CHURCH MEETINGS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20426, 30 November 1929, Page 17

CHURCH MEETINGS.

EPSOM PRESBYTERIANS.

The annual meeting of the Epsom Presbyterian Church, Gardner Road, -was held in the Sunday school hall, there being a large attendance. The minister, the Rev. W. McDonald, who presided, expressed pleasure at .seeing so many of the foundation members present. The report submitted showed that good progress had been made in all departments. The communion roll stood at 298. During the year 47 new members had joined the fellowship of the church, which was a record for any one year. The ladies of the Presbyterian Women's Missionary Union had done excellent work. The union's membership stood at 60. a gain of 15 for the year. Mr. McDonald was congratulated on his completion of 16 years as minister of tho Epsom chai'ge, and the hopo was expressed that he would continue for many years.

The total amount which had been raised for all purposes was £1735, which was considered satisfactory in view of the iinancial stringency experienced in business circles. The following wcro elected to the board of managers:—Messrs. R. Angus, N. Angus, A. Campbell, R. M. Crockett, J. Duncan, I. G. Gray, J. E. Hutchinson, N. Kyle, E. Moir, J. McDongall, A. W. A. Sweetman, and W. 11. Wilkinson. During the evening a programme of vocal and instrumental ifems was contributed.

ST. PAUL'S, DEVONPORT. The annual meeting of St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, Devonport, was held on Thursday evening. The Rev. W. Lawsou Marsh presided over a large attendance. The reports showed an all-round increase in the various organisations. In presenting the session report, Mr. J. S. Fairgray, session clerk, paid a tribute to the splendid work being carried on among the young people, especially the young men's Bible classes. As. regards membership, 46 names were added to the roll, but 32 had been transferred to churches elsewhere, and there had been six deaths. The net membership to date was 241. The manager's report, presented by Mr. G. Falla, showed a total increase of £1909 for the period. Of this £397 had gono to reduction of debt and £295 toward the assembly and other schemes of the church. Hearty votes of thanks were accorded to Messrs J. T. Fairgray, E. L. Skinner, T. B. Scott, G. Blair and G. Falla for special services: to the choirmaster and choir and the ladies' visiting committee. The managers retiring by rotation were all re-elected, with the exception of Messrs. H. Johnston and G. Blair, who had resigned. New members elected to the board were Messrs. J. R. Kilgour, juhr., F. S. Proctor and J. D. Falla.

Speaking to a motion proposed by Mr. W. Mac Lean to Hie effect that a special minute should be prepared expressing tho congregation's appreciation of Mr. and Mrs. Marsh's work among them, the Rev. G. Budd paid a warm tribute to one ho was proud to call "his minister." He never listened to him without being moved and inspired, and he knew of no preacher in New Zealand who could deal so capably with tho great things that touched their lives, and who had such power to infect others with his enthusiasm. Tho motion was carried by acclamation.

After musical items by the Misjes Phyllis Tyo pud U. Penman, supper was served.