ST. PETER'S CHURCH.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15183, 30 June 1911, Page 3

ST. PETER'S CHURCH.

WELCOME SOCIAL.

A welcome social was tendered last night io the Rev. E. Dering Evans, vicar of St. .Voter's C'liurcli, Caversham, by the members of his congregation. The social was held in t.ho church hall, which was filled to overflowing, Though so designated, the gathering was hardly a welcome social in the true nature of the word, seeing that tho vioa-r has now boon tihroo months in the parish; it was more in the nature of an appreciation of his untiring offorts during tho time iho has been here. During an interval in tih<» proceedings Mr A. E. Titchoner took the opportunity, on behalf of the congregation, of presenting to Mr Evans a handsome a.nd oompact cabinet writing desk. Ho also addressed a few appreciatory remarks to the recipient. In replying Mr Evans referred in humorous vein to t.ho secrecy with which tho workings of the Preseintafcion Committee had , been clothed. But lie had had his suspicions, and had told tho two vestrymen that, if anything wiere giw;n to him he would sell it and build a new vestry with tho proceeds. Was he not to keep his word? They said "No." Well, how was lie to face them next Sunday? He wanted to say seriously that ho was very, very grateful to them for their exceptionally generous gifr,Referring to parish matters, one thing which was urgently needed, was an efficient staff in tho parish—a vicar, a curate, and a deacon. Recently a committee had canvassed tho, parish to get money for this purpose, and witliin three weeks they had been promised from all sources between £275 and £300 per yea.rp(Applause.) Within a couple of years they ought to double i that sum. They wanted over £600 a year, and he was very hopeful of getting it. He had in his mind a young fellow who was at present in Auckland who could capably fill tho position. of deacon, and when he went home next autumn, as was his present intention, he would bring back with him a vioar for tho parish—a man of experience. ,Ho was also anxious to start a parish magazine, and he hoped to do this in a month or two. They also-had a big task ahead of them in the cleaning and restoration of the church, A number of musical and vocal items were rendered during tho evening, those contributing being Misses Glasso (piano solo), Marclnnt (reading), Parte (song), i Holmes (song), Messrs Fleet and Taylor and the jßovs. E. Dering Evans and E. L. Wcodhouse (songe). An ample of refreshments was distributed during tho evening, and at the conclusion of the social a few hours* dancing was indulged in.