EAST TAIERI PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22355, 31 August 1934, Page 11

EAST TAIERI PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

ANNUAL MEETING The annual meeting of the East Taieri Presbyterian Church was held last night in Kmmont Hall, the Eev. S. C. Francis presiding. After devotional exercises, the secretaries of the church organisations read the annual reports, which stated, inter alia:— EIRE SESSION. During the year the death had occurred of Mr J. S. Watt, and an appropriate motion recording his work as elder and member of the Deacons’ Court was passed. Mr T. Williams had resigned, and the two vacancies were filled by Messrs J. Reid and J. F. Robert. Mr J. A. Borrie had been elected as clerk of the Deacons’ Court. The outstanding events of general interest in East Taicri during the period had been the celebrations in connection with the eightieth anniversary of the public school and the eightieth anniversary of the constitution of the East Taieri parish as the stcond charge of Otago. As practically the same early settlers had to do with the commencement of both the school and the church, it was fitting that part of the school celebrations should consist of a service in the church. Keen interest was taken in these functions and, although both were marred to some extent by bad weather, they were very successful.

The financial statement submitted by the_ treasurer disclosed a satisfactory position so far as the finances of the congregation were concerned, and the facts that a considerable reduction in the indebtedness has been effected and that the congregation had contributed more than the sum allocated to it by the budget scheme of the church for outside purposes, were to be regarded as indications that the. members and adherentts continued to take an interest not only in the affairs of this parish in particular, but also in the missionary and outside enterprises of the church. In this connection thanks were again due to the ladies of the congregation, more particularly to the P.W.M.U. and the Girls’ Auxiliary for their assistance. The membership of the congregation, which stood at 278 at the end of the previous year, now stood at 285— an increase of seven.

DEACONS’ COURT. The Deacons’ Court report recorded that steps had been taken to preserve the church buildings in good condition and to improve the lighting. Grateful reference was made to the assistance received during the period from members and friends. YOUTH WORK. Reports of the various youth organisations were also presented. The Bible classes and Girls’ Auxiliary were shown to be working, successfully In the Sunday schools 133 children were being taught by 17 teachers. GENERAL. J The P.W.M.U. and the choir were also reported upon, and reference was made to the untiring enthusiasm of the Rev. C. S. Francis and Mrs Francis in their strenuous work. The moderator closed the meeting with the benediction.