FIRST CHURCH OF OTAGO

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23578, 15 August 1938, Page 2

FIRST CHURCH OF OTAGO

REPORT The ninetieth annual report of the Kirk Session and Deacons’ Court of the First Presbyterian Church of Otago has been published, and will be presented at the annual meeting of the congregation which will be held on Thursday. In a personal letter the minister (the Rev. W. Allen Stevely) expresses warmest appreciation of the harmonious co-operation of officebearers and other workers, and of the devoted service of the session clerk, (Mr W. H. Adams), the clerk of the Deacons’ Court (Mr A. L. Salmond). and the treasurer (Mr Crosby Morris) Sister Elinor, deaconess, reports a busy year in which spiritual and material help has been given tc many, and thanks all who have made material help possible. The session statement contains the following tribute to me work of Mr and Mrs Stevely:— “ Our minister and his wife must know from manifest signs how much they both are beloved by the whole congregation: and it cannot be otherwise. for their whole thought is for the people whom they have been called to serve. Night as well as day finds Mr Stevely moving about among lbs parishioners, and' in whatever home there is any form of trouble—and in so large a congregation there is never a day when the manse folk are free from’ such cares—Mrs Stevely follows up her husband’s ministrations with thoughtful, practical sympathy such as only an over-generous heart could conceive. And still, with all his myriad engagements so faithfully fulfilled, our minister draws large congregations to his services from near and far, primarily, no doubt, by the winning persuasiveness of his presentation of f he gospel message, but not a little because one cannot but feel that here is a man who is merely telling us the secret of his own life of deep Christian faith and utterly selfless and devoted service to his fellow-men. We can only express our heartfelt thanks to Mr arid Mrs Stevely this year as in every year since they have come among us, and pray that they may be spared for many more happy years co go in and out among a grateful people." It records with appreciation the untiring labours of the deaconess, Sister Elinor, and of Sister Noel, who was associated in the work during the last quarter of the year. Sister Noel has taken with her the hearty wisnes of the congregation for the of her service in Wellington. Sister E. M. Reid, own missionary of the First Church congregation in Kong Chuen. Canton, China, has kept in closest touch with the congregation. Her work, carried out amidst the peril and distress of war, has been a help and comfort to many sufferers in Canton The session expresses appreciation c.l the work of the superintendents (Mrs N. Mollison, Central School, and Mr H. P West. Russell Street School)teachers and leaders in the Sunday Schools and Bible classes: of the women of the Ladies’ Association and P.W.M.U., and of the large company of workers in the several departments of the congregation’s many activities. The valuable services of Dr V. E. Galway, organist and choirmaster, and of the assistant choirmaster, Mr Alfred Walmsley, and of the choir, are gratefully recognised During the year 95 members were added to the communion roll. There were 71 disjunctions. 49 by certificate and purging of ’he roll and 22 by death. To all who have suffered bereavement the session extends the deepest sympathy. DEACONS' REPORT The report of the Deacons’ Court indicates the consistent attention of the deacons to their duties during the year The congratulations of the court are accorded to Mr James Wallace, on whom the 0.8. E. was conferred hi recognition of his devoted service to the cause of education. The Deacons’ Court also records Its appreciation of the interest taken in First Church by the church officer. Mr D. Cunningham, and bv Mrs Cunningham. The Ladies’ Association have had another busy year, and a total of 300 garments were made. Almost all of these have been distributed to needy families through the social service work of the congregation. The work has been performed in the spirit of fellowship and service which has been a prominent feature of the association. The Women’s Missionary Union has taken an enthusiastic interest in the missionary activities of the Presbyterian Church. Many letters have been received from home and foreign missionaries. The customary Christmas gifts were sent to the home missionaries. Much has been done to increase the support given to the Maori Mission Birthday League. The annual xreewill offering was again successful, and revealed the loyal interest of the branch in missionary work. The Prayer Circle has met regularly, and has sought to sustain the missionaries in times of special danger and difficulty The report of the choir shows a year of active interest. Several cantatas have been studied and sung. The visits of choir members to the Hospital have been appreciated by the oatients and staff. The Central and Russell Street Sunday schools have had an increase of scholars. Faithful work has been done by a large band of devoted teachers under the enthusiastic direction of both superintendents. The motive of all workers in this department has been the truth that “the child of to-day is the citizen of to-morrow,” and that the highest citizenship is inspired by Jesus Christ.

The eighi Bible classes have had a year of happy fellowship in Bible study. The classes are fortunate in having leaders who have given freely of their time and experience in this work

The week-night prayer meeting still proves a place of spiritual refreshing in the midst of the week's duties. Many testify from time to time of the help received at the weekly gathering for prayer and intercession. The Young Worshippers League reports that the children have attended regularly, and are interested in the services. The league has a faithful secre tary in Miss Elsie Cole. The Russell Street Children’s Church iis had a larger attendance during the year. The children have been encouraged to study the Bible. The Central and Russell Street Busy Bees have had pleasant and profitable meetings. The aim has been to develop the Christian international mind in the young people Sister Elinor and her helpers continue to do this in a manner full of interest to the children.

Both the Girls’ Life Brigade and the Boys’ Brigade companies have grown in membership and efficiency. Both camps were successful, and captains and lieutenants are to be congratulated upon the fine progress made. The Central Mothers’ Club and the Russell Street Women’s Club have provided opportunities of happy Christian fellowship. The sale of work at Russell street was successful. The Central Young Women’s Club reports a year of helpful meetings and varied service. Flowers were distributed on - Christmas morning to patients in the Hospital and letters of thanks have been received expressing the appreciation of recipients. Ross Home was visited, and the club helped by a stall on Poppy Day. This year the club celebrated its thirtyfifth anniversary The Tennis, Badminton and Basketball Clubs are in a flourishing condition. The members have enjoyed good recreation and happy fellowship. The after-church social hours held during the year have been well attended, and many visitors have been warmly welcomed. TREASURER’S REPORT

In his report the treasurer, Mr Crosby Morris, states: “It is pleasing to report that the results of the year’s working show a decrease in the bank overdraft from £259 Os 7d to £llo— improvement of £149 Os 7d. This is largely owing to the continued assistance received from our Russell street supporters, they having raised an additional sum of £lO2 12s 6d towards the cost of the new hall and niano.”

The ordinary collections show an increase, and there is a slight decrease in the income from the evelope system. The assistance given the schemes and objects beyond the congregation is greater. There was a

liberal response to the appeal for Maori missions, the sum of £149 14s 6d being given. Missions generally have received better support. The amount given to outside objects was £1246 7s 6d.