TERRACE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.

New Zealand Times, Volume LIV, Issue 9881, 12 April 1893, Page 2

TERRACE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.

ANNIVERSARY MEETING. The annual tsa and public meeting in oonueotion with the above Churoh was held in the Schoolroom, Bowen street, last evening. Tea was laid on eight tables, presided over by the following ladies:—Meadamos Allen, Hume, Williams, W, VV. Kuowles, Archibald, Webb, O. Smith, Lindsay, Callcott, Holdaworth, Ilott and Meadowcroft, and Misses Orr aud Evene. The spread was an excellent one, the tables and room being sp daily decorated for the occasion with m»ny vases of beautiful flowers, evergreens, &c, The atfcmdanca was good. The after meeting commenced shortly after half-past 7* the pastor (the Rev G. J. Allen) presiding. The proceedings opened by the singing of a hymn and prayer, alter which the following programme was carried out: —Pianoforte duet. Misses fete wart and Page; annual report by the secretary* Mr J. C. Webb; treasurer’s report by Mr W, W. Knowles; song, Mr R. B. Williams ; address, chairman ; gle?, choir; song, *Tha Better Land,’ Mr J. E. Page; address, Rev W. J. Habeas; song. Mrs Lindsay, 4 The River of Years ’ ; address, Rev C. Dallaston; gloe, choir, ' Springtime ’; address, Rev Dumbfll, The annual report, which was submitted by the secretary, stated new members had been admitted daring the year, and that the roll now stands at 147, or live more than last year’s total. Regret was expressed at the death of Mrs Baird. The deacons bad nnder consideration a recommends, tion to the Church that their numbers should be added to at an early date. There were 112 scholars on the roll of lbs Bowen street Sunday school as against 117 last year, while the average attendance had been 74. The Mitohelltown soho I was still tuocea>fally conducted by Mr R. G. Knight, assisted by Miss Knight and Mr Richardson. The roll was 82, with an average attendance of 36. On the roll of the Young People’s Society of Christian Endeavour there were 74 names, 34 being active members, 36 associate and 4 honorary. The average attendance at the weekly meetings was about 50. Mr Ilott acknowledged with thanks the assistance rendered to the Band of Hope by the Rev C. Dallaston, Messrs J. G. W. Altken, F. H. Fraser and other sympathisers. Ihe Ladies’ Working Society had had two sales of work, resulting in an addition of over £45 to the funds of the Church. Acknowledgments of indebted* ness were made to the late choirmaster (Mr R. B. Williams), to the present choirmaster and organist (Mr R. F. Page), and to the choir generally. Mrs C. VY. Smith had aoted as pianist throughout tho year at the week night service. A larger attendance was desired for the Yoaug Men’s Bible Class. Tho two Wellington churches had rented a cotta.e and slatted a mission brauoh in the southern end of the city. Next month the SocUl Institute, which had a membership of 85, intended to open Its session for this year. Mrs Smyth and Misses Barnes, Burns, FiU, Know!©* and >mith bad collected £36 L2s 6d for the London Missionary Sjciuty and Mr Law<s* mission produced £3O additional. The week of self-denial realised over £4, and the Sunday school children made a New Year’s offering of £4 la 3J. Tha debit balance of £75 12j in last year’s finances bad now been reduced to £5 7s 7d, thanks chiefly to the efforts of the ladies, who bad handed in £69 2s to the treasurer. The pastor h?d made a voluntary offer to accept a substantial reduction of the stipend, and this and other retrenchment! had reduced the annual expenditure by £7O. There was still a debt of £56 in connection with the repainting of the church buildings. 1 In the course of bis address, the Rev J. G. Allen expressed his hearty thanks for all the kindness and assistance in bis work accorded him during the past year. Hs considered the report oa the whole was very satisfactory ; and in bis concluding remarks strongly urged all the members to unite in advancing the work of the Church. The Rev Mr Habeas made a very praties! speech upon the dnty of members of the Church.

The Ksv C. Pallaston said he was much pleisad to hear so satisfactory a report respecting tbo past year, especially as regards the meetings in connection with the Young People’s Society of Christian Ea« deavour.

The Rev Mr Dambell spoke on very similar linos.

The meeting was concluded by the singing of the National Anthem and the pronouncing o! the Benediction. A hearty vote of thanks was, on the motion of the chairman, accorded to all who h*d assisted to make the gathering such a success. Daring the afternoon a sale of work was held ia the vestry, and a very fair amount of business was done.