PONSONBY BAPTIST CHURCH ANNIVERSARY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 11151, 25 August 1899, Page 3

PONSONBY BAPTIST CHURCH ANNIVERSARY.

The annual public meeting and soiree in connection with the Ponsonby Baptist Church anniversary was held on Wednesday night. An excellent programme of music was gone through by the choir, under the, conductorship of Mr. Herbert Shepherd. The churoh 6eoretary (Mr. John Graham) road the secretary and treasurer's report, which was of a very encouraging nature. The total amount collected from different sources amounted to nearly £5®.; of this over £150 had Jxjou

raised for missionary work. Fifty pounds had been paid off the mortgage on the church, leaving a balance of only £60 upon the whole 01 the property. Mention was made of the Rev. A. H. Collins' labours during the year as president of the C.E. Union, chairman of the Conciliation Board, and as secretary to the Baptist Union. The report showed that the different organisations in connection with the church were progressing. The Rev. H. Kelly, of Knox Church, gave an excellent address upon the duties of church members. After the publio meeting the friends adjourned to the schoolroom, where an excellent supper was served, under the management of Mesdames Graham, Kearsly, Patterson, and Shepherd. V very pleasing feature of the gathering was a presentation on bohalf of the church officers to Mrs. Brown, the esteemed leader of the ladies' sewing meeting, of a very handsome lady's companion, also a presentation on behalf of tho choir and teachers of a student's Bible to Miss Madge Bell. The Rev. A. H. Collins made the presentation. This brought to a conclusion one of tho most successful anniversaries held in connection with this church.

CHURCH MISSION TO THE LANES SALE OF WORK. A sale of work and cheap clothing took place yesterday afternoon in St. Matthew's schoolroom, in connection with the Church Mission to the Streets and Lanes, in aid of the funds of that deserving organisation, which has within the last few years taken up a section of the social reform work which was formerly left almost wholly to the Salvation Army. The sale was oonducted under tho supervision of ladies of the mission and of St. Matthew's Church, who have taken considerable interest in the mission, The sales were of a satisfactory character.

PROHIBITION LEAGUE ENTERTAINMENT AT WESLEY HALL. An eutertainmont took place last ovening at Wesley Hall, under tho auspices of the Prohibition League. The Rev. R. F. Macnicol presided. Two temperanco addresses were given. Mr. Healey said he did not like to hoar men in the liquor trade called " murderers" and "robbers." There were some good men in it, who were bettor than, their trade. One had told him last week that he wont into it against the wishes of his wife and family, and that now he would bo glad to get out of it as soon as ho saw a way of earning a living in another way, for it was injuring his mind and his principles. Mr. Entricon said he was a- temperance man for 40 years, and signed the pledge when it was brought home to him the loss of life entailed. Ho had nine of a family, all abstainers, and ready to vote when the question came up at the polling-booth. During the evening some musioal selections and recitations were furnished. Songs: "Frinco of Peace," Miss Falls; " True Till Death," Mr. Reid; " Only Tired," Mrs. Gailey; " The Watchman," Mr. Crawford; and tho quartotto, " The Sinner and tho Song." Recitations wore given by Miss Garon and Mr. Entrican, _ Miss E. Eutrican officiated as accompanist. The ptogrammo was furnished by St. James' congregation.