N.E. VALLEY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19258, 23 August 1924, Page 15

N.E. VALLEY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the North-East Valley Presbyterian Chnrch was held in the Chnrch on Wednesday evening, August 13, when the minister, the Rev. George Miller, presided over a very large attendance of members and followers. The treasurer, Mr E. W. Batchelor, moved the adoption of the financial statement for the year, and it was seconded by Mr F. Arthur. It was stated that the financial results for the year had been very satisfactory, considering, that for several months in the year the church was without a settled minister. The envelope system had been fairly largely taken up, but during the year the Deacons’ Court intended bringing its claims and advantages to the church more prominently before members. It was felt that if every member and follower would give through the envelope system the financial gain to the" church would be very great, and would enable it to increase and enlarge its sphere of usefulness. The P.W.M.TJ. was congratulated on the fact that its income exceeded that of the previous year by over 50 per cent. Mr Q. Morrison read the statement of receipts and expenditure for the Opoho Church, which were considered very satisfactory and encouraging. Mr A. Steven, session clerk, read the session report, which stated that mention was made of the fact that owing to the transfer of the Rev. R. E. Evans the church was several months without a settled minister, and had to depend on outside supply for the pulpit services. A meeting of the congregation, presided over by the interim moderator, Rev. 11. H. Barton, was held on July 25, 1923,>and the business connected with the vacancy’ was transacted, resulting in a unanimous call being sent to and accepted by the Rev. George Miller, of Ashburton. During the vacancy the valued and kindly services of the Bev. H. 11. Barton were greatly appreciated, and the supply he arranged was most suitable. The church was very fortunate in its minister, the Rev. George Miller. He had already proved himself a worthy successor to the ministers who in the past had so ably and faithfully led and guided the congregation. Mr Miller had proved very acceptable to the people. With his tine intellectual powers and deep earnest spiritual life the future of the congregation was very bright and hopeful indeed. The congregation appreciated very much the fine and valuable services which Mrs Miller and the Misses Miller were rendering in the work of the church. Sister Lysbeth still continued her valuable work with the church. Apart from her active efforts amongst the young, the visiting of the sick and infirm, she had done a great deal by bringing those with little or no church connection in touch. Tin* mothers' afternoon meetings and other efforts had proved a great success. During the vacancy the sister had rather a strenuous task, and all she did to keep tilings running smoothly was appreciated. The orgavfit and choirmaster, Mr R. K. Mactio, continued to lead the service very favourably. The deep interest he took in the congregation was particularly marked during the vacancy, and the special music after the serviceon Sunday evenings, and the many oilier shown, greatly helped in sustaining interest in the church life. The P.W.M.F. had shown great seal and activity during (lie year, devoting all its efforts to the cause of missions, to which it had contributed very liberally. Brief reports from all the organisations connected with the church were rend, and showed that good work was being done in all departments of flic elinreli s activities. Although any very great achievements during the etnirch year which had just closed would not be recorded, it was felt that a definite and persistent effort had been maintained throughout the whole period, and u deepening of (lie spiritual life of practically every department of the church had been the result. Mr G. Morrison read the report of the Opoho branch, which showed that good work was being done in all brandies of the church’s activities.! lip to August, 1023, the work was under the direction of Mr Wallace, but owing to increasing pressure of hirt studios he found it necessary Io give up the work. As his successor the congregation chose Mr Lawrence Rogers, who was showing great zeal aud energy, and proving very capable.

The Rev. Mr Miller, in a very effective address, expressed his great appreciation of the fine work which Sister Lysbeth was doing for the congregation, and his appreciation of the harmonious spirit which prevailed in the session and (file congregation’s loyal support and co-operation with him in all his work. Mr Miller also spoke very highly of the fine work that was being done by Air I). 8. Heath as superintendent of the Sunday school, of Mr A. Steven ns session clerk, of Mr E. TV. Batchelor as treasurer, ami of Mr It. K. Mncfio as organist and choirmaster. He very heartily thanked the congregation for its loyal support and kindness to himself and family. During the evening the ladies provided refreshments, and the benediction by the Moderator brought a very enjoyable and successful gathering to a close.