ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22964, 20 August 1936, Page 7

ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH

ANNUAL 'MEETING , -;■'• At the annual meeting of St. Stephen's. Presbyterian . Church* North Dunedin, the Rev; Thomas Miller presided over an attendance of 90 members. 1 The session clerk, Mr W. M'Elrea. sent a letter regretting ,ljis absence and congratulating the minister and the congregation on a very successful year's work. The session report was read by Mr W. K. Meikle. Thanks were expressed to the minister for the unflagging zeal and earnestness with which he had carried out his work a'-d for the inspiring nature of his messages. The number of young people now taking an active and important part in the work of the congregation was proof of this. Almost one third of the communicants' roll consisted of young people between the ages of 18 and 25. Tho whole work •had gone on harmonK. ously,: and the session was thankful to have so many efficient and will; ing helpers. Attendances at the Sunday services, had increased, and 42 names had been added to the communion roll. Messrs Alex. Pullat and Marcus Courtier resigned from ;the Deacons' Court, and had taken;: up appointments in, other centres. Both were- thanked for their conscientious work. The following office-bearers were elected during the year:—Messrs Malcolm Matheson, Ernest Meyers', and John Shafkie—elders; Messn? Alexander' Chisholm, James Lindsay. Roland Hollands, Thomas M'Kehzie, and Rymall Roxburghdeacons.

During May a week of prayer was held, with morning, afternoon and evening sessibns. The attendances ranged from 11 to 50, and results had been apparent in many ways The numbers attending the weeknight prayer meeting had increased, and more members were taking an active part. Forty-five.young worshippers had attended the morning service. The Sunday School roll was 140. , There is a staff of 11 men < and eight women teachers, with three' additional young men in the secretarial department. The Misses Margaret and Mary M'Donald received long-service assembly diplomas during the year. The Youth with the minister as chairman, had met regularly during the year, and had co-ordinated all the youth work of the congregation. The Bible classes had a roll of 70, 40 young men and 30 young women, with an average attendance of 55. The Christian "Endeavour Societies had a membership of 77, and an average weekly attendance of 65. The services rendered by the choir had been most heloful. and the choirmaster (Mr A. Chisholm) and members were to be congratulated on their work. The P.W.M.U. had had a successful year,' 'the average attendance being' 33$ A mission prayer circle meets, weekly on Friday afternoon. There was an increase of £ 6 in missionary givings for the year A missionary sermon was preached once a quarter, and members contributed to missions on this day by special envelope. The 1 Women's Association reported the sum of £6l received by freewill Offering for property debt reduction. Miss Mabel Hutchinson was thanked for her efficient services as secretary and treasurer. The church treasurer, Mr J. P. Every, congratulated the congregation oh the year's financial results. While budget contributions were less by £l3, collections were higher by £3O, and there was an increase in the total income of £BO. One

hundred and forty pounds had been paid; out. for property debt and impiovemepts, chief ■ of .which was the purchase 1 'of ' n6w Sunday School seats; A hew"' gas heater had been presented' anonymously for the minister's vestry, and thanks were expressed by the treasurer for anonymous money gifts received from time to time. A voluntary reduction of stipend during the depression years had been restored as from July 1, and the Deacons' Court was looking forward with confidence to the coming year. An interesting part of the evening's proceedings was the reading of the annual reports by the respective secretaries of the various church organisations. The minister thanked all office-bearers and workers for their hearty and loyal support, remarking that he greatly appreciated the affection of his people and the fine spirit of unity animating the whole congregation. During the evening the choir rendered "Hark, Hark My Soul," and "Softly Now the Light of Day (unaccompanied), also the anthem "O Gladsome Light" and the hymn '.'Lead Kindly Light" (Sullivan). The meeting concluded with, supper provided by the ladies, and asocial half hour.