MORNINGTON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22957, 12 August 1936, Page 5

MORNINGTON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

ANNUAL MEETING The annual meeting of parishioners of the Mornington Presbyterian Church was 1 held last night., The minister (the Rev. A. Watson) presided, and associated with him was the Rev. N. E. Oakley, of North-East Valley. , • , SESSION REPORT The session report stated that during the year Mr Watson had faithfully .and willingly carried out his ministerial and pastoral duties. Owing to an unusual number of cases of sickness amongst the members and adherents Mr Watson's work of visitation was much heavier than usual. The sacrament of the Lord’s Supper was dispensed four times, the attendances being: September 197, December 242, March 170, June 201. During the year nine members received disjunction certificates on leaving the parish; seven members were received by profession of faith, and 14 by certificates from other churches. Mr Watson officiated at six marriages, 12 baptisms, and 13 funerals. The choir, under Mr Scott, with Miss Perry as organist, continued its excellent service, and the Bible classes and Sunday school under their leaders and staff were doing earnest and valuable work. To those who had lost relatives during the year the. session extended its deepest sympathy. . Other reports covering fully the various branches of the church’s, activities were also presented. The minister briefly moved the adoption of the various reports. He congratulated the parishioners on the lively interest they had evinced in all matters pertaining to the welfare and progress of the church. He particularly eulogised the services- of the session clerks, the managers, and others who had given unsparingly in different phases of church work. Together with the parishioners they had created a spirit of devotion that was highly encouraging to him in his capacity as minister. They had willingly worked in accord to further the kingdom of God. Mr A. M'Lean seconded the motion, the reports being adopted without discussion. ■ ■■■■’■ On the motion of Mr A. S. Taylor the balance sheet, which disclosed a small credit balance, was adopted. ELECTION OF OFFICERS Officers of the church were elected as follows: , Session.—Messrs D. Armstrong, F. Bell, H. Booth, W. J, Kennedy, A. M'Lean, R. Renton, G. Robertson, W. T. Telfer, J. A. Wallace, D. W. Williamson. Managers.—Messrs J. G. Campbell, G. Falloon, A. Napier, F. M'Laren, S. Morrison, H. Pearce, W. Smart, J. Steedman', A. S. Taylor, J. Thomson, Mrs J. Hope, Miss M. Ford, Miss M’Cosh-Smith. ' : : RECOGNITION OF SERVICES In recognition of 25 years of valuable services in connection with Sunday school work, Mr D. Armstrong was presented with a long-service diploma. Making the presentation, the minister said that Mr Armstrong’s connection with different churches apart from the Mornington Presbyterian Church totalled 35 years.' The result of his work would be permanent, and he personally would treasure its value. The session had made application to the General Assembly for the diploma. The church rejoiced that Mr Armstrong had been able to serve so faithfully, and the speaker trusted he would be long spared to further God’s great work.

Mr Armstrong returned thanks and skid that his recollections with the church would always be of the happiest.