KNOX CHURCH.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13985, 19 August 1907, Page 6

KNOX CHURCH.

ANNUAL REPORT.

Tile annual report for the,year ended June ■30 has'been issued. Its principal'features follow: —

Wo have here the reports of almost every one of our church organisations, and, as far as our liniits permit, as umcli space as possible i 9 given to their doings; but we lmve.ua special report from the chief worker of our congregation—that is. our minister. True, his name turns up in connection with the various societies, and his work—even apart from pulpit services—is largely known to ourpeople, especially to the sick; but there is little doubt that if Mr Hewitson followed the example of some public men, and gave us a detailed account of even a day's doings, uiaaiy of his people would be greatly startled by the pressure upon his time it would disclose.

Since Mr Todd's transfer to Middlemarch at Ist April Mr Hewitson. has carried on the work of Ihe ministry unaided, but arrangements must shortly ho made for affording 'him the needed assistance in the duties of the pastorate. It is tv matter for tho utmost thankfulness that he has been enabled to maintain in his pulpit ministrations the high level of excellence reached by him in previous years, and in the arduous and trying work of visitation of tho sick and the bereaved to, evince his wonted sympathy and diligence. Every organisation of the Church has felt his fostering and guiding touch. For all the blessings that we as a congregation have received from' the Divine Head of tho Church we render our hearty and humblo thanks. Kirk Session. The session held 1G meetings during the year. Since our last report Mr Daniel Smith, who had been one of our elders since 18S3, was called to his rest. He was an caniestminded and upright man, greatly attached to our Church, rendering faithful service for many years in the Master's cause. He was much interested in missions, and by his mil bequeathed £100 towards the support of native teachers in the Now.Hebrides. Tho additions to the membership of the congregation during the year have been 73viz., 35 by examination and 38 by certificate. The disjunctions were 57—viz., 11 by death and 40 by removals to other parts. .The total membership at 30th June was 1143. The attendances at the quarterly communions were:—September, 717; December, 675; March, 660; June, 675.

Choir and Organ. Mr Gale has now been organist and choirmaster for two years, and, during that time, by his ability and zeal, he has brought the cboh to a stage of efficiency quite equal to what it has at any time attained. The membership has largely increased, and tho attendance at both practices and evening services has been most praiseworthy, showing that members are taking an interest in the work of the choir. There arc now on the roll 67 members, of whom there are 29 soprano, 18 alto, 10 tenor, and 10 boss.

Home Mission Stations. Stuart Hall.—The services at Stuart Hall have been maintained regularly throughout the year. Tho attendance, which during tho summer months fell away considerably, has again greatly improved, and the meetings have been bright and cheery. This mission presents an opportunity for service almost unequalled in Dunedin; but there is an urgent need of a man who will devote Ilia Sunday evenings to it: not in preaching, hut in coming into close personal touch with the people, and in attending to the conduct of the meetings.

Loith Valley.—Bright and helpful meetings have characterised the afternoon services at Leilh Valley. The attendances have been good, and the interest very real, The sa-CKl-ruont of the Lord's Supper is dispensed halfyearly, and the attendance has been well maintained.

Pine Hill.—This congregation, considering' its being so scattered, attends very fairly, and the preachers have, as a ru'.e. been very regular in fulfilling their duties. The Church Extension Committee will now, however, have charge of this district, and it and Upper Junction will be looked after by a student, which should consolidate religious interests in these localities.

Work Among Our Young People. Pour Sundays schools and seven Bible clases. Main School: scholars on roll, 658j average attendance, 531; teachers, 45; officers, 11; Bible class leaders, 7. Pelichet Bay: Scolars on roll, 50; average attendance. 42; teachers, i. Leith Valley: Scholars on roll, 2D; average attendance. 20; teachers, 5. Pine Hill: Scholars on roll, 25; average attendance, 18; teachers, 3, Totals: Scholars, 7G2; teachers, 64; officers, 11. Collections: Missions, S8& 19s 10d; church extension. £1 10s; Maori Birthday League. Si 17s 8d {(three months only); Canton Village Mission, £4 (senioi Bible class).

Tho statistics givon above show the importance oi this work, and it is pleasing to be able to state that they also show how faithfully it is attended to. This feeling bt satisfaction is enhanced when we learn that the teachers prepare assiduously for it, not only by private study, but also by united consideration of the lessons. Wo have now seven Bible classes, five of young women ami two of young men, Tlieso are conducted on the co-oporaitivo plan, according (o which the members ta.ko some- part in the study and discussion of tho subject under consideration. Tho syllabus in most of tho classes includes a regular Biblical study, with occasional subjects of a general and 'religious character. The syllabuses of the classes have been sent to the session, and it is evident that the standard of work prescribed leaves nothing to bo desired.

Christian Endeavour Society.—This society con be earnestly recommended to. the young people of the church as being a most helpful organisation. Its syllabus for tho winter 13 of a varied character, and affords ample scope for the instruction of its members in a pleasant way. The. Junioi Christian Band' uas a membership of 40, with the excellent average attendance of 35. The subject for study this year lias been "The Pilgrim's Progress." The sum of £-2 was contributed to the Maori Girls' School, and £i to the Presbyterian Orphanage,' Young Women's Society (Literary and Social Bra-neb.).—Number 011 roll 108. At this society's literary evenings such v-aried subjects are dealt with as "A. Nature-study," " Women Philanthropists," " Browning's Heroines," "Jtuch Adc About Nothing," Social Work by City Deaconesses," and a debate on the important question, " Should We Obey Mrs Grundv?"

Charitable and Phiknthxopio Agencies. Ladies' Association. — This important association has carried on its work during the yoai with quiet zeal. Donations have been received from friends to the work as shown in the treasurer's statement, in whicli the manner of their disposal is also recorded. Coal and clothing were also donated. The air beds are still in great demand, and have relieved much suffering. Young Women's Society (Oharitable and Philanthropic Branch).—Number on roll, 57, Tile supply of clothing to children in need has been the principal work of this society, but it has also supplied and managed the sweets and flower stalls at the Knox Church P.W.Jt.TJ. sale of work in October. Tim proceeds from the Rev. lt T Kewitson's lee-, ture enabled it to continue the support ol its orphan girls in Madras. Deaconess.—Sister llary reports as fol-lows:-"Received £42 8s; paid out £35-Is Gd. Of this, £13 was received from the Ladies' Association, the remainder from members and friends. All has been expended in medicine and nursing for the sick and groceries and boots for the needy. A large suppjy of clothing has also been received-and distributed. A member has supplied an excellent invalid's chair. The iwi chairs and air oushions are in constant use, and axe'a gt£»t help mi coffltot te wntyU." 3i«

mothers' meeting is conducted by Sister Mury and Miss Heid. It helps to break the monotony in some. lonely lives, and also forms a centre from whioh to give assistance.

Missions (Foreign).—The Women's Missionary Association connected with the church held «. sale of work in October, by whioh they -were enabled to hand over £100 to the building fund of the Missionary Training Institute, and £62 to the Canton Villages Mission Hospital. £76 3s 4<l was collected, including subscriptions to Maori Birthday League, which has now 800 members, 201 of whom are scholars. Sustentation' Fund. . This, tho chief fund of tho Presbyterian Church, is receiving earnest attention from all true well-wishers to our cause. After going down considerably, it is now regaining ground in our own congregation as elsewhere. The new regulations of our General Assembly in connection with this fund make Knox Church liable for a yearly contribution of about £440. During six months of the p-c----sent church year we raised £168, so that the next six months—that is, June and September quarters—will have to bring in £272. Last year the contributions of these two quarters totalled £-258; £H more will thus be required this year. The congregation are asked ta give favourable consideration to this matter, and it will make our people more inolined to do so when they learn that other congregations have also been dealt with, and, as the Assembly's agent assures us, have promised increased contributions. The new regulations stale that aid-receiving congregations will have their amount of aid diminished' year by yenr, until it ceases altogether, so that new struggling charges may be held in their stead. Deacons' Court.

Tho following new members have been elected:—Messrs Gcorgo Campbell, Alexander Hamilton, and John M'Kay. The members who, in the usual course, retired from office wore all 16-61601611, with the exception of Mr J. H. Morrison, who has left the colony. The "Works Committee has had a good deal of work in keeping ohuroh and school in repair during tho year. The most important work at the church was the repairing of tho stair and dado around the south and west walls, wtioh had decayed vory considerably owing to the effects of damp. At the school tho roof has required continual attention. Finance.—The statement of receipts and expenditure now presented shows that for the ■year ending 30th June our ordinary revenue Ims exceeded our expenditure bv £50 15s 7d, the figures being-receipts. JE1987 7s; expenses, £1936 lis sd. In addition to this we have collected and paid over for special objects the sum of £1136 3s 3d, making the total amount raised during the year £312/1 10s 3d—a result which must he considcrcu very satisfactory. The net indebtedness of tue congregation at the close of tho year was £4081 Is, a 9 sOiowm in tho stnfcment.