HANOVER STREET BAPTIST CHURCH.

Otago Witness, Issue 2572, 1 July 1903, Page 17

HANOVER STREET BAPTIST CHURCH.

CHINESE BIBLE CLASS.

The upper schoolroom of the above Church, presented quite a. gay spectacle on the 22nd, being nicely decorated with evergreens, Chinese lanterns, etc., whilst a handsome silk

banner, with the text " God is Love" inscribed on it, was suspended above the front of the platform. The occasion was the fourth annual social gathering of the Chinese class. J'he pastor of the church (the Rev. WT Hay) presided, and as supported on the platform by Sister Marie, Miss Freeman, the Rev. W. A. Sinclair, and Mr Wm. Chan. Apologies were read for the absence of the Rev. A. Den and Mr H. H. Driver. After the usual devotional exercises the secretary of the class, Mr B. Wong Tape, read (in both Chinese and English) the report of the last year's work, which stated that : " The work during the year has gone steadily forward, and although extensive progress cannot be reported, we rejoice in the knowledge that good has been accomplished, and our Saviour's message of love passed on to some of our Chinese brethren, for perhaps the first time. The year ha 3 seen many changes both in teachers and scholars, aaid the roll number now stands at 28 scholars, with an average attendance of 29, and 23 teachers, with an average atenda,nce of 17." Reference was made to the depaiture for his native land of Daniel Vat Lee, one of the first members of the class, who during tho three years only missed six Sundays in attendance. " On Mr Walter Pnterson's suggestion a Chinese and English reader was mtioduced as a help to the lesson ; this, together with passages, from the four Gospels, has constituted our principal work dunng the year. Several friends have addressed the class from time to hme. The monthly prayer meeting haa loen well sustained. The annual picnic, held on Easter Monday at Bethune's Gully, was largely attended, and proved an enjoyable outing. A Visiting Committee has been formed to arrange for the batter management of the monthly visitation, and good results are sincerely looked for. Tracts, written in Chinese, are distributed at the different places visited. As stated on former occasions, the smallness of the staff limits our work to some extent. We are especially shorthanded in male teachers, and desne. again to make a most urgent appeal to the young men of the church to give xi 3 their aid in. spreading the tiospel tidings to heaits hungering and waning for the blessed news of salv&tion aud peace."

The Chairman, in a short address, endorsed ■the report, aJid said that such classes as these tended to the solidity of the human lace. He supported the appeal for more workers.

Tho class then sang " Hold the fort," after •which a testimony was given (first in Chinese and then m English) by David Chin Goon. A vocal selection, " Only truat Him" (Chinese air), was nicely rendered by three scholars and four teachers. Mr Wm. Chan (Chinese missionary) followed with a short address, which was interpreted by the secretary, wherein he expressed his pleasure at being presrait, and tod of the difficulties that the first Christian missionaries to China had to contend with ; but now rejoiced that many of his own countrymen were to be found working for Christ in China, and many had been baptised into His name.

The Rev. W. A. Sinclair (who had to leave early) briefly thanked the class on behalf of the Stafford street workers, -whom he represented, for the invitation to be present, aiid trusted that good fellowship would always exist between the three classes working among the Clunese in this city, and that their joint efforts might result in much pood woik being done. He coi. eluded by wi-hing the workers a nioet Micrp^ful year of lalxnir.

AY. Yip Chonp ard Ching Hoy pave readings from the Xew Testament in both Chinese and Engl'sh thereby showing the arh ance they had acquired in leading the .Sci.ptu.iCs in English.

Sister Marie in the cruise of a short address, told of ]\pt peisonal experiences as a worker among thf Chinese in both Melbourne ni d Dunedin. Violet Sc-w Hoy sang a solo,

"Building day by claj-. ' At tLis stage an interval was allowed for rp're-hmer.tfc. wh'ch ■were liberally supplied. After due justice had been dene to this portion of the pTogramu.e the mc-et:ng was resumed b} the class singing " I hear the Saviour Bay. ' Wong ILng sang

as a solo " Nothing but the blood," with flute accompaniment by Yeurg Chuen. This was so creditably done" that they had to submit, to a vooiferous encore.

Opportunity was taken of the occasion to ■say farewell to Miss Freeman (one of the teachers), who ds shortly to leave en route for mission work in Chma. Mr B Wong Tape, on behalf of the class, said it was needless to assure Miss Freeman how sorry they w-ere at losing one who had won respect and adnuration, but that was tempered with the feeling of joy and gladness when they Temembered that Miss Freeman was going to work among the women. It was said that Chinese women have, little influence, but he could personally vouch for the fact that the women of China had a great influence either for good or otherwise. He quoted a Dr Martin, a student of China, living for over 40 years, who said that on China's roll of honour many women's names were to be found as poets, histonans, ruler 3, etc. In saying "good-bye" to Miss Freeman he assured her of the continued interest of the class and of their prayers for her. Mr Ah Ching (her scholar) then presented Miss Freeman v.-ith a greenstone cross and gold chain ai:d a handbag, as tokens of esteem and gratitude for the labour bestowed upon him. Miss Freeman freehngly replied.

Another vocal selection, " Pass Me not," by several teachers and scholars, followed, after which Mr R. C. O'Connor (Leader of the class) thanked all for theur attendance, joined in the regret at Miss Freeman's departure,' and said this made the fifth missionary to go out from the class. He said it was their duty to Toll the Gospel back to the Eastward, for v;hen Paul heard the cry from Macedonia he turned to the West, acd for all these years the East had been comparatively neglected ; hence for all the privileges that had been the joy of the people of the West, they should esteem at a duty to further the work in China.

The usual votes of thanks were carried, on the motion of Mr Butler, to the ladies who had charge of the refreshment arrangements, the speakers, and singers. Miss M. Buchanan, filled the position of accompanist very satisfactoiily. An enjoyable meeting was brought to a close with the doxology and the pronouncing in both languages of the benediction.