MORNINGTON WESLEYAN CHURCH.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 7317, 29 July 1885, Page 3

MORNINGTON WESLEYAN CHURCH.

The anniversary services of the Mornington Wesleyan Church were celebrated last Sabbath when the Rev. J. Nixon conducted the services in the morning and afternoon, and the Rev. W. Morley in the evening. The attendance at each service was large, and the addresses particularly impressive. The tea-meeting in celebration of the anniversary was held last evening in the church, which was crowded to the doors. The tables were presided over by the following ladies.:-— Mesdames Frapwell, Cunliffe, Hensley, Murray, Luscombe, West, Roach, Risk, and Sandford, who maybe congratulated upon the completeness of the arrangements. The after meeting was also well attended, Mr Thomas Barmby being called on to preside; while on the platform with him were the Revs. D. J. Murray, H. B. Michie, J. Nixon, and W. Morley, all of whom aeldressed the meeting. The choir, under the leadership of Mr Joseph Holgate, sang a number of hymns at intervals, and Mrs Nixon gave two solos—"Peace,be still" and "The harvest truly is plentiful"—with fine taste and accuracy.

The report, which was read at the meeting, showed that a large amount -of work had been done during the past year, and prosperity in things spiritual as well as temporal had been the order of things. The circuit fund was, however, £24 lis in debt, despite the many efforts which had been, made to have the deficit wiped off. The total income for the year from all sources was £320 17s lid, and the total expenditure £345 8s lid. Mornington had raised £181 4s 6d and Linden £94 13s sd, while the ladies' sewing meeting had raised the large sum of £76 15s 9el, and this sum, with the conference's grant of £20 for furniture, made a total of £96 13s 9d. The officers of the church elesire to place on record their a])preciation of the good work done' by the Ladies' Sewing Society. The membership of the church was on the increase, and the attendance at the class meetings excellent. Bro. West, who was ill and unable to attend, was mentioned in connection with this work, while Bro. Sutherland, of Linden, was also mentioned for his efforts on behalf of the circuit fund. The Sunday-school was being steadily worked, and the attendance on the increase, Mornington having 162 scholars, 18 teachers, and three officers, and Linden 164 scholars, with 15 teachers. The Blue Ribbon Army, under the supervision of the church was flourishing, 250 members having donned the blue since its inauguration, while its meetings were regularly attended. Thereport concluded by referring to an appeal which was being made to raise £50 towards reducing the debt on the church, and also, if possible, lighting it with gas. The names of Miss Beck and Joseph and Thomas Holgate were placed on the list of persons entitled to the warmest thanks of the church for their effort in respect to working up the choir, and Mr Holder for beautifying the church grounds.