CHURCH NEWS AND NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 18969, 16 June 1923, Page 8

CHURCH NEWS AND NOTES

FROM PULPIT AND PEW. The people belonging to the Presbyterian Church at Oteramika have had many calls made upon them for financial help during the past year, and in addition to these calls they have just completed the building of a new manse and one that would do credit to any country charge. When the call of the Presbyterian Orphanage Homes came their way, they felt that they could not turn aside such a M’orthy object and their contribution to this Christian charity has amounted to thirty-three pounds eight shillings and sixpence. The larger proportion of this sum was collected at Gorge Road Siding, and the superintendent reports a beautiful incident that happened by the road-side in this locality. Two little children, hearing that there was a man in the district collecting for Orphanage Homes, felt that they would like to help the cause M'ith their little mite. The superintendent was pushing his cycle over the rough roads at the Gorge, when he was accosted by the little friends of the orphans. “Are you the man that looks after the Orphanage Homes in Invercargill?” said the children. “Yes,” said the superintendent. Then they handed over their little gifts to help to make the lives of the children in the Orphanage Homes happy and comfortable. The Rev. J. L. and Miss Robinson of First Church, entertained the members of the choir at a social evening on Wednesday. It was thought by Mr and Miss Robinson that the choir is almost the only organisation that docs not have a social gathering of some sort now and again. Between games and competitions, items were given by M’-ss-es Doogin and Ashley, Miss Porter and Messrs Aitchison and McCrostie. At the close of the gathering Mr Ross, conductor cf the choir during Mr Quinn’s absence, thanked Mr and Mias Robinson for the very enjoyable evening they had given them.

The St. Andrew’s Ladies’ Guild held its annual gift social this M’eek. Mr G. Champion acted as chairman and did much towards making the evening enjoyable. A good programme was provided by the ladies. A solo was rendered by Miss Office and a violin sclo by Miss Champion. Mr Smith caused a great deal of amusement with his humorous recitations and songs. Thanks were tendered Mr Smith for the help he had given in making the games and competitions pass off merrily. The social was enjoyed by the young folk and the Guild secured a n’ce little parcel of gifts fcr the sale of work.

First Church Girls’ Club turned the usual fortnightly gathering into a social evening on Tuesday, 12th inst. The programme varied from the usual in that a playCtte was given by Miss Muir’s party entitled “Pros and Cons.” The sketch “A Pair of Spectacles” was also given by this party and both items were much enjoyed by all present. Those taking part were Misses Muir. Featherstone and Williams and Messrs P. Longuet and E. Miller. Solos were rendered by Misses Miller and V. McFarlane ;• duets by Misses Brokenshire and Potter; pianoforte solo, Miss Williams and a recitation by Miss Leslie Strathearn. The items were appreciated by all the members and friends and it is hoped to have another such evening before very long. A farewell social was tendered Mr and Mrs Geo. Preston and family, who are leaving Bluff for Greymouth by the members of St. Mary’s Catholic Church congregation. The gathering which was held in Mr Barber’s hall,’ took place at Bluff on Friday, June 8. On behalf of the congregation, Mr E. Kelly presented Mrs Preston with a handsome silver backed toilet set as a small teken of their esteem and appreciation. Mr Preston made -suitable response thanking all present for the very pleasant evening which had been extended to them. The Rev. J. Chisholm of Knox, wll take as his evening subject "The Climbing Road. Will You Face It?” "The Origin of Man,” is the subject for discussion at the Esk Street Baptist Church to-morrow night. Among the many changes caused by the Wednesday half-hcliday is the change of choir leaders at St. Andrew’s. For some time past, Mr R. McNeil has acted as con ductor and has kept the church services bright with choral singing. As Mr McNeil is out of town all the week it was found impossible for him to carry on with the Saturday night late night. It is with much regret that the resignation was accepted and a new conductor sought after. Mr W. D. Burns was waited cn and asked to take over the leadership. Mr Burns had not intended to take up choir work at present, but he thought that as St. Andrew’s was having a bit of bad luck in being without their minister for a considerable time, that it was up to the choir to keep things going. He very kindly consented to give of his time and talents, with the result that the choir has once again taken up its work in real earnest.

Mr G. C. Bachelor will conduct St. Andrew’s services to-morrow. The subjects for the services at St. Paul’s to-morrow will be “Kings That Must Fall Before Him,” and series "The Voyage of Life (2) Launched and Dropping the Pilot.” Rev. H. G. Gilbert will be the preacher. The Scottish concert given at Knox Sunday School. Georgetown, will be repeated at Knox Hall, Conon street, next week. Community singing will be indulged in' for half an hour before the concert begins. The subject the Rev. Harold Sharp speaks on in St. Paul’s Methodist Church is "Playing the Game.” In addition to the Anthem by the choir, Mr J. M. Murray will sing Gypsy Smith’s famous song "Wonderful, Wonderful Jesus.” This beautiful song is the most popular thing in Glasgow today, where the Gypsy has just concluded a mission which has stirred the great Scottish city as never before. The Bluff Methodist Church celebrated its anniversary services last Sunday. The Rev. V. S. Mercer conducted the morning service and the Rev. J. H. Haslam of St. Peter’s Church, Invercargill, was the preacher for the evening service. On Monday evening the annual meeting was held when reports were presented by Messrs F. Johnston (Bluff), and A. Campbell (Greenhills). The reports were both satisfactory and showed that progress had been made during the year. The St. Peter’s Church choir under their leader, Mr Hensley, provided the musical part of the programme and a very excellent entertainment was enjoyed by everyone. The Rev. V. S. Mercer presided oyer the gathering. The Rev. R. Francis conveyed greetings on behalf of the Presbyterian Church in a genial speech. The South Branch of the W.C.T.U, met in the Elies Road Church cn Tuesday afternoon, Mrs Pasley (president), being in the chair. It was decided that letters of sympathy be sent to the relatives of the late Mr Wesney, Mr L. Cheyne and Mrs Taylor. Mrs Pasley reported having opened a L.T.L. at Parish Hall with an attendance of 56 children. Mrs Parkins also reported having opened one in Y.M.C.A. Rooms. The sum of £1 was donated to the Maori fund. Proceeds from the Jumble Sale held last month amounted to £25. Mrs Garrett read a paper on “Why Should Women Enter Public Life?” which was very much appreciated.