CHRISTIAN ENEAVOUR.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 25, 12 January 1912, Page 5

CHRISTIAN ENEAVOUR.

SOCIETY’S FIRST ANNIVERSARY. The Christian Endeavour Society in connection with the Wesley Church celebrated its first anniversary by a social gathering in the Foresters’ Hall on Wednesday evening. There was a fair gathering and an exceptionally enjoyable evening was spent. The president, Rev. C. C. Harrison, occupied the chair, and in his opening remarks apologised for the absence for Messrs E. Dixon and J. W. Russell, the president and vice-president of the Taranaki C.E. Union, both of whom were expected. , The violin solo by Miss E. Rogers, “Elegie,” by Speedman, was well played, and received well earned applause. The well-known competition cclebroties created a good social feeling, and was won by Miss A. Rogers. Tne vocal solo by Mr Hogg, “The Lost Chord,” was well rendered and well applauded. ihe Secretary’s report was introduced by the president with very eulogistic and flattering remarks. The solo by Miss E. Cameron, “A Song of Hope” was exceptionally well rendered and was received with hearty applause. The competition “musical chairs” caused great merriment. The vocal solo by D. Everiss, “The Vesper Prayer”' was well applauded. A solo by Rev. Harrison, “I am a Grey Friar of the Holy Orders,” was sung with great spirit, and received with evident appreciation and hearty applause. Supper followed, and the gathering dispersed after singing “Anld Lang Syne.” Secretary’s Report. Following is the secretary’s report: The Society was started about the end of November, 1910. with a membership of about 20 (13 active and 7 associate members). From these members officers and committees were appointed, the officers being Rev. C. C. Harrson (president), Mr J. W. Boon and Miss Hustwick (vice-presi-dents), Miss G. F. Collie (corresponding secretary), Miss A. Collins (treasurer), and Mr J. Schofield (recording secretary). It might he stated here that it is a regrettable fact that the minutes of the meetings from the start of the Society to about the end of Apr 1 have been lost, therefore the first committees set up are unknown. The Society, owing to a very fortunate, or should T say, providential mistake, became affiliated with the South Taranaki C.E. Union at the Easter meeting of the Executive Committee of the Union. It was about this time that the Society had the great misfortune to lose one of its vicepresidents. Miss Hustwick, and its corresponding secretary, Miss Collie, both these members leaving tho district. In order to fill the positions vacated by them, Mr J. Schofield was appointed vice-president, Miss M. Clemow corresponding secretary, and D. Everiss recording secretary. At the half-annual business meeting in June,, the committees wore ro-cr-ganised... It may he interesting at this period to notice the progress cf the Society. Our membership stood at 21, hut the encouraging point lay. in the,,fact, that several of our associate members had become actiyo, maxing the rolls 16 active and 5 associate.,, The little difference,' except that we L 1 7 members, 'hutenrolled 6. thus tho membership still stands at 20. However in the last 6 months we have also enrolled 7 honorary members. The average attendance for the past 6 months has been approximately; Jo, which, considering the state of the weather, I think a very fair average. Although the Society has for the past year been only feeling Its wav, yet it, has not been entirely die. The first step it took was to arrange a Christmas tree and picnic for t *;e poor children' in town. This turned out to he such' a success, •-■vor ; -”‘no, both children and endeavourors, having the picnic so highly delight’d that it was decided to make this an annual'affair. This picnic .vns acini-1-ingly held again on the 1911 ti-nst-mas, and was again enjoyed ly both children and endeavourers. The Society also gave several other socials during the winter season. On the whole, the Society has steadily but surely prospered during the year. The membership has certainly ebbed and flowed at times, hut tins must be expected in all Societies of this character.

in closing we thank our Heavenly Father for blessing us with the success, Avhich has crowned our efforts, and, real'sing that our whole future lies in His hands, pray that He will prosper us during the coming year, showing us what to, do and when to do it. For the present, we are all looking forward to a more prosperous and successful .'year than the one in which we are just entering.