ST. ANDREW’S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Otago Witness, Issue 3102, 27 August 1913, Page 74

ST. ANDREW’S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

The annual report of the St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, a booklet of some 30 pages, deals very fully with all the activities of the numerous branches of the church. The following arc some of the chief features contained in the various reports:— The most important event of the year has been the departure of Dr Waddell in search of health. The office-bearers willingly agreed to suc-h arrangements as were necessary, and it is now fervently hoped that the furlough may prove effective. Reports reaching us from him are encouraging, and there is therefore a good prospect that our wishes may be realised. We have been exceedingly fortunate in the choice of a locum tenens, for it is quite evident that the Rev. S. R. Orr is putting into his work groat zeal and efficiency. It is with exceeding regret that the Session has to report the retirement of Mr John Reid from the dircctorshop of the Sabbath school. Sister Christabel was unfortunately called away from her post in consequence of the serious illness of her father, which culminated in liis death. The Session now expresses its application of her work since her return, which she has resumed with unabated diligence and efficiency. The Kensington branch of the congregation has continued to prosper in the hands of Mr Stevenson and the faithful band who are the committee, and to whom the Session feel themselves under a deep debt of gratitude for the zeal shown in carrying on the work in Kensington. The Session has, however, been notified that Mr Stevenson proposes to leave for America. Mr Stevenson will carry with him the best wishes of the Sbssion for his future. The attendance at the quarterly communion services has on the whole been well maintained. The figures show a slight decrease being—September, 296; December, 309; March, 318; Juno, 255; or an average of 294, as compared with 305 for the previous year. The additions to membership during the year numbered 49. Of those 15 wore admitted by examination and 34 by certificate from other churches. 'The disjunctions were 40, of whom 28 received certificates, 10 removed from the district, and 2 were removed by death.

Tho Deacons’ Court reports that before entering on the church improvement scheme it was thought advisable an a first step to have the building thoroughly examined by an expert. Th’s was accordingly done and the court was advised that it was absolutely necessary to effect extensive repairs and renovations to the roof and walls, which work has lioen duly carried out. It was also decided to install the electric light. The cost of those items has been charged against the New Sunday School and Church Improvement Fund, which now stands at £324 12 (dr.), of which £lsl 19s 5d is the balance in connection with the school, and £172 12s 6d represent amount spent in church renovations during the past year. The contributions to the Sustenation Fund has again produced a record for our church. Tho subscriptions amounted to £4OO, the equal dividend, £221;. and thus our assistance to other churches is £179. The Foreign Mission Fund is benefited by £53 18s, this being the amount collected by the ladies of the Sisterhood for this fund. The amount received for tho Maori Mission by tho Birthday I-eaguo is £8 14s 6d. The court also acknowledges with gratitude the receipt of £SO as a donation under tho will of the late Mrs Margaret Bowie, to bo devoted to tho charitable work carried out by S : ster Chrietabcl and the ladies of tho sisterhood.