UNITED CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22353, 29 August 1934, Page 6

UNITED CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

ANNIVERSARY SERVICES Anniversary services were concluded at United Congregational Church last evening. The Sunday services were conducted by the pastor, the Rev. C. G. Hedley Bycroft, who had given two spiritual and inspiring addresses, the musical service having been led by the choir, a solo being contributed by Mr W. J. Robertson. There was a large gathering at the social reunion last evening, when the pastor occupied the chair, being supported by the Rev. A. H. Wallace. In a few words the chairman spoke of the loyalty he had received from congregation and choir during the short time of his ministry, and appealed to his people for continued support. A brief statement by the treasurer (Mr J. S. Douglas)' revealed an encouraging financial position. The annual report, as presented by Mr E. E. Wilkinson, referred with much regret to the departure of the Rev. James M. Smeeth and his wife, whose valued labours and engaging personality had been greatly appreciated. . During the “ interregnum,” the activities of the church had been carried on by a faithful band of workers. The Rev. A. 11. Wallace in particular was to be thanked for his welcome pulpit ministrations and his visitation of the sick and bereaved. Until a regrettable illness had temporarily laid him aside, Mr Joseph Abernethy had laboured indefatigably, leading the weekly fellowship and the senior Christian Endeavour meetings, as well as superintending the Sunday school and leading the boys’ Bible class. His speedy recovery was earnestly prayed for. Appreciative reference was made to the services of the treasurer and many other workers who were mentioned by name. The value of the choir was stressed, with a special word of praise for the organist and the conductor. Senior, junior and intermediate Christian Endeavour activities had been carried on successfully. A sale of work organised by the young people had realised £ls. The Sunday gf bool, under an efficient staff, had made progress during the year, the primary department being a feature, A special thank offering had resulted in £SO being contributed by the members and adherents. The work of the deaconess, Mrs Finnic, had been unfortunately interrupted by an accident, from which she was happily recovering. Home and foreign missions had been assisted, thanks being due to the honorary collectors. The inducting of the Rev. C. G. Hedley Bycroft to the pastorate, had been a source of great satisfaction. He came with a fine record of service in his previous pastorate, and in the short time since his arrival there was evidence that expectations of valuable work here were likely to be realised. As an addendum to the report the chairman road a special reference to the services of the secretary (Mr E. E. Wilkinson), who in his conception and carrying out of the secretarial duties was maintaining a tradition of which the church was proud. The Rev. A. H. Wallace, offering congratulations to the church upon its successful year and buoyant finance, drew an inspiring picture of world conditions in the religious sphere, illustrating with facts and figures the wonderful progress that had been made, especially iu China and India.

The programme presented was of a highly enjoyable character, most of the items being encored. Miss Alison Tyrie, Mr Evan Tuckwell and Mr H. M. Brosnan contributed solos. Recitations were given by Miss Winnie Dyer, an action song and a recitation by Miss Joan Smith, and vocal duets by Misses M. Johnston and M. Dryden and Messrs C. C. Scott and G. Dyer. Mr L. J. Smith’s offering was a guitar solo, and Mr John Connor contributed a flute solo, as well as being associated with Mr Ron Abernethy in two clarinet and flute duets. Several numbers were rendered by the choir. Votes of thanks to the performers, to the Rev. A. H. Wallace, and to the ladies having been accorded, supper and conversation brought a successful evening to a close.