ST. ANDREW'S CHURCH

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21880, 16 August 1934, Page 14

ST. ANDREW'S CHURCH

REVIEW OF ACTIVITIES DWINDLING CONGREGATIONS THE 86TH ANNUAL MEETING Reports of healthy activities in the church, in spite of slowly diminishing congregations, were given last evening at the 86th annual meeting of St. Andrew's Church, Symonds Street, "the mother of Presbyterianism in Auckland." For some years, tho change of residential areas has caused increasing difficulties to tho church, and at present a proposal to invite a notable preacher from Great Britain to occupy tho pulpit for six months or a year in order to avoid the necessity of closing tho church's doors, is under consideration. The presont minister of the church, the Rev. I. Bertram, presided at last evening's meeting, which was attended by about 50 members of the congregation. Mr. Bertram read a message from the Auckland Presbytery, expressing its goodwill and its desiro to render any assistance possible in the best interests cf the church. " Period of Great Anxiety"

Dr. Neil McDougall, reporting for tho session, stated that there were at present 76 members on the roll, as against 83 in October, 1933. when the last annual meeting had been held. The change in the dates of annual meetings made it difficult to make comparisons with activities of tho church in other years. "Tho thanks of the church are due to Mr. Bertram for the way in which he has carried out tho work of the church under very trying conditions," he added. "The period has been one of great anxiety on account of the dwindling of congregations at both morning and evening services, with the resultant loss of revenue." The secretary of the managers' court, Mr. W. A. Austin, reported that a certain amount ot maintenance work, including painting of the roof of the church and hall, h -d been carried out. but the work of r< wiring the interior had had to be postponed owing to lack, of finance. The Financial Position

Mr. Gerald T. Lee, treasurer, reported that in the eight months since the last annual meeting, receipts had totalled £587, including £l7O from rents and £219 from collections arid envelopes. The latter receipts represented a decrease from the figures for the corresponding period of last year. There was a credit balance of £1? on general working expenses. The position was actually very sound as far as assets and liabilities were concerned, Mr. Lee said. The properties were valued at £21,900, against which were set a mortgage of £270 and certain other liabilities, leaving a balance of £24,616, as against £24,661 in October, 1983. The church had, therefore, gone back to the extent of £45 in the period. Reports showing the work of the Presbyterian Women's Missionary Union, the Ladies' ■ Association, the Sunday school, and boys' -and girls' clubs and Bible classes, were read, and gratification was expressed by members at the activities being carried on. Mr. H. McKail Geddes, Miss Jessie Grange, and Miss E. N. Wilson were elected to the board of management. A further congregational meeting will be summoned later to receive tfte report of a special committee at present investigating the possibility of securing the services of a notable visiting preacher.