ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19695, 29 July 1938, Page 7

ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH

SUNDAY SERVICES LARGE ATTENDANCES SESSION’S REPORT ‘We are gratified to record that there have been large attendances, more especially at the morning services, and to note the increasing numbers of young people who are coming regularly to church,” states the annual report of the St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church session to be presented at the sixty-fourth annual meeting of the congregation this evening. There has been a good deal of sickness in the congregation, and our minister has devoted himself diligently to these needs,” continues the report. This work, together with the general pastoral work, has occupied much of his time and attention. Mr. and Mrs. Dow have completed three years of strenuous service amongst us, and we realise that this has been a very heavy tax upon their Strength. There have been 14 meetings of the session during the year, in furtherance of the work of the church. We were very pleased to welcome Mr. F. Foote, our former session clerk, and family, at the October communion. He was associated with the elders in their duties on that occasion. “The sacrament of’the Lord’s supper was celebrated four times during the year. The record of the attendances is as follows:—Number of cups used: October, 266; December, 246; March, 229; June, 267. We are greatly indebted to Mr. P. A. Clark for designing and making eight handsome rimu trays to replace those destroyed by fire last year. Special Services “During the year the following special services were held: —St. Andrew’s Sunday, Christmas morning service, dedication of youth workers, harvest festival and youth Sunday. May was set apart as a special rally month, and the services, which were largely attended, were an inspiration to all. “We had the privilege of welcoming in turn this year two moderators of the general assembly, the Rev. T. H. Roseveare, 8.D., and the Rev. W. H. Howes, B.A. We were pleased to welcome Dr. J. D. Salmond, who addressed our congregations in the town and suburbs. His address at the Rotary Club, on ‘A Contrast of the Educational Systems of the World,’ ryill long be remembered. Another privilege was the visit from the Rev. John Flynn, 0.8. E., and Mrs. Flynn. An exceptionally large congregation listened to his fascinating story of pioneer work in the Australian Inland Mission. “We are grateful to those who supplied or exchanged pulpits during the year, including the Rev. G. Budd, Rev. R. B. Spence, Matawhero; Rev. F. A. Thompson, Kopuawhara: Rev. H. A. Gould, Mangapapa-Kaiti; Rev. W. Kearney, retired; Mr. Osborne, social service. Flower Committee “Under the convenership of Miss Caldwell, the ladies continue their work of decorating the church each Sunday with flowers, beautifully ana tastefully arranged. “On the retirement of Mr. C. A. Smith, as leader of the senior young men’s class, the session placed on record its deep appreciation of his splendid work, and his influence on the boys who had passed through his class over a long i>-=riod of years. “The session tenders its congratulations to the board of management tpon the excellent work, as recorded in its sound n/fiinclal statement. W e are thankful to all contributors who so ably assisted.” The statistics included in the report show that the church membership on June 30 was 323, as against 296 members on June 30, 1937. The management committee’s report to be presented at the annual meeting states that the care of the property is in the hands of an able sub-com-mittee, whose convener is Mr. T. Alexander. The report calls attention to the need for painting the woodwork of the church. Sale of Church Land A sale of a back portion of church land was effected early in the financial year and a second offer for two further 60ft. sections facing Childers road was before the church property trustees in Wellington. It v/as hoped that an early settlement would be effected, resulting in a substantial saving in funds for borough rates. A valuable piece of work was performed by members of the committee in conjunction with the session in the matter of visitation work prior to the rally month. The meetings of committee were presided over by the moderator, Mr. Dow, to whose assistance the report pays tribute. Gratification was expressed because of the rapid increase in the number of members adopting the envelope system of weekly giving. During the year Mr. J. A. Thorburn was appointed assistant-treasurer, on account of the absence of Mr. A. F. Salmon on a health-recruiting trip to England. The thanks of the committee were extended to all who had laboured so willingly. The treasurer’s report mentioned that the church had concluded the year with a credit balance of £3 16s 6d, which was achieved without the usual thank offering day appeal. The building fund, which last year had a balance of £1 12s Id, had been augmented considerably. The major portion of the present balance of £507 had been contributed through the sale of land to Mr. A. L. W. Martin.