PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH MEETINGS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 10971, 27 January 1899, Page 3

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH MEETINGS.

DKYONI'ORT. The annual lnicine»s meeting of Iho Devonport Presbyterian Church was hold on January £>, tlio Rev. 1!. Ferguson providing. All the reports for 1898 wore of a highly encouraging nature, and allow Iho congregation to bo ill a thoroughly healthy state and in good working order. The reports were presented by Mr. .1. .1. Kor, from the session; Messrs. R. Mitchell and .1. 0. Kntriean, from iho managers; Mr. lilakey, from Iho Sabbath school; Mr. liudge, from Takapuna Church; and the Chairman gave a brief account of the Y.P.3.C.E. Hand of Hope, liiblo class, etc., etc. Tho communion roll now stands at 110, 32 additions being mado during the year. Although several important families havo left tho district, the attendances and olfertqries have been as woll maintained as over. In fact, tho great want for both church and school is increased accommodation. Tho present structures are not suiticielitly large for present requirements. Aftor discharging all liabilities, tho treasurer has a balanco in hand of £54. In accordance with tho express wish of the congregation, £50 of this wero handed to tho Rev. R. Ferguson in lieu of house rent. A handsome sum has been promised for the manso by the end_ of the present year, when doubtless the building will be proceeded with. The Sabbath school work, under the suporintondonoy of Mr. T. Mucky and his staff of lb teachers, is being carried on with great vigour and success. Hie school accounts show a credit lialance of £2 7s 2id. Tho choir also has boon strengthened all round by the appointment of Ml'. Lees as choirmaster and Mr. Cardno as organist. The thanks of tho church are also due to Mr. Croom Webster for bid training of the boys at the church gymnasium. Six gentlemen wero elected' to the manager's court, viz., Messrs. Murchio, Watson, Mitchell, Skoates, Miller, and Daldy. Two elders will be 'vddcjl to the session in the month of March. Mr. Sibbin was appointed auditor. Tho Rev. R. Ferguson thanked the congregation for their unceasing kindness and encouragement, and said that tho events of the past year had united pulpit and pew in firmer and friendlier bonds than ever. Totes of thanks to all the workers wero cordially awarded. Tho Doxology and Benediction brought ft very harmonious meeting to a closo.

ONEHUNGA. The annual meeting of the Presbyterian congregation of Onehunga was hold on tho 25th inst., the Rev. R. Wylie in the ohair. Tho reports presented by tho session, Committee of Management, Sunday-school teachers, Dorcas Society, Band of Hope, ant. Christian Endeavour Society showed a healthy and vigorous state of congregational life and work. Tho Sunday-school report stated that a larger number of scholars than on any previous occasion had gone in for tho assembly's examination, and that tho Onehunga school stood at the head of the list in the Auckland district, 40 scholars gaining firstclass certificates, and in many oases 100 marks. The treasurer's report showed an increase in both collections and seat rents over tho previous year, and tbo assembly's collections were more than doubled. The following gontlomen were elected or re-elected *o act on the Committee of Management, viz.:Messrs. Park, S. Bsrr, Irwin, Glasgow, Worrail, and John Watson, jun. M«-srs. J. W. .Wbyte and Harry Prime were appointed auditors. A hearty vote of thanks was given to Mr. Prime, tho honorary conductor, and to the members of the choir for '.heir effiI cient.and willing services. Aftor ',he ordinary [ business was transacted, the meeting was neti dressod by the Rev. T. F. Robertson, of 1 on- ' sonby, and by the Rev. 5. B. Monro, of Re- ■ muora. Tea and refreshments were then ! served, and a pleasant social hour, inteupersed with music, brought a hearty and enjoyable I evening to a close.