CHURCH MEETINGS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 11953, 30 April 1902, Page 6

CHURCH MEETINGS.

, ST. PAULS. The annual meeting of the parishioners of St. Paul's Church, «Symonds-streot, was held in the parish schoolroom on Monday night, the vicar (Canon C. M. Nelson) presiding. The annual report of the vestry, which was read by the chairman and adopted, stated the receipts amounted to £809 13s Bd. the whole of which sum had been expended. The offertories amounted to £575 7s lOd. The income from seats was £134, and file liabilities were estimated at £323 14h 7d. _ The principal sum now due on the bond account was £250. A serious drawback had been created recently by the performances given on Sundays in the Albert Bark by bands. Such performances were a very serious hindrance to a Sunday-school conducted within earshot of the music. The vestry desired to express their high appreciation of the services voluntarily rendered to the church by the choir. Sunday-school teachers. Ladies' Guild, and other church workers. The vicar renominated Mr. W. Blyth as his warden for the ensuing year, and Mr. C. Dunlop was re-elected people's warden. The following were elected vestrymen : —Messrs. G. B. Boulton, W. H. Churton, J. Cobino. J. J. Hipkins, W. O. Garland, T. Gresham, J. Maokie, W. S. Whitley, and Drs. Parkes and Swales. Messrs. A. J. Alio way and ]•). A. Ash ton were appointed auditors. It was agreed that the new ves'ry' should arrange for a special meeting of parishioners to consider the question of obtaining a curate. The following resolution was carried:— "That this meeting of parishioners of St. Paul's, Auckland, respectfully request the Diocesan Synod to use their best endeavours to obtain for women the right to vote at parish meetings." The usual votes of thanks to church workers were accorded. ST. MATTHEW'S. The annual meeting of tho parishioners of St. Matthew's was held in the schoolroom last evening. The vicar (the Rev. W. E. Gillani) presided. The churchwardens explained that owing to stress of work during the past few weeks they were not yet prepared with their balance-sheet and report. There was no need, however, for parishioners to be anxious, for the condition of their funds was better than for many years previously. The vicar said it might be well to transact a little business and then adjourn the meeting for a week or two. He. congratulated the parishioners on the realisation of their hopes in the laying of the foundation-stone of the new church. It had been a groat function, and tho sympathetic, interest shown by citizens,, and especially by former parishioners, was very gratifying. The service in the church was most inspiring, and they had to acknowledge their gratitude to the city and suburban choirs. The Bishop's address in the church was just such an address as the parishioners of St. Matthew's expected to hear from him. It was unfortunate that His Lordship pronounced the Benediction on the grounds before the collectors had half finished taking up the offertory. The function being thus closed the people began to disperse, and hundreds had lost the opportunity -if contributing to the proposed new mission work' in the parish. He, the vicar, desired to start the Church Army in tho parish, and trusted lie would soon lie able to get an officer from, England. In addition to this lay evangelist working in the congested parts of the parish, he hoped also to start a temjiorary rescue home for women and a night shelter for men who were out of work. There wore about 15,000 people in the parish, and it was au ever-shifting population. There was probably no parish in the colony where aggressive mission work and social and philanthropic agencies were morn needed. He uid not undervalue the good work 'being done by other religious organisations, but the Anglican Church must lie prepared to do its share. He had now an able and energetic curate to assist him, and trusted that with God's blessing they would get a firmer gup upon the masses and win them for Christ. Before concluding the vicar said he wished to correct a misapprehension as to the contract for the new church. There were two tenders—one amounting to £24,335, which would carry the tower to the top of the morning chapel: a second tender at £1376 was for finishing the tower to the top of the belfry. The contract therefore was for £25.701. But as the amount in hand was over £30,000, there was a margin for paying all contingencies such as architects' foes, fittings, .etc. Tho committee were not sure that it would be a wise thing to erect tho spire that was a matter for further consideration. Mr. Pearson's first design finished off the' tower with pinnacles, and it was probable that he would Vie asked to arrange such a finish to the tower of the present design. For this purpose lie, tho chairman, believed the funds would bo ample. Special votes of thanks in connection with the stenclaying were passed to His Excellency the. Governor and the Countess of Ranfuriy, to the (Grandmaster of New Zealand and the Freemasons generally, to Mr. A. Towsey and his orchestra, to Messrs. Smith and Caughoy and others for contributions to the decorations, etc. Mr. A. J. 11. Rider said that the parish was greatly indebted to the Herald for strenuously advocating the commencement of the now church, and on his motion a hearty vote of thanks was passed to the editor. The meeting also voted a cordial and unanimous resolution of thanks to the trustees of the stono church fund for their able management. It was then decided to adjourn till May 20.