DEBTS WIPED OUT

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 829, 25 November 1929, Page 14

DEBTS WIPED OUT

ST. DAVID’S CHURCH REPORTS FOR PAST YEAR The Anal closing of the St. David's Presbyterian Church memorial building fund, which was opened 10 years ago, has been made possible through a donation of if 1,000 from Mr. John Fleming, according to the annual report to be presented at a congregational meeting on Wednesday. A total of £25,652 has been received, of which £19,400 was spent on erecting and furnishing the new church, £3,900 for land, and the remainder for removal and renovations to the old buildings. The property, estimated to be worth £35,000, is now free of debt. A record unparalleled in the whole history of Presbyterianism in New Zealand is how the Rev. D. C. Herron, minister of St. David’s, refers to the raising of £26,000 in 10 years for building purposes. This has all been raised by direct giving, without such distress methods as sales of work. Support for other church works did not slacken during this period. Tho purchasing of sections in the suburbs for building purposes, the establishment of theological college bursaries and of a church endowment fund to provide for the time when St. David's will be a downtown church, are mentioned as projects to engage the attention of the congregation in the future. Further reports dealing with church activities show that the membership has increased by 86 to 584. The Sunday school roll show's 150 scholars and 29 teachers, and that of the branch school 130 scholars and 14 teachers. A debit balance of £52 has been converted into a credit balance of £l3. The church contributed £987 to mission schemes. Regret is expressed at the retirement of Mr. W. Pirrett, church treasurer for the past five years.