachers. The classes were well supplied with teachers, 'lhe Bible classes were well attended, and well conducted. The young ladits'ciass had 43 on the roll, and the average attendance for the last quarter was 27, and great affection was manifested towards Mr. Eady, the teacher. The youug men's class, under Mr. Lyons, numbered 17 at present, and the junior girls' class 19. They hailed with joy and gratitude the increased class-room which would soon be available. The report also referred to the other organisations connect'd with the school, including the Band of Hope, the library, &c., and the spirited manner in which the scholars had contributed £31 toward the class-rooms, and £9 towards other objects, making £40 in all. A spirit of harmony had prevailed, and they recognised the perfistent efforts of their superintendent, Captain Daldy, wbo had been spared to them for another year. Tho statistics of the school were :—Teachers, 2S; average morning attendance, 5 ; afternoon, 15. Scholars' average attendance : Morning, 34 ; afternoon, 191. The highest afternoon attendance was 220, and the lowest So. —The Rev. W. S. Potter delivered an address on the subject of " How to Study; for our Scholars," which he dealt with in an instructive aud practical manner.—Mr. F. Battley then gave a highly interesting address on "The Effect of Sun-day-schools on the World."—Other speakers aiso addressed the meeting, and the proceedings, which throughout were hearty and enjoyable, were brought to a close with prayer.