ST. KILDA METHODIST CHURCH

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14577, 16 July 1909, Page 4

ST. KILDA METHODIST CHURCH

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS. The anniversary services in connection with the St. Kilda Methodist Church that began on Sunday last were continued on Wednesday evening by a tea and concert cf eacred and instrumental music. The tea, served in the Town Hall, was largely attended. The concert in the church that followed drew- a largo gathering of friends, and was presided over by tho Rev. W. Grigg, who, in a brief address, congratulated the congregation on the fact that tho provision of a new school hall before next anniversary was assured,, of realisation. Tho seventh annual report, read by Mr E. Aslin, pointed out that during the past year tho congregation had increased steadily in number, and the services on week nights had been well attended. The church homo services for the benefit of those unable to attend the ordinary services were also greatly appreciated. The faithful services of local preachers were referred to' with heartfelt 'thanks. The Women's Guild, to provide for the sale of work in aid of the now Sunday school hall, and the social intercourse connected with those meetings had been beneficial. The Sustentation Fund continued to be liberally contributed to, and the services of the choir, directed by the choirmasters (Mr R. Pellett, and subsequently Mr Muir). were referred to with appreciation. The Mutual Improvement Society, the Harrier Ci.ib, and the Junior Endeavour Society had been attended with success. The Sunday school had continued to increase, so much so that a separate room had been found for the Young Men's Bible Class at Mr A. Beck's residence. Tho superintendent (Sir E. Aslin) had been assisted by Mr T. Ashton and a staff of 19 teachers ami officers, and in this connection a teacher's training class and a cradle roll had been started. This progress pointed lo the absolute necessity'for increasing (he school accommodation as early as possible, and to this end nlans were being prepared. Tho Rev. F. Rands, who had worked with great earnestness, had been appointed by Conference to remain for another year, and on his behalf tho prayers and sympathetic co-operation of all members were besought. In conclusion, tho report referred to the great help aud very practical advice given to tho church by their superintendent (the Rev. W Grigg). Tho Rev. Mr Perry, in his address, ■ congratulated the congregation on the progress outlined in its annual report, not only numerically, but spiritually, and hoped a greater increase would bo given to it in time to come. Ho urged its members, in Wesley's words, to "take heed to their doctrine "—that of holiness. Mr (J._ J. Liggins (treasurer) presented a financial" statement covering tho past nino months, and pointed out that they had about £611. in view towards the erection of tho proposed school hall, which was eslimated to cost about £750. The Rev. Mr Fairmaid, in an interesting address, pointed out that it was becoming increasingly recognised that the solution of all the difficult problems of the present day lay in tho recognition of Christianity. He referred to tho successful revival meetings recently held in Australia, and urged a combination' of the churches to bring about similar awakenings in the Dominion. The soloTvocnlists who contributed items to the concert programme were Mesdames Habersham and Lawn and Messrs Lawn, Mirams, and Wilkinson. Miss Sandilands gave two violin solos. The choir, under the direction of Mr Lawn, rendered some anthems with creditable precision. Mr H. Brook presiding at the organ. Votes of thanks were accorded to those who lied assisted at tho anniversary services, and tho meeting closed with singing the doxology.