ANNUAL CHURCH MEETINGS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8475, 28 January 1891, Page 3

ANNUAL CHURCH MEETINGS.

ST. MATTHEW'S.

The annual meeting of the parishioners of Sfc. Matthew's was held yesterday evening in the schoolroom adjoining the church, Hobson-afcreefr. In the absence of the Rev. W. Tebbs, Dr. Hooper, the parishioners' churchwarden, occupied the chair. Tho incumbent wrote apologising that ho could not be present that evening to wish his friends good-bye before he started on his journey, as well as to express his hope to do his best for them in the future, as he had tried to do in the past. He thanked the wardens and vestrymen for their unvarying kindness during all the sickness in tho year just closed. Mr. Tebbs also expressed Mrs. Tebbs'acknowledgments of tho kindly recognition of her efforts, and her willingness to give them freely till better times prevailed. (Applause.) The incumbent nominated Mr. Colson as minister's warden for the ensuing year. The vestry, in their report, regretted that ho income of the church had fallen off during the year, but hoped that as there were signs of returning prosperity the finances of the church would also show improvement. However, the vestry would be compelled to recommend the general meeting to sanction an overdraft at the bank to meob current liabilities. Owing to unforeseen obstacles in carrying out the plan for tho erection of tho stone church this matter was still in abeyance. The Sunday-school, under tho able management of Mr. Workman and his predecessor Mr. Bridgewater, had steadily improved in every particular, and was this year selfsupporting. There had been no falling off in attendance at the day school. The ills' Friendly Society was still doing good work in the parish. The vestry hoped that tho Rev. \V. Tebbs would return from England in good health. The statement of tho Church accounts showed the receipts for the year to be £617 5s lOd, and the expenditure £(il6 17s 9d, leaving a balance in the bank of 8s Id. The liabilities were I'SOli 4s 'id, and there also appeared a liability of £174 to St. Thomas' loan, whilst the bell fund amounted to £l>7(> Os lid, and the assets included the balance of Ss Id, and unpaid pew rents £20. Tho stone church building fund account was as follows: —Dr. To amount in hand, .'!lst December, ISSf), £.'>o7 His lOd ; invested on landed security, £1(5,615 ; insurance, rates, etc., on investments repaid, £4S Ills; interest received on investments to ,'!lst December, 1890, £1200 "»s : total, £18,'270 lis 10d. Or. By paid insurances, rates, etc., on investments, £84 10s 2d; paid commission collecting interest, £G4 ISs lid ; paid sundry petty expenses, £5 ; invested on landed security, £17,160 amount in hand, £950 "2s fld : total, £18,270 lis lOd.

The report and statement of tho general church accounts were adopted. Mr. J. Bkiihjkwatkk asked why the accounts of the stone church building fund had not been audited?

Mr. J. M. Et'RTT, one of the trustees of this fund, replied that the trustees had declined to recognise the audit of Mr. Brigham unless he was willing to sign the accounts, which ho had admitted were correct. This was the reason why there had been no audit. The accounts were kept by a good accountant, and he (Mr. Bui'tt) personally supervised them from day to da), and with Mr. Cochrane went through them most exhaustively at the end of the year. Some time ago, at an annual meeting, Mr. Wayinouth was appointed auditor, and he went back for some ten years, but for the whole of that time he could not detect a single penny wrong in the accounts. (Applause). Mr. Cochrane and he (Mr. Burtt) had taken three days in examining the accounts, and taking it. altogether the trust was in a most satisfactory position, although there was always somebody ready to have a slap at itMr. Briih-.kwater still maintained that it was unsatisfactory that a lartre account of that kind was not. signed as audited. Mr. Doonix, while he did nob think there was an absolute necessity for the audit, agreed with Mr. Bridgewater that the time had arrived when it should be done. The last public audit, that of Mr. Waymouth, had taken place in 1577, and it would be most satisfactory to all parties to have the accounts audited. He moved, "That this meeting is of opinion that a public audit of the stone church building fund is necessary, and that the expense of the audit be a charge against the fund." Mr. PiiifiOTT seconded the motion.

Mr. J. A. Pond said that Mr. Brigham and he had gone very carefully into the stone church accounts last year, and were satisfied that they were correct, but as they had not been brought up to due date, they were not signed. Mr. Pond considered that the audit would have to be paid for out of the general church funds, and not from those of the stone church.

In reply to a question, Mr. Dooms' stated that the last public audit had cost I'.'i.'j. Mr. Bcktt maintained that the parishioners had no right to vote that the expense of the audit should come from the stone church fund. The trustees were the guardians of the fund, and it was for them to say what money should be paid from it. They had strongly resisted attempts which had been made by certain parties in the parish to divert this fund to other purposes —attempts which he considered a disgrace to the parish. (" No.") The Chairman assured the meeting that the parish had no funds to pay for the audit, and, therefore, if the trustees would not allow the money to come from the stone church funds, it followed that the audit would not take place. Mr. Doontn urged that from what had transpired in other places, the audit would bo in the interest of the trustees themselves as well as in the interest of the parish. He withdrew his motion, and proposed the following in its stead, " That the trustees be requested to have a public audit of the accounts of the stone church building fund annually before submitting them to the parish meeting." This motion was adopted without dis.'.ent.

The following olHcers were elected :— Minister's churchwarden, Mr. Colson; parishioners' churchwarden, Dr. Hooper ; vestrymen, Messrs. T. W. Doonin, Workman, J. Fisher, A. Regerson, Morrin, Langley, E. Shillington, Littler, E. Piggot t, and J. Bridge water. Mr. A. E. Mills was elected one of the auditors, hut the question of the appointment of another was referred to the vestry, as there seemed a difficulty in selecting a person who would act.

Dr. Hooper, spoke as to the duties of the parishioners, and said that unless they put their shoulders to the wheel, the parish would always be in difficulties. The contributions of the people had been so small that three gentlemen of the vestry had had to put their names to a bond for £ 1.10 to pay off the liabilities. It seemed that every year the burden fell on the shoulders of a few willing men to keep the church going. The pew rents had been falling off considerably, and some people who could well afford to pay their rents in advance— that is to say, when they fell due — had persistently refused to do so. People expected a good sermon and a good choir, and that the organ should be played properly, and yet thought that this could be done for very little—threepence per week. Owing to the kindness of Mrs. Tebbs, they had not been liable for an organist's salary ; but it was ungracious to allow a lady to play the organ, as she had been doing, without giving her any remuneration.

Mr. Doonin thought tliey should consider the financial aflViiiM of the parish, and pointed out that they were not at all satisfactory, as, taking the basis of last year's expenditure, there would be a deficit of £200 7s 6d at the end of the financial year. The church was falling into disrepair, and was at the present time actually unfit to go into.

One of those present asked whether the services of the Church were satisfactory ? Mr. Dooms' said that they could not criticise a man who was in bad health.

Dr. Dawson' considered that until the congregation became larger, their only resource was to cut down expenses. They could not well do so this year, but they might come to some understanding to reduce expenditure in the future. Mr. isllmi suggested that the minister's stipend should be reduced to £200 a year. Mr. La Nr.ley proposed, " That at the expiration of the ensuing year the minister's stipend be £200 a year." He said that if they could afford to give more they would no doubt be happy to do so. The Chairman - was afraid that there would be a difficulty in getting a clergyman for £200 a year. From £400 to £200 a big jump. He considered that the deficit at the end of the year would be only £100, and nob £200. Ho was rolucfcanb to put

the motion, because he was sure they would nob have a good clergyman for £200 a year, and if they did not) have a good man, they would not get even the £200 to pay him. Mr. Rogeiison moved an amendment, " That at the expiration of the year the stipend of the minister bo £250 a year. " This was not seconded, and the motion of Mr. Langley was then adopted. Mr. Dawson suggested further economies in the use of gas, etc., but no motion was submitted, ana the meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the chairman.

ST. ANDREW'S. The annual meeting of the congregation of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church was held last evening. There was a largo attendance, and tho Rev. A. Carrick presided. Tho proceedings were opened with devotional exercise, after which Mr- G. H. Mill, tho clerk of the manager's Court, read the annual report. Tho report was a hopeful and satisfactory one. Notwithstanding the losses by death and removal, the members' roll now numbered 170, tho average attendance at tho communion table being 100. The Sunday Schools, Prayer and Bible class meetings, etc., wore in a satisfactory condition. Rogret was expressed at the resignation of Mr. James A. Haslett and Mr. J. Winks. Thanks were accorded to Mr. Culpan and tho choir, and the future was looked forward to in a hopeful spirit. On the question of finance, tho managers reported as follows :— The managers have much pleasure in reporting that the finances are in a satisfactory condition. The total revenue is a little less than last year, there being a falling off in the amount received from seat rents, also from the augmentation fund ; but, on the other hand, the expenditure for repairs lias been brought below the average, the desire of the managers being to curtail expenses as much as possible. This will be seen on reference to the balancesheet. The debt on the building remains at £800 There is still a balance owing in connection with the alteration of the interior of the church, but as this responsibility has been generously undertaken by Mr. Culpan and the choir, this matter has not come formally before tho Managers' Court. The manse has recently been painted, under the direction of Mr. Paterson, but this work has not yet been paid for. A donation of £10 towards this expense has been promised by Mr. Tlios. heir ; further contributions will bo thankfully received by the treasurer. Tho treasurer's report on the augmentation fund and the annual report on the Sunday Schools, Symonds-stroet and Parnell, were also read. The latter showed that the average attendance of scholars remained the same as last year, that is 190. The balance-sheets were taken as read. Tho general receipts wcro £038 0s Gil, and there was a balance in the bank of £8 Is lid. The subscriptions and donations to the augmentation fund amounted to £32 i)s. The Sunday Schools income was £57 5s 3d, leaving a credit balance of £8 l(is lid. The report was adopted with the exception of ono clause which was specially left for the congregation's decision. The clause is as follows : — " As some uncertainty lias prevailed on the question as to whether adherents are eligible as managers, the session is desirous that the matter be decided at the present meeting, under the guidance of rule lot of the Book of Order. For the preservation of harmony in tho work of the Church it has been deemed necessary to ask tho congregation to decide another question of a similar nature, on which our superior Courts have not made any rule, viz.: Shall the position of manager be open in future to all theofficers of the Church The discussion on this was divided into two clauses, and in regard to the first Mr. Eugster moved that members only be eligible for the position of managers. Mr. Croker seconded the motion. The President was asked to read rule 101 of the Book of Order on (ho subject. It was simply, "It is desirable that the managers should be members in full communion." The Rev. P. Mason proposed that the election should nob take place that night, but that a list of candidates bo prepared, and that printed slips be supplied to the members to make a selection. If they selected adherents, it might be then inferal that in their opinion adherents should be eligible to he court of management, but if not, the inference would be the contrary. Mr. Brock moved that adherents may bo elected as managers. Mr. J. Reid seconded the amendment, that of the Rev. P. Mason not having been seconded. After a lengthy discussion, the amendment that non-communicants be eligible as managers was put and carried by 27 to 8. Mr. Mason then moved his resolution, and it was seconded by Mr. Clark, but the motion was lost, and on the motion of Mr. MacNab it. was agreed to proceed with the election of managers that night, and the motion was carried by 21) to S. The second paragraph of the clause was then discussed, and it was finally agreed, on a division of 15 to 12, that church officers were eligible to seats as managers. The election or managers was then proceeded with. Mr. Mill declined to again take office, and although strongly urged by the president (Mr. Bell) and others to withdraw his resignation, he adhered to his decision. The following gentlemen were elected the Board of Managers — Messrs. Ivirker, J. Winks, H. F. Anderson, M. Clark, Jas. Bain, l'ye, A. Brock, Jas. Young, J. Mennie, and Falconer. The usual votes of thanks were accorded to the choir, Sunday-school superintendents and teachers, the outgoing committees, etc., and the proceedings were closed with prayer.

ST. DAVID'S. The annual meeting of the congregation of St. David's Presbyterian Church was hold last night, the Rev. Scott West presiding. There was not a large attendance. The report showed that there had boon a forward movement in church work, and also an increase in the attendance at the church services, the latter encouraging fact being attributed in a great; measure to the thoughtful discourses of their respected pastor. The number of members on the roll at the end of 1S!)() amounted to '200, as against 230 for the previous year. They had reason to be thankful, not only for the increased membership, but also for the hopeful signs of increasing spiritual life in the congregation. The Sunday-school was in a flourishing condition, both financially and numerically; and the warmest thanks of the congregation were due to thesuperin tendon ts and teachers for their work in connection therewith, and also to the church choir, which had been ably led by Mr. Culpan. The Edendale Mission was still being carried on, having an average at tendance of between 40 and .30. The total amount, raised during the year was £083, of which £111 represented revenue from seat rents, being an increase on the rents of the previous year. Before the adoption of the report, several gentlemen spoke on the poor support given to foreign missions. it, was mentioned that although the church was a few pounds to the bad, such was merely nothing to a church showing the vitality St. David's had done. Mr. I'aterson said that the interest of £•!!) per annum on the church debt had been a great strain on the funds. To reduce this a canvass had been made, and promises received to the amount of £131, and the managers hoped to raise £200 by this means. They also expected to obtain a new loan at six per cent, instead of seven per cent., by which the. interest would be reduced by about £'20 per annum. Messrs. John Robertson, J. IS. Dell, Norman Grant, S. MeCauley, and .(as. Miller were then elected asinetnbers of the committee of management lor the ensuing year. Messrs. Fair-gray and John Paterson were elected auditors. Considerable discussion took place in reference to the action of the central commit t>o in taking the control of the method of raising funds for the city mission out of the hands of the various churches. One gentleman said that if they found that St. David's, instead of raising £IS, only raised £10, they would be allowed to work in their own way. Mr. West said that by the new scheme it was intended to raise money outside, and be thought that such action would be a disgrace to Presbyterians, as they certainly ought to be able to support their own mission. During the evening the choir rendered several choice musical selections, and the meeting closed with prayer.