ST. STEPHEN’S CHURCH.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19906, 28 September 1926, Page 5

ST. STEPHEN’S CHURCH.

ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of St. Stephen’s Presbyterian Church was held in the church hall last evening. The minister (the Eev. J. M. Simpson) presided over a good attendance, and the meeting opened with praise and prayer. The session report, presented by the Clerk of Session (Mr W. M Elrea) stated that the past year had been one of steady progress. The quarterly attendances at communion had been 99, 106, 122, and 144. During the year 98 members were enrolled, 32 by examination and 66 by certificate. On June 30 the number of the membership roll was 180, an increase of 89 since June, 1925. On June 30 last the Sunday school roll was 195, and there were 5V m the young women’s and young mens Bible classes, making a total of 262. The Young Worshippers’ League had a membership oi 70, and an average attendance of 52. ihe Bible class leaders and Sunday school teachers had given faithful and self-denying services. The congregation was deeply indebted to the choir, which, first under Mr G. Scott and then under Mr Charles Grace as honorary conductors, had mada the choral part of the service so attractive. High appreciation was expressed of the energy, enthusiasm, and Christian devotion of the minister (the Rev. J. M. Simpson), whose efforts bade fair to re-establish St. Stephen’s congregation. The number of visitors at the Sabbath morning services further indicated that Mr Simpson had a message and could deliver it with power and conviction. Mention was also made of the valuable assistance given by Mrs Simpson not only as leader of the Young Women’s Bible Class but in many othercapacities. In moving the adoption of this report Mr M'Elrea expressed special thanks to the choir for its work, and referred to the devoted services ol the choirmaster, Mr Grace. Speaking of the Sunday school, he said the numbers were growing every week. They required more teachers, for no teacher should have more than seven or eight pupils in a class. They needed also a reserve of relieving teachers. They had 16 teachers altogether. In the progresa that had been made they had much to be thankful for, and they looked forward to the coming year with high hope. The report was adopted. Mr Simpson mentioned that since he bad come to St. Stephen’s the Sunday school attendance had grown from 67 to 200, and the Bible classes had grown from two to about 70. He paid a tribute to the earnestness and enthusiastic work of members of the congregations. He had never met a band of workers who put their backs more heartily into the work. Mr H. Simpson, on behalf of the Bible class, said they had had a very successful year, the number rising from 10 to 39. I Ten of their members had joined the church during the year. He explained that they made provision for the physical, mental, social, and spiritual development of their members, Mrs Simpson, reporting on the work of the Young Women’s Bible Class, said that the past year had been a very successful one. There was a senior class with a membership of £O, and a junior class witli a membership of seven. The financial statement presented by the church treasurer and secretary. Mr <l. Main, showed that the year ended with a credit of £1 0s 3d. Budget collections had amounted to £126 4s Bd, and ordinary collections to £348 7s 7d. The total contributed during the year was £642 19s. The budget and ordinary collections were £192 ISs 8d better than those of the previous year. Mr Main said that the figures showed conclusively that they were _ making headway. All accounts were paid up to date The church and hall were clear of debt, and' the mortgage was being reduced. This was the first year he had worked without an. overdraft. The report was adopted. Miss Livingstone presented the annual report of the branch of the Presbyterian Women’s Missionary Union. Ten meetings had been held and seven addresses given. A record sum of £sl had been collected for missions. Reports were also received from the Band of Hope and the choir. The Rev. P. B. Fraser, who has recently joined St. Stephen’s congregation, briefly addressed the meeting, and afterwards supper was provided by the ladies.