NORTH-EAST VALLEY PRESBYTERIANS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22956, 11 August 1936, Page 16

NORTH-EAST VALLEY PRESBYTERIANS

ANNUAL MEETING . The North-East Valley Presbyterian Church annual meeting was held on Wednesday last, when the Rev. N. E. Oakley presided over a good attendance. The balance sheet was adopted, on the motion of Mr G. S. Smith (treasurer). He stated that a considerable falling-off had taken place both in the ordinary funds and the " For Others'" fund. A special collection of £65 did not square accounts, so the deficiency was obtained from the cookery book funds. This would give them a clear start for the ensuing year. The' session and Deacons' Court reports were adopted, and other reports from the P.W.M.U., Sunday School, Bible Classes, Busy Bees, choir, and other societies were read and adopted. The retiring auditors (Messrs J. E. Lloyd and A. Vivian) were re-elected, and a comprehensive vote of thanks was passed to all the different organisations and workers who had assisted in the church work from time to time. Mr Oakley stated that he was glad to see so many of the congregation present, and congratulated them on the satisfactory nature of the reports. It showed that the various activities of the church were in a progressive state, and that the work was in very good hands. He was specially gratefied to see the number of young people joining up with their respective societies, and he hoped that they would go forward to better things. There was a great need of Sunday school teachers to help on the Sunday school work, and during the closing year the schools had been badly under-staffed. He hoped that some volunteers would come forward and help this year. The evening attendance was not so good as it might be, and neither was the weekly prayer meeting. He hoped to see an improvement there. He thanked the congregation, officebearers, and all others who had assisted him to carry on his work, and hoped that they would still continue their help. * Mr D. S. Beath moved a vote of thanks and appreciation to Mr Oakley for all his work, and especially the Gospel that was preached week by Week. His services were very much appreciated throughout the parish. This was carried by acclamation. SESSION REPORT The session report stated:— Mr Oakley makes it his business to keep in touch with every organisation connected with the congregation, and is always ready to give sympathy and advice when difficulties arise. Besides the work of the pastorate, he takes his full share in the work of the presbytery and in the work connected with the social welfare of the community. Mrs Oakley is a worthy helpmeet of her husband, and, besides entertaining many of the congregation at the manse, she has set aside special days when the ladies of the congregation may enjoy her hospitality. Many a student away from home has found a home at the manse, and this means much to the students during their time at college. Sister Lysbeth continues to set a very high standard of Christian service, and no doubt most of us feel how far short 'we come in following. As an organiser and inspirer to work, the sister is without doubt one in many, and she never spares herself in the service of her Master and her church in seeking to interest the folks in the Valley in the things of God. Mr Macfie continues to maintain a high standard of efficiency- in all his work in connection with the service of praise. What is seen and heard of the choir is the result of much work done on Thursdays at the general choir practice—on Saturdays with the young men. This year Mr Macfie completes his twenty-first year of service. The session takes this opportunity of expressing the thanks of the congregation to choir members for their labour of love week by week. The session has held 20 meetings, and most of these were well attended. Through ill-health the session clerk, Mr R. Robertson, had to relinquish his office, and Mr G. Manson was appointed to take up his duties. The weekly prayer meeting is fairly well attended, but it would be pleasing to see many more people at the meeting. Anniversary services were well attended, addresses being given in the morning by the Rev. A. Stevely, and in the evening by the Rev. H. J. Ryburn. Ten special services were held throughout the year. The communion roll is 422. Communion was dispensed four times a year, the largest attendance being 328. Fifty-one members were added to the roll.by profession of faith and certificate, 19 were removed—eight by death and 11 by disjunction—26 baptisms took place, and 21 funerals were conducted. The Sunday school has nearly 300 scholars in its four departments and about 44 teachers and helpers. Bible classes number about 70 members—four men's and. four women's classes and eight leaders. DEACONS' COURT REPORT The Deacons' Court report stated: — All meetings are well attended, but the number is somewhat reduced, and so it is proposed to elect three more men during the ensuing year. Some asphalting at the manse and some improvements in the heating have been made. The greatest difficulty has been finance, and' it is proposed to try some other method of collection in the coming year. The treasurer reported that £9OB had been raised from all sources, and had been spent for congregational needs. The " For Others'" Fund showed that £286 had been raised, and of this amount £l9O went to missions, £4l to beneficiary funds, £l3 to assessments, £29 for relief of distress, and the balance. £ls, to various other schemes. The court has no debt on any of its properties. The Busy Bees are a strong band numbering nearly 90, and under the leadership of Sister Lysbeth they earned £l6. The P.W.M.U., which meets monthly, has 66 members, and through their activities they raised £ 18 for missions.