METHODIST CENTRAL MISSION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18592, 28 June 1922, Page 8

METHODIST CENTRAL MISSION

ANNIVERSARY CONCERT. Ilie Octagon Hall was fairly well attended last night, when the anniversary conocri in connection with the Methodist Central Mission was held. The entertainment was opened with a hymn, after which the Rev. Clarence Eaton led in prayer. A good musical programme was well received, many of the items being encored. Mr Chas. A. Martin gave an organ solo, “Kieff Processional” tMoussorgsky), which was heartily •applauded. Mr W. N. Sattorthwaite sang “You in a Gondola” (Clarke), and an encore, both items gaining applause. Miss Betty Baird, L.A.8., was heard to advantage in “Serenade” (Gounod), the obligato being played by Miss Jean Baird. The following also contributed creditable items: Mrs Dickson (recitation), Miss Kitty MacCallum (song), “Home Song” (Liddle). Mr P. S. Anderson (song). “Yeoman’s Wedding 'Song” (Ponit). Mr W. F. Morrison (flute solo), Mr F. Haig (song). “Lorraine” (Sanderson), Miss Helen Grant (song), “Poor Wandering One” (Sullivan), Mr S. H. Osborne (recitation), Mr George Proctor (song), “Macushla” (MacDcrmott). and Mr 11. Guyton (song). “Mate o’ Mine.” The Rev. Clarence Eaton, in presenting the astaual report, said that tire arrival of the thirty-second anniversary found the mission in vigorous youth and still going strong. Congregations throughout the year continued to give encouragement to minister and office-bearers, while the attendance of young men and young women remained an inspiring feature of the Sunday evening service. New faces were to be found in the congregation almost every Sunday, and such newcomers and visitors were most welcome, for it was for the stranger and the unattached the mission specially catered. Nevertheless, he realised that the backbone of the'mission was to be found in the regular worshippers who had learned to call the Dunedin Central Mission their spiritual home, and, Sunday by Sunday, came long distances in many instances in order to find their accustomed, place in the congregation. Mr Eaton said that it was surprising to him to loam that many • had for years been regular attendants at the mission without ever being visited, or coming into personal contact with minister or officials. It was a marvel that these continued to attend with so little shepherding. He could not but feel that better results would be obtained if the tie between pastor and people were drawn a little closer. To this end he desired to invite into regular membership the large number, who, by their consistent attendance at the services, had established a claim to the privileges of full membership. Many were living on the fringe of Christian experience when with a more definite confession of faith they might greatly increase their happiness and usefulness.’ To the task of consolidation, the attaching more closely the regular worshippers to Christ and the Church, they must, said Mr Eaton, direct their energies in the present and the future. Reviewing tho past year’s work, and referring to the morning service, which is not largely attended, it must ho noted that a large number of the mission congregation live remote from the centre, and c-suld not be expected to be “twicers”: nevertheless, the morning congregation had shown some improvement during the year, the attendance of young worshippers being exce'lent, thanks to the supervision of the Lily Sinclair). Regarding the evening service, Mr Eaton said with a smile, that, he was not sure that the preaching was up to the-mark, but on the musical side, thanks to the work of the organist (Mr Chas. A. Martin) an excellent standard Had been maintained, while for inspiring congregational singing they had no reason to fear comparison with any congregation in the land. More male voices were necessary to strengthen and balance the choir, for whose faithful service they were very grateful. Owing to Sister Emily’s retirement, after a term of much usefulness, the Junior Christian Endeavour Society was placed under the joint superintendence of Misses Bremner and Owens, who had successfully maintained this work among the young.’ The Sunday School, under Mr R. Moffat’s superintendence, had improved in point of numbers and efficiency, while the Young Men’s Bible Class and Camera Club, under Messrs Moffat and Hogg, wore flourishing institutions. The Young Women’s Bible Class, led by Mrs Eaton, had grown in numbers, and promised still further development. The rest and luncheon rooms for the free use of the business girls of the city, after two years of continued activity, remained a highly successful -and valuable piece of social service. Some 36 girls daily enjoyed the comfort and convenience of these rooms. Grateful thanks were due to Mcsdames Winton, Bingham, Dwight, Eaton, and Coulter, who, from the beginning of the year, had carried on this work with undiminished' efficiency and success. Turning to finance, Mr Eaton said he was happy to report that the Property Account showed an improvement over tho position last year. Ratos, interest, and insurance made heavy drafts on income, but a sinking fund had been established, which promised to reduce materially the hall debt in course of time. Mr H. H. Johnson, the secretary of the Trust, had proved himself an invaluable officer in this department. The proverb, “Many a mickle makes a inuckle,” was verified in the results of the “penny-a-day” scheme for the Debt Reduction' Fund. The sum of £B3O had been raised by this means. £BS being added to the total List year, thanks to Miss Boots’s splendid oversight. Circuit finance happily remained in a buoyant state. In spite of hard times Sunday collections continued on a generous scale, and from time to time a ready response had been made to special appeals on behalf of unemployment, famine relief, and distress at home and abroad. It was a gratification to the Quarter Board that Mr D. C. Cameron, jun.. had resumed the office of circuit steward, an office for which he had special qualification. With Mr W. Aitken as co-steward, the mission could not be better served. Hearty thanks were, due to Mr W. Hoskins and his fellow-ushers, whoso faithful services were a splendid contribution to tho routine work of the mission. Among the losses sustained by death during the year, special mentipn must he made of tho late Air John Sanders, tho father of the mission, who had gone to his reward full of years and rich in good works.