UNITED CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18322, 12 August 1921, Page 10

UNITED CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.

ANNIVERSARY SERVICES. The anniversary services of the United Congregational Church were held on Sunday last. The morning service was conducted by the Rev. "Clarence Eaton, who delivered an inspiring address on " Christ as the Great Revealer." The evening service was conducted by Mr S. G. Griffith, who based his address on the 26th chapter of Leviticus, pointing' out that the prosperity of men and nations depends upon their obedience to the laws of God. Appropriate musio under a large choir conducted by Mr W. R. Sinclair was rendered during the day. ANNUAL MEETING. Last night the annual meeting of the congregation took place, the pastor (the Rev. A. If. Wallace) presiding. The meeting was preceded by a social tea arranged and dispensed by the ladies of the congregation. Tne Rev. E. Gairdner, of Inveroargill, opened the more formal part of the proceedings with prayer. The iourth annual report, presented by Mr J. H. Wilkinson, contained the following clauses:— The lew years that have passed since we united our forces in order more successfully to meet the religious need of tliis district have severely tested our loyalty and devotion owing to the very serious and unfortunate losses we have sustained by death and by removals. Owing to various causes the attendances at the Sunday services have, on many occasions, been much smaller than in previous years, and this is especially noticeable on Sunday mornings. r lhe monthly communion has been fairly well attended. There has been a marked improvement in the attendance and interest in the weekly prayer meeting. At these meetings our pastor delivers some of his finest addresses, and aims at helping to build the Christian life. One of the nwt gratifying features of our church work is, the enthusiasm and loyalty of our ohoir. No church in this city has been more fortunate than we have been in this respect. All throughout our history we have' had a strong choir that has led the service of praise with dignity and devotion. The present members of the ohoir display the same deep interest in this important branch ot the churoh's work that characterised their predecessors, and so week by week render very valuable and acceptable service. To Mr W. R. Sinclair, conductor, is due the credit of keeping up the inteiest of the members and the standard of the work rendered on all occasions. We also desire to acknowledge our indebtedness to our worthy orgunist, Mr Ron Abernethy, for the able and generous service he always so cheerfully renders. > 'Wo are greatly indebted to the Ladies Guild for the many helpful services they have so chee-fully rendered during the year. The splendid results that attended their efforts in connection with the sale of work indicates the enthusiasm with which they throw themselves into any movement tor the welfare of the Church and the advancement of the Kingdom of God. The claims of Home and Foreign Missions have been fully recognised ana generously responded to by tne members. The harvest rnanksgiving this year was a great success owing to the energetic efforts ot a number of our young people and the special planning of Mr J. K. Bemeli, who produced a very pleasing eitoct whicn was greatly enjoyed Dy all privileged to attend." The worn in the Sunuay school, which is one of the most important branches ot the Church activities, has been carried on with encouraging results. The revival of the Band 01 xxopo has been attended with a good deal 01 success; many young people turning out to the weekly gathermgs where excellent items are given by the young people, and special addresses by friends. The question ot Utourch Onion has been undvr discussion on several occasions during the year, and a furtner vote 01 the members will be taken shortly, tne result ot which will be forwarded to the special committee set up to deal with the matter, who will then prepare a report on the deoision arrived at by different churches, and submit same to uie annual meeting of the \Jongregational Council to be held next March. We are glad to know that the time is fast approacning when this matter will be definitely settled. 'The present uncertainty "as to the position of the denomination is causing many to adopt a hesitating attitude towards all kinds ot p'rogressive work, and tends to paralyse o«fr best efforts to excite interest in any proposals for expansion. Ihe present indefinite policy tends to create in our churches an atmosphere that simply nullities the best efforts ol the most optimistic workers. .During the year our pastor,, the Rev. A. H. Wallace, has laboured with zeal and devotion, and by his work in the different organisations of the Church by hia visits to the homes of the 'people, has exercised a beneficial influence on old and young. In the absence of the treasurer, Mr J. S. Douglas, his statement was also read by Mi Wilkinson. The Rev. C. Dallaston gave the address of the evening congratulating the congregation on its past achievements and expressing hearty good wishes for its future. A judiciously varied and thoroughly enjoyable (programme was contributed during the evening. A strong choir, <inder Mr W. R. Sinclair, with Mr R. Abernethy as organist, opened and closed the programme with the part songs, "Old Virginny," "Moonlight," "Lost Chord," "Sleep, Holy' Babe," "My Love Dwelt," and ''Star of Bethlehem." Songs were rendered by Miss M. Buehan hvith violin obbligato by Miss Stella Bayley), Mrs Fancourt, Misses D. Abernethy, and A. Wilkinson, Messrs D. Dryden and H. M'Allum; duets by Miss A. Wilkinson and Mr G. Dyer, and Messrs H. M'Allum and S. Lawn, and an elocutionary number by Mr H. W. Hunter.