GISBORNE BAPTIST CHURCH.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 12099, 17 March 1910, Page 5

GISBORNE BAPTIST CHURCH.

The annual meeting of the Baptist Church congregation was held last -evening, the Rev. W. Lamb presiding. . There was a good attendance. The second annual report noted with heartfelt- gratitude the many signs of blessing received during the year. In. pactically every branch of work there was some" progress to reports The congregation had .been well maintained. Always the evening attendance had been good and sometimes the building had been crowded out. Although the practice of believers' baptism made entry into the church difficult for some, yet the report had to record that 17 friends joined the fellowship during the year, and one death and several transfers left a net gain of thirteen members for the year. The Sunday school had also made substantial progress. Last anniversary 80 scholars were reported ; this year there were 112 with a fine band of teachers under the superintendence of Mr T. E. Toneycliffe. The Christian Endeavor Society had held weekly meetings and Jately there had been, an en■coui'aging increase m the number attending. The Junior Christian Endeavor Society under the -leadership of Mr N. Lambert had also made good progress. The week night meeting for prayer had been regularly maintained, and it was earnestly 1 toped that ihore would, liiakc iMi effort- to attend this most .important gathering. The service of song had been sustained by an excellent : - choir under the enthusiastic leadership of Mr H. J. Brownloe. Mrs Brownlee, assisted by Mrs Gahville, had rendered magnificent .service at the organ, and the friends who had helped with'- their instruments deserved warm gratitude. One great event of tire year was the special ten days' mission conducted by the Rev. R. S. Gray, of Christchurch. Another mutter that constrained heartfelt praise was the splendid success that had attended the effort to provide Sunday school accommodation and extend the church building.. In a comparatively short space of time tho sum of £410 had been raised, a contract had been left for- the new extension, and the worok was now' well m hand. Excellent service was rendered by a band of voluntary workers who for seven weeks gave their halfholidays to excavating, concrete work and Joying ..foundations..-. In this way about £60 must have been saved m the new extension. Tho treasurer's statement .showed that apart from tho building fund the sum of £445 had been received for the various purposes, including £53 from the Baptist Union. •'■■" For all these mercies," the report concluded, "we would praise Him who *is the Author and Giver of ail. good, and feel encouraged to believe that even greater things may yet be achieved m the days to come." • ' *

The election of officers were deferred till a later meeting. ;