SOIREE.

Otago Witness, Issue 1182, 25 July 1874, Page 13

SOIREE.

The animal soiree of the Trinity Wesleyan Church took place on Tuesday last, and notwithstanding the inclement weather was well attended. The large hall underneath the Church was very tastefully decorated with evergreens and flags, and at the -western end of the building were some highly illuminated Scripture texts. The tea was provided by a Committee of ladies from the congregation, and they presided at the various tables, which were decked with abundance of tempting provisions. Young and old seemed to vie with each other in making merry at the tables, and the busy hum of voices evidenced their gratification. After ample justicehadbeen done at the feast, an adjournment was made to the church, which was soon filled. The Rev. Mr Rigg presided, and after a hymn had been sung, the Rev. Dr Roseby was called upon to offer prayer. The chairman said that he had a most> satisfactory report to read for the past financial year, the total receipts being £1182 17s 9d. Exclusive of £600 subscribed towards paying off a mortgage, £654 had been raised by phe congregation. The total liability of the church was now £1573 11s 2d. The statement of accounts was received with applause, and the chairman hoped that, at the next anniversary, they would see the remaining debt entirely removed. Mr W. H. Neale, in moving the adoption of the report, was sorry that they could not yet assist such works of necessity and usefulness as the Benevolent Asylum, Sailors' Home, &c. In future reports, he would like to see some reference made to the working of the Sabbath School. — (Hear, hear.) The Rev. Mr Isitt seconded the motion, and alluded to the unpleasant time of year when their anniversaries were held, in an amusing speech. The chairman said he would be willing to have the day of the anniversary altered, and suggested that they should have another in November, and yearly select that month. — (Applause.) Apologies from the Rev. J. Upton Davis and Rev. Wm, Johnston were read, regretting their non-attendance. The Rev. Dr Stuart, during the course of an interesting ad« dress on the increase of true religion, said that it was well that ministers were not perfect men. He believed that he would make a better minister than the Angel Gabriel; for he would feel for the sorrows of his congregation from experience, and the Angel could not. The Rev. Mr Williams, of Balclutha, referred to the extract from the New Zealand Church News, which was published in the Daily Times, on the subject of Methodism, and said that as Lord Brougham bad the pleasure of twice reading his obituary notice in the columns of The Times, so Wesleyanism had a like privilege to read its demise in the Church News. Though their membership had decreased in the Colonies, they had increased by 2000 members in the home country last year. The Rev. Dr Roseby also delivered an excellent address, and we are sorry that space will not allow a more extended notice. The Rev. Mr Isitt considerately made a short speech, and read the statement placed in his hands. The collection that evening amounted to £6 lla Id, and the total receipts for the anniversary were £57 12s 7d. The Chairman moved a vote of thanks to the ladies who bad provided the tea, and it was carried by acclamation. The 640 th hymn, commencing " Jesua is worthy to receive," having been sung, the Rev. Dr Stuart pronounced the Benediction, and the large assemblage dispersed, highly pleased with the success of bhe Anniversary festival.