ST. ANDREW'S CHURCH

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17093, 27 August 1917, Page 6

ST. ANDREW'S CHURCH

( ANNUAL REPORT.

Tho. annual report of tho Session of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church states that during the past congregational year the work of the church has gone forward quietly and persistently. It has, of course, been affected' in. various ways by the shadow of the great war that still hangs heavy upon the world. Practically all eligible young men of tho cJrwrch have gone. The roll of honour now stands at 123, Kensington branch supplies an additional 18, making a total of 146. The fatalities this year have been heavy: Sergeant Douglas Park and T. B. L, Morcer (of St. Andrews), and H. Bain, W. J. Cartwright, R. P. Henderson (of Kensington), and J. M*Laren (of the Mission Hall). lietrtenani W. 11. P. M'Kenzie has been awarded , tie Miiitaxy Cross, and lieutenant A. Henderson the D.O.iL Alan Chraroh also won a Military Medal. The departure of so many young man has, of course, seriously depicted tho working ranks ia the chitrch. The Sabbath school and the choir especially have suffered. Still, in spito of this, the flag- hits been kept flying-. As Mr Sanderson's engagement for two years expired in August, a meeting of office-bearers was held to consider the whole situation. In order to give perfect freedom' of action, Dγ Waddell deemed it advisable to place his resignation in the hands of the office-bearers. _ After mature deliberation, it was- unanimously agreed that, while appreciating Dr Waddell's motive, tho offioe-'bearers declined to accept his resignation. It was further agreed that the engagement. with Mr Randersan be renewed for 12 months longer aa from September 1, 1917.' In April Dr Waddell completed 38 years as a minister in St. Andrew's, and was presented with an appropriate address. Mr R&nderson continues to discharge his duties faithfully, and wiih energy, tact, and zeaL Of Sister Christabol it is hardly necessary to say anything. Her work among the.poor send the suffering, especially among the young, makes futile the commonplaces of eulogy. In addition to her other work, she has, at the invitation of the session, undertaken the oversight of the Sunday evening services in tho Bible School Hall The session deems it unnecessary to refer to tho work of the church in detail, but it has nevertheless beex carried on with great zeal and efficiency. The liberality of the congregation is very manifest. The amount of money eoniributed this year has been a record, and speaks eloquently of the desiro on tho part of tho members to show their faith by their works. Perhaps the rnost SfgnHkairt and hopeful of spiritual manifesiations has been the result of Decision, Week in tho Saßbnfch schools. Upwards of 100 boys and girls havo signed decision cards, pledging , thorn to become- "good soldier? of Jesus Christ." They bav« been formed into a loaguo called "Tho Young Soldiers of the Cross," and the session appeals to ■ tho parents to' co-oporato with the- teachers in their efforts for the spiritnal well-being of tho children. Tho prayer meeting has been mainly in ahnsße of Mr Randerson. The attendatkce has kept up very -well; There has been a rather heavy doath-roll during tho year comprising about a dozen members of the congregation. The session, in conclusion, reccwds ite gratitude to all the workers of the congregation. Tiso total ntnoboT on the roll is 504. Of this number 30 nro on active Eervieo, and 75 vdho, by reason of infirmfty or absence, have not

been abla to be present at any comnrtmion ' during the yc;ir. The communion roll stands at—average attendance, 270; ' additions—for first timo 10, by certificate 19; disjunctions by death and certificate, 12. The following have died on the field of honour:—James Oareeron, A. Crichton, James Harper Jack B Home, A. M'Neil, John Martin, Philip Munro T: H. Nisbet, James Paterson, J. lurnbull Ross, Dr Ernest Webb, H. Bain, W. J. Cartwright, J. M'Laron, R. J. Henderson, Thomas Morcer, Douglas M. Park. The report of the Deacons' Court states that, notwithstanding- tho war, tho funds generally have more than, maintained the standard of previous years. The chief difficulty lies in tho ordinary revenue, which, owing to ever-increasing demands, is insufficient to meet the ordinary expenditure. Tho whole question of the best means of collecting tho church finances is to be brought before the annual congregational mooting for consideration. So far as tho total revenue is concerned, the amount contributed for tho past year (including mission funds collected by the different organisations) has been £2416 6s sd, being one of the largest m the history of the congregation. Detailed reports are issued in nest pamphlet forms of the many and varied activities of the church, and these will j make interesting reading for members of j tho congregation.