RIVERTON NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 20941, 26 November 1929, Page 5

RIVERTON NOTES

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

(From Our Correspondent.)

There was a large attendance present at the annual meeting and social in connection with the Presbyterian Church, the Rev. J. Fordyce presiding. Mr 11. E. Philp read the session report, which showed that the roll of members contained 162 names. During the period 19 new members were enrolled, 12 by profession of faith and 7 by certificate from other churches, while the number of removals was 11, making an increase of eight on last year’s figures. Mention was made of the deaths of Mrs Weir, Mrs R. Taylor and Miss Stirling, the last mentioned being a member of many years. The Rev. Fordyce’s pulpit ministrations had been of a high order, while his addresses to the Young Worshippers’ League were keenly listened to both at Riverton and Groper’s Bush. The session expressed thanks and appreciation of the excellent work done by Sunday School teachers, under the superintendency at Riverton of Mr A. H. Calder and at Gropers of Miss Reidie and Miss H. Hopcroft. The Sunday School at Riverton had a roll number of 74 with 8 teachers. For the Assembly’s examination 24 pupils sat and 12 gained prizes. The session was also greatly impressed by the amount of work done by the Ladies’ Guild and P.W.M.U. and their helpers, the Girls’ Guild and Busy Bees. Their annual sale had realized £132, of which £5O had been given to reduce the hall debt and £6O to missions. A box of clothing, worth about £3O, had also been sent to the Gladstone and Cameron Homes, Invercargill. The Busy Bees had distinguished themselves this year by putting cushions throughout the church, while the Girls’ Guild had again shown their thoughtfulness and generosity by presenting a new pulpit Bible. Mr G. Kerr, the treasurer, in submitting the balance-sheet, said that owing to the change made in the financial year, the period covered was 16 instead of 12 months as formerly. The sustentation fund had increased in Riverton by nearly £B. The congregation had contributed £93 to missions, and £2O had been raised for youth work. The special appeal for repairs reached £123, but the list was not yet closed and there were other repairs yet to be done. The gross expenditure was £895. The chairman moved the adoption of the report and balance-sheet. After thanking all associated with the church for their hearty support and co-operation, he said the present was the seventh year of his ministry, and from the reports he felt that the past year had been one for which he could be very grateful. His relations with the church courts had always been cordial and happy, and although they had sometimes to face difficulties the congregation had never failed and he looked forward with confidence to the future. In speaking to the reports and balancesheet, Mr D. McFarlane complimented the session clerk and the treasurer on the excellence of their work. The following musical items were given and much enjoyed :—Pianoforte solo, Miss Robertson; solo, Mr Tavener; organ solo, Miss Robertson; solo, Mr Churchill; duet, Messrs Churchill and Tavener; solo, the Rev. J. Fordyce; and a number of anthems by the choir. Methodist Church. The annual circuit social of the Methodist Church was held in the church when the whole of the programme was provided by children from the three churches, the large number of items being all well received.

Miss Borland, the circuit steward, presented the annual statement of accounts, showing a total income of £317 1/9, and an expenditure of £350 1/s—a debt on September 30 of £32 19/-. The deficit had now been made good by a donation from proceeds of a bazaar. The Rev. F. O. Prosser, who presented a report on spiritual matters, referred to the falling off of regular contributions. This was chiefly due to sickness and bad weather. The quarterly board had set up a committee to inquire into the advisability of introducing the envelope system of contribution. He thanked all for the splendid support given to all special efforts, such as the Paddy's market and sale of work. The increase in membership was 12—two removals and one death made a net increase of nine. The membership roll was 69, as against 40 three years ago. The same splendid atmosphere of reverent worship which characterized all the services had been maintained, the choir being very helpful. The morning services had lately showed a marked improvement. The young people’s work was very gratifying; Sunday schools reported an increase, while several scholars were highly successful in the annual scripture examination. A Band of Hope had been started during the winter, the membership numbering 29. The A’oung Worshippers’ League was increasing. Bible Class work was encouraging, and a class would probably be started at Ermedale. Mr Prosser closed his report by a plea for an even greater loyalty to Christ and His church. Methodism was increasing and it was a church to be proud of. He and Mrs Prosser had been asked to remain in Riverton for another 18 months, and they had decided to do so. The church and the people had become dear to them, and more loyalty and enthusiasm would be much appreciated.

Successful Scholars. Senior free passes have been granted by the Education Department to the following pupils of the Riverton District High School, viz., Marjorie Brass, Russell Brown, Isabel Brown, Helen Cormack, Annie Duncan, Lydia Docherty, James Gill, Ruric Hunter, George Higgins, Enid Keen, Jno. Mcßride, Valerie North, Allan Patrick, Flora Spence, Marjorie Smith, Harold Smyth, Beatrice Witsey. Dlble Class. The Methodist Bible Class was fairly well attended on Friday evening. The meeting was conducted by Miss Beatrice Witsey, aided by the Rev. F. O. Prosser. Mr J. Guise very ably introduced the vital subject of “Private Prayer.” In his address he bought into view the fact that it was the spirit in which they prayed and not the words that mattered. Questions concerning Jesus's condemnation of vain repetitions, the inner voice of the individual in public prayers, and the spirit of sincere forgiveness of those who had wronged them were answered by Miss Beatrice McKinnon, Mrs F. O. Prosser and Miss Gladys Pollard respectively. After Mr Prosser had referred to the chief points arising out of the topic, he brought the meeting to a close by pronouncing the Benediction.