MORAY PLAGE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13263, 20 April 1905, Page 5

MORAY PLAGE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.

The annual mooting of- the Moray Place Congregational Church Sunday School took ]>i?.ce on Tuesday evening in the schoolroom, the children, parents, and friends present fully taxing the seating accommodation. Under the eonduetorship of Mr Foster, the children opened the proceedings with a hymn, a printed programme of the words of which, as also of nil other singing by the children, had been distributed at the door. The Rev. Mr Saunders, after a short prayer, called upon Mr J. Harris, the school superintendent, to read the annual report. The report claimed to give evidence of growth, and in one respcct of stagnation in the school. It congratulated parents on the progress made,, but emphasised the necessity (or co-operation oil their part with the teachers. To show their sympathy with the work of the teachers ill a practical way by showing their children that they considered it most, important that they 'should receive the training, which the school supplied. They should show the same interest in the Sunday school as they did in the day school. Let the children'sec that they attached as much importance to their religious as to their seeula.r education. Particularly should they see that the home lessons were studied. The teachers were a band of canifjst and zealous workers, most regular in attendance, and spent much time each week in preparing for their classes, and it \vas most, disappointing to them to find several of their scholars absent.' The roll now stood at 178, four less than last- year, and 14- less than the high-water mark of 1933. Tile average attendance was 330. From this they would see that, while the school was not percontuMv going back, it had not made' quite the forward movement they should all desire. A scheme of prizegiving: had been instituted by which scholars would receive encouragement for attendance, home lessons, and conduct during the year. A scholar would gain a prize under the system irrespective of how many others did likewise. In this sense it was noncompetitive. The. report, which was most exhaustive, mentioned the subjects which had been taught during the year, congratulated the school on the acquisition of the. services of_ Sir Foster as conductor of the children's singing, referred in complimentary terms to the ]»st services of Mr Hale in a similar capacity, spoke of Mr Claude Thomson's work in connection with the library, and to Mr M'Fie's thoughtfulness in providing books. The two Bible classes in connection with the school, it was reported, wore in a healthy condition, both as'regarded teachers and scholars. Mr Barr continued as leader of the Young Men's Class, and bis guidance was appreciated inoro and more as time passed. The Young Ladies' Bible Class was now under the charge of Miss Saunders, Miss Knight having been obliged to resign for reasons of hc-alth. The report concluded with expressions of thanks to the pastor for his valued help and advice, and to nil others who worked in the interest of the school. Mr Coull, who moved the adoption of the report, congratulated the school upon the progress made, and Mr Barr, in seconding the motion, tool; the onportunity to express his admiration for the ivork performed • by the superintendent, Mr John Harris. Songs by the Misses Forsyth. Stewart, M'Keehnie, and M'Neil and Mr Foster, duets by Miss Burke and Mr Bono and Mr and Miss M'Keehnie. and recitations by Miss M'Keehnie and Miss L. Darling were ail well reeoived and added much tn an enjoyable evening. Miss Fieldwick actcd as accompanist.