CHURCH MEETINGS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14280, 31 July 1908, Page 3

CHURCH MEETINGS

CHALMERS CHURCH. The annual business meeting of the Chalmers Presbyterian Church congregation took took place last night in the church. Tho , Rev. Duncan llacleiiJiaii, M.A., presided, and conducted devotional exercises prior to the reading of the various reports, upon, which lie also made a few preliminary remarks. Mr Alexander Hamilton read the session's report, which showed that the Sabbath services, including monthly Gaelio services, had been conducted without intermission throughout the year, and that tho attendances at both had been satisfactory. The weekly prayer .meetings, tho fortnightly Bible class, and the quarterly communion services had maintained the averago attendance of former years. A rcdivision of districts for visitation .by the several elders had been made, and this arrangement, it. was hoped would prove benefioial to the interests of the congregation. The pastoral visitation had been undertaken as time and opportunity permitted, while the sick wore visited as frequently as occasion required. The congregational psalmody continued to be led wiu> acceptance by Mr Robert Francis (precentor). The session, in concluding a lengthy report, expressed its gratification at tlie peace and harmony that had pervaded the congregation. The Sabbath School report statetl that the classes had given indications of careful teach, it'.!:, and tliey were congratulated on their success at the annual Presbylerial Sabbath School examination held early in the year. Twelve scholars sat for examination, seven I of whom obtained prizes, and the others, with one exception, received certificates. The Sabbath School picnic had proved a pleasant outing to both parents and children. The Sabbath School library had been restocked with new and suitable books, and thanks were tendered to the donors ofmoney and books for this purpose. Parents wore urged to read the Sunday school lessons -with their children at home, especially on Sundays, so that they would arrive in their classes fully prepared. The treasurer's and Deacons' Court, reports showed the year's income to have been £296, and the expenditure £293. As regards the debt on the manse, the reduction in two yoars and a-half Was from £950 to £300. The debt on the churoh also now stood at £300. Regardmg thd manse, it should be mentioned that the Church Board of Property had contributed pound for pound on tho amounts raised by the congregation. The ladies of the congregation were especially thanked for their valuable labours in this connection. Mention was made in tho Deacons' Court report of tho distinctive stand made by Ohalmers Church in support of pure. Prcsbyterianism against the many innovations which had been introduced in many other congregations, and an appreciative eulogium of the. minister was added for the freshness, orthodoxy, and Scripturalness of his discourses, and the solemnity arid Presbyterian propriety displayed in dispensing the ordinances. Mr James Thomson submitted a cheering report of the nowly-formed Band of Hope, which numbered a membership o£ 45 in this its firet session, In moving and seconding the various' reports, several members of tho congregation spoke in appreciative terms of the good work done. The meeting closed with the benediction.