Trinity Presbyterian Church.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2949, 22 November 1900, Page 4

Trinity Presbyterian Church.

The annual congregational meeting of I Trinity Presbyterian Church was held last 1 evening in the church, Barnard street. J There was a rather small attendance, ihe I Rev. Mr Gillies presided, and apologised J for the absence of Messrs J. Lane, J- I Johnston, and W. Shaw. 1 The various reports were taken as-read. I The report of the Session showed that I the Sabbath attendance has increased with I a marked spirit of growing earnestness and I heartiness in the services. Owing toj having to worship for some time in the Theatre, during the renovation of the church building, one quarter’s dispensation of the Lord’s Supper was omitted. On the other three 1 the weather was not favourable, so that the average attendance is lower than last year, being 218 communicants. The roll of members has been reduced by 21 removals and 6 deaths, while the additions have been by certificate, 21; and as young communicants, 7; making a net gain of 1. The , thoroughness with which the Deacons’

Court had carried out the renovation of the

church building, and the general satisfaction of the congregation therewith, had been

very gratifying. Thanks were tendered to those who had maintained services at Cullrnantown, Old Men’s Home and other places, to the Sabbath teachers and workers of the various .church societies. Reference was made to the success of the anniversary

services as conducted by the Rev. M. Watt, D.D., and to the success also of the conversazione. A new Hymnary would be gradually introduced into the service ol praise. Mr Cross asked for the views of the Session on the question of individual com. munion cups. Mr Gillies said that the subject had never been before the Session officially, though ii had been mentioned. Anything in 1 lie nature of a change usually emanated from the congregation, and he did not’ think the Session would oppose their wish on the point. Mr Cuthbert said that as it was purely a matter of expenditure the Deacons’ Court should have a voice in the matter. Mr Mcßride objected to the innovation. Their forefathers had taken the sacrament, from the one cup, and he had heard no objections to the practice from the congregation. Mr Gillies said that he had seen the sacrament dispensed in Dunedin, and individual cups were used. He had received a quantity of literature on the subject, and from it he gathered that doctors were vtry strongly in favour of the change. It vculd cost over £ls to procure the 280 cups necessary for the members.

Mr Valentine hoped that the new system would be adopted. It was not a matter of sentiment; it was a matter regarding health. Disease might not be directly traceable to partaking from one communion cup, but it was possible that it might be done.

Mr Cross moved that it be a recommendation to the Session that individual cups be procured, Mr McCahon seconded, and the motion was carired unanimously. In reply to Mr Sealey, Mr Gillies said that the Session were unanimously in favour of appointing a missionary to Cullrnantown, and as soopj as the Deacons’ Court could see its way to authorise the appointment they would have the hearty cooperation of the Session. Mr Bruce said that the question of building a hall was still before the congregation, and he could not see how both could be done.

Mr McCullough said that he had felt very strongly on this matter, and ■he thought that it would be better to have the missionary. The church should be progressive. Mr Irwin also supported the proposal.

Mr McCahon moved that a recommendation be forwarded to the Session to take the matter into serious consideration. Mr Gillies said that the church had formerly supported a missionary for the outlying districts. He was unfortunately iaid up, and the elders took up his work. Presbyterians have a feeling against lay preachers—which is born in them somehow or other—and the services dwindled away! He did not think that the appointment of a missionary would be a serious financial drain on the church.

Mr Sealey seconded Mr McCahon s mo tion, which was carried unanimously. Mr A. Sinclair, referring to church music, suggested that the organist and choirmaster, Mr A. B. White, should play voluntaries, and that the choir should contribute an anthem at each service. He proposed that the musical part of the service should be left entirely to the choirmaster.

Mr Gillies said that he objected to voluntaries, which were an abomination in church services. As to the anthems, they had none suitable to congregational singing. The church should not be turned into a theatre or concert-room, and he demurred to setting up the choir to sing anthems to please the congregation. Mr Crerar broached the subject of a new organ, and suggested that the choirmaster should he given power to receive contributions towards that purpose. The Session report was then adopted.

The report of the Deacons’ Court stated, inter alia, that “the total amount contributed for the year has been £1254 5s 4d. The contributions by envelope and collections have considerably increased, while subscriptions show a decrease. The latter is caused mainly by subscriptions usually paid in the last month of the financial year not having come into the Treasurer’s hands before the books were closed. The promised subscriptions towards the Debt Fund have been well paid ’’p, amounting to £172 17s 6d during the yejr, making a total of £499 16s Bd, as the result of the ■effort begun last year. Out of which £420 lias been paid off the money borrowed on debentures, leaving a balance in hand of £79 16s 8d; so that our net debt is now reduced to £I9BO 8s ,104. The amount borrowed has all been secured at 44 per cent.” The cost of the renovations was £355 16s 2d, friends subscribing

£33 Is lOd. The Court had paid £252 18s, and £77 18s 2d had been borrowed from the Debt Fund, leaving a balance | due of £25. Mr W. Saunders, The Wolds £2 • Air W. Callender, Auckland, £2; AU R. McQueen, £2; and Airs Ferguson £l, were thanked'for donations. The bmlchng of a hall was again mentioned, for wine Mr James Craigie offered £25, and mth the £l6 16s to credit they had £4l los in hand. , ~„ „ • Mr AlcNab, treasurer, explained the position of the church in regard to the debentures issued in connection with the debt extinction fund, which had been taken up most satisfactorily at per cent, there were increases in the envelope and loose collections. While agreeing with a great deal that had been said about proposed expenditure, he would not advise a too hasty decision. If the building of the hall weie practically taken up, he believed that half the cost could be paid off, and the rest shortly after. , The report of the Deacons Court and balance sheets (the principal figures of which are given) were adopted, with a recommendation that the erection of the hall be proceeded with. , Airs Cowan reported on the Women s Work Society, and the good work it was doing for missions; Air T. Alurray on the Hands of Hope, which were being cameon with vigour; and Air Walter Shaw on the Sabbath Schools—mam, south, Cnilmanntown, end Washdyke. The reports were highly satisfactory, and were adopted with thanks to the many workers in connec--1 tion with the various societies. _ Air Gillies explained that owing to the counter attractions on the usual picnic day, Anniversary Day, the picnic would not be held, at any rate, at that tune. Possibly just before the schools took up the picnic might be arranged. • Votes of thanks were passed to the auditor Air D. Stuart, and Alessrs AlcQueen. Callender, and Saunders, for donations; to Air AlcNab for his services as treasurer; and to Air A. B. White and the choir. The meeting then closed