FIRST CHURCH OF OTAGO.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20828, 21 September 1929, Page 11

FIRST CHURCH OF OTAGO.

ANNUAL REPORT. j _____ 1 n t The annual report of First Church i of Otago states, inter alia:— j This church year, ended on June 30, has c seen the Rev. Dr Herrington's resignation t from the ministry after a pastorate of five ( years. The session’s minute, expressing j its appreciation and goodwill towards Dr j and Mrs Herrington, received the cordial , endorsement of the members of the con- , gregation. The strong feeling of personal ( affection for all members of the minister’s i household was plain to see at the large 3 meeting of the congregation which as- . semhled to bid farewell to Dr and Mrs Herrington and their family. Thd heartiness and friendliness on that occasion; and the knowledge that Dr Herrington, in taking up the duties of the mastership of Knox College, was entering upon a work i of supreme importance, Caused the iuevit- j 1 able wistfulness of the. parting between i minister and- congregation to recede into i the background. . . 11 Since Dr Herrington’s resignation at the end of 1928, the Rev. John Kilpatrick has > served the congregation most faithfully ns 1 interim moderator. Hr Kilpatrick’s j special province is the week-night service ! and pastoral visitation. His visits, cspeci- j ally to the sick and sorrowing, have brought comfort and brightness, and have '■ won the grateful appreciation of very , many members aud adherents. And Hr • Kilpatrick interprets bis office, happily ! for the congregation, in a most liberal • spirit. At numerous meetings of various i organisations he gives the encouragement of his presence and help, and his conduct of business meetings and devotional services alike is uniformly acceptable. DEACONESS. The vacancy has increased the responsibilities of Sister Elinor and brought into ! greater prominence the value of her ser- | vice to the church. It would be difficult 1 to over-estimate the importance of her 1 work, or to praise too highly the zeal with which she discharges her innumerable . duties. The work of visiting and tending the poor the sick, and the ‘afflicted, has been carried out with fidelity and sympathy, } and her work among the young, particularly the “Busy Bees,” bears testimony I to her influence. , The congregation is at ! this time under a special debt of grati- : tude to her for her devoted services. I The session desires to take this oppor--1 tunity of expressing its keen appreciation J of the services rendered by the large band 1 of faithful workers. Where, so many arc i concerned it is not practical to indii vidualise. but .the session would specially mention its gratification at the successful institution of the junior choir. To superintendents, teachers, Bible class leaders, members of the choir, aud all other active workers, the session would tender sincere thanks. SELECTION COMMITTEE. - ' As soon as was practicable after "Dr 1 Herrington’s resignation a representative Selection Committee was appointed by the congregation, consisting, of the session and deacons’ court, together-with the following:—Mcsdamcs P. Dick, >!• Armstrong, H L. Watt. Misses C. Watt, W. bunderland, Seaton. Scorgie, F. Struthers - Ramsay. Glendinning, Messrs A. H. Tonkinson, J. Clarke, J. J. Clark, W. A. Grieve, C. IK. Couston, A. MTvmnon, and «JThe committee has been unanimous in hoping that First Church might secure a New Zealander for its minister; but some who. it was thought, might be available and suitable, have . for various reasons not seen their way clear to come and preach in our pulpit. The committee fcela as stro £gb’ a f all ministers will doubtless feel that anything in the nature of competitive pleaching is undesirable; but there ta also ''widespread feeling that, f t °Vu’ ie ® the minister as well as of the congre-a tion, each should know something of the other at first hand before a call is either given or accepted. In addition to toe attempt to bring the congregation into touch with New Zealand ministers, the committee has made inquiries in Australia, and has been m communication with a number of ministers in .Victoria and ICew. South Wa’cs. KIRK SESSION. At the beginning of the year the session numbered 23. , This ■ number„ has been reduced to 21 by the resignation of Hr d. M’lutosh through his removal from .Uunedin and by the passing hence of Hr James Armstrong, who had served t.m church as an esteemed office-bearer tor over 36 years. A minute was passed ex- ‘ nosing the session’s sincere appreciation of Mr Armstrong’s services in the various offices he had held, and its sympathy with the relatives who were left to mouin so creat a loss. ; There have been 19 meetings of the session, at tv Inch, earnest attention has been given to the manifold interests of the congregation, COMMUNION ROLL.

Twenty-four member's have been added to the roll -during-the-year-sis by examination and 18 by certificate. there were 146 names removed from the roll 40 by certificate, 04 by purging of roll, and 12 bv death, viz.. Messrs James Armstrong. A. L. QuenneU.B. Fenton. It ■ Couston, Mrs Morrison. Mrs Crosbie, M’. s Mondy, Misses Guthrie, L. Dewar, M'Glashan. E. Morrison, and F. Anderson. To the relatives of the departed, and all other families who have Buttered at the hands of the last enemy, we otter our sincere sympathy. The attendances at the celebration ot the Lord’s Supper were: —September, 1928; Morning service, 840; evening service. 91; total. 431, December, 1928: 343, 95, 438; March, 1929; 300, 110, 410. June, 1929; 258, 85. 343. DEACONS’ COURT. . '

Twelve meetings of the court haee been held during the year, and the averacre attendance has been 28. Beside the usual everyday business two matters ,ot importance have occupied the attention of the court. Extensive renovation of the exterior of the church has become apparently necessary. Tbe cost is estimated to be such a sum that First Church congregation could not, raise it. The court has had various methods, of procuring funds placed before it, but rather reluctantly has come to the conclusion that it won'd be the wisest course to delay our decision until we have a settled minister. The second matter ot importance was the renovation of the Church Hall. This was made possible by "the good result of the sale of work, which was carried out by tbe, Ijadies Association, in conjunction with the Deacons’ Court. The court trusts that it will not be required to spend money cn this building for a considerable time. J o all those who have aided the-court in any way during the year thanks are extended. The returns from Burns Hall, though less than last year, have been satisfactory. The-roof of this building has . been extensively overhauled, and the deacons court has authorised expenditure on the urgently-required renovation of the interior,

‘ LADIES’ ASSOCIATION. Another year of profitable work is drawing to a close, and we have to report a very busy aud satisfactory years work. Altogether 22 meetings have been held—four executive, 16 sewing meetings, one special meeting, and one social meet; ing, the average attendance at the sewing meetings being eight in the mornings and 25 in the afternoons. At last annual meeting it was decided to hold a sale of work in order to raise funds to renovate the hall behind the church. The matter was enthusiastically taken up, ami we had the great pleasure of banding over to the deacons’ court the eum of £254. Members have assisted as usual at the bring and buy sale, at the harvest festival, and with the supper at the cejngregational meeting, and- at the farewell social to Dr and Mrs Herrington. The usual Christmas gifts of £2 2s each were sent to the Nisbet and Glendining Homes, aud £1 10s 6d to Mr Cunningham in recognition of his regard for our comfort and his help at the time of the sale. The balance sheet shows that the finances are sound, and we close the year with a credit balance of £5 18s sd. P.S.S.A.

The contributions to orphanages and the Ross Home show a gratifying increase of £l7 2s 7d from last year. The direct subscriptions, however, show a falling off of £7 6s Cd, the difference being made up by the allotment from the envelopes and other collections. In view of the forward movement practically settled on to provide cottage homes for the children, each under the charge of a matron, a system now universally approved, and providing conditions more like a family home, it is to be hoped our people will give even better support in the future than in the past, especially by direct contributions through the cnnrch treasurer fop the fund.

CENTRAL YOUNG WOMEN’S CLUB. The interest in the work for our club has been well sustained during the year. The syllabus arranged proved a very interesting one, and we are very grateful to the different friends who have taken part. The aim of our club is to be a friendship and social centre for girls and young women, and we heartily invite any to join us, and assure them of a warm welcome. But in addition our club seeks to help in the various social schemes of our church. Our principal responsibility is- to raise £26 for the P.S.SA.., to pay for one of the children in our orphanages. Another is to give £lO if possible to the own missionary fund. During the year Glendihing Home, Ross Home, and the Benevolent have been visited,' and the inmates entertained. . On Christmas Day floral sprays were taken to all in our Hospital, St. Helens, Batchelor Hospital, and Ross Home. DEBT EXTINCTION FUND,

During the period under review a further sum of £lO 14s 3d has been received. This, together with donations previously acknowledged, brings the, total cash received up to £2450 3s 6d. It will readily bo recognised that our financial position is benefiting materially from this fund, when it is pointed out that apart from the reduction in principal, £l5O per annum is saved by way of interest. SENIOR Y.W.B.C. This year our membership is 22, the j largest number of members ,we have had for some time. All our studies have been taken from “The High Way,” the syllabus for senior classes. On May 19 our class attended a_ rally at which Alisa Shannon spoke. We still have our mission studies and our monthly mission collections. YOUNG WORSHIPPERS’ LEAGUE. The Young Worshippers’ League has been carried on another year, and we regret to report theattendance has ‘decreased this year. We have 33 members on the roll, with an average attendance of 18. Illustrated texts have been issued to those who have attended, and we hope a larger number will be attracted-to the service. , CENTRAL; SUNDAY SCHOOL. During the year just closed nothing of a very outstanding nature has happened. The work has been , carried on regularly by the band of teachers who have been most diligent in attending to their duties. The teachers have used the opportunities thus presented of instructing the scholars in the Bible, and trying to lead them to Jesus, their Master. Wo would gladly see a larger school, but the smallness of some of the classes does not in any way lessens the enthusiasm of. the teachersiS It would surprise parents, perhaps, if they knew how much thought and preparation are put into ‘the work of the teachers. During the year we had addresses from Mr Tannock (Spring Sunday)/ Sister Elinor (Young People’s Day), Dr Mcrrington (Closing Day. December), the Rev. J. Kilpatrick (Promotion Day,-Feb-■ruarv), Mr W. H. Adams (Harvest Sunday)', and Miss M’Neur (Missionary Sunday. May). ! - ' . The Lindsay’Mackie medal was-won by Doreen Cole with a very high percentage pf , MISSIONS REPORT. The Missions Committee reports that £246 18s has been received for home and foreign missions, showing an increase on the'ordinary funds of last year. The details are as follow;—Foreign missions;

Subscriptions and boxes, £4B 10s ,6d; envelopes, £77 Is 6d; interest from legacy, £2 15s; special donations, £lO 10s;——total, £l3B 17s. The increase is £ll 15s 9d. Home missions: Subscriptions and boxes, £53 18s 4d; envelopes, £sl 7a 8d; interest from legacy, £2 15s; —total, £IOB-ls, which is 9s 5d less than last year. It gives ns / pleasure in recording an ad- • vnnee in this important : pai't of our 1 church’s work, which proves that jnu | people are much interested in the-“re-, gions beyond ” both in our Dominion and ■ in our mission fields in New Hebrides, ( China, and India. Our collectors have done their work most faithfully and with ■ willing hearts. To them we render our I thanks, knowing that without their help ! this satisfactory result would not have ! been attained. I P.W.M.U. ! We have to report a year of steady work and good attendances ,at our .monthly meetings. During ; the,year nine ’ ■ ordinary and three executive committee meetings have been held.. We have been , privileged to \listcn to addresses from ■ Sisters Torrance and Margaret, Miss . Findlay, and Miss M'Ree, while Mrs Mov- , ring ton gave us an excellent report of coni fercnce. * . . In. August two cases containing old ixncn i and hospital requsites were packed and sent to China with Mr and Mrs Miller, and early in July we bad the pleasure of packing two more to send . with Miss : James. A sack of left-off clothing was I also sent to the Maori mission at WniI mana during May. Christinas gifts amounting to £37 10s and friendly letters : were sent to 28 of our home missionaries, | from whom grateful letters of appveoia- . tion have been received. ■ ! ' The annual bring and buy sale proj vided us with £7O 18s 8d for ■ our work. : which has been devoted to the following i schemes;—Own missionary fund, Indian : (evangelistic Work), India child student, 1 New Hebrides, Maori mission, home missions, and the training institute. ■ j The gift table has been well supported : throughout the year at our ordinary meet- ! iugs, and the proceeds from been | sufficient to enable us to . send a gift of I oaba to enoli of om> missionaries in China, j The secretary of the Maori Mission I Birthday League reports a membership of i 200, and a decrease in the amount collected of £3. May we* emphasise the fact that this is a special fund intended to be a thank offering on our birthdays, and is. therefore, not included in our envelope subscriptions. BUSY BEES. Work amongst our busy bees goes on humming year by year. The roll number .of Central and Russell street groups. is now 116, This is less than last year, but can be partly accounted for by the fact that the Russell'mtreet seniors have been formed into a girls* auxiliary. This is a forward step. Members of our senior, junior, and primary hives take a keen interest in their work and in the missionary stories and . letters they read week by week. CHURCH CHOIR. Our membership roll at present is constituted as follows:—Sopranos 19, contraltos 9, tenors 5, basses 6. New members for all parts are always warmly welcomed. Under Dr Galway’s splendid leadership our Thursday night rehearsals are always very inspiring and instructive, and we all appreciate highly the privilege we so much enjoy. Last November the choir gave a very successful rendering of Haydn's Oratorio “The Creation,” to very large audience. Special music was rendered on the anniversaries of Armistice Day and Anzac Day, and also at the church anniversary services and others. Since our last report our choir has suffered a severe loss in the passing away of two very faithful and esteemed members —Messrs J. Armstrong and A. L. Quennell. Since the close of our church’s year (June 30) a junior choir, organised by one of our members, Mr A. Fleming, is making rapid headway, and already is lending splendid support at our morning services. YOUNG MEN’S CLUB. Our club meets in the basement of Burns Hall every alternative Saturday at 7.30 p.m. The aim of the club is to foster a spirit of friendliness and goodwill among the young men of our church. Our chiefresponsibility is to contribute towards our own missionary funds. Thanks are duo to our past chairman, Mr G. Salmond, who helped to make our meetings so enjoyable. We have bright and cheery meetings, the programme including lectures, debates, games in the gymnasium, ping-pong tournaments and play readings. OWN MISSIONARY FUND. Owing to the introduction of the envelope system it is now eomewhat difficult to ascertain how much is contributed by our church members to this fund, 1 Through special contributions, however, the treasurer has been able to pass over to the church treasurer sufficient to pay the year’s ENVELOPE SYSTEM.The envelope treasurer reports as follows:—The present number on the roll is 193. The contributions range from. 6d to 30s weekly. An analysis shows that 13 give 6d weekly, 87 others up to 2s weekly, 93 others up to 4s 6d weekly, and 30 others give 5s and upwards. This analysis shows how the contributions vary, and is i given in the hope, that others may bo in--1 duced to join with these regular givers, even if the sum be smjll.