PRESBYTERIANISM

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 63, Issue 4463, 13 August 1941, Page 8

PRESBYTERIANISM

THE TE AWAMUTU CHURCH. ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of members of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church was held last evening, when the Rev. J. Pattison presided over a large attendance. SESSION REPORT. The Session Clerk reports as follows : The year closes with the dark clouds of war heavily upon us these are anxious days in many homes in our congregation and the Session extends its sincere sympathy to all those who are sad and anxious concerning loved ones. Conditions have made it a difficult year in our Church life but through it all we have felt God’s guiding and sustaining hand and we thank Him for his many,mercies. We thank Him for the continued spirit of loyalty manifest throughout the congregation in attendance in generous and spontaneous giving and for the fine spirit shown by all organisations, viz., P.W.M.U., G.A., S.S. and B.C.’s. The Church roll stands at the same as last year, 220. Nineteen joined during the year and the same number removed for various reasons. By death, we have lost three members, Miss Findlay, Mrs Plewman and Wm. Morriss, and two adherents, W. Alexander and Andrew Whyte. Attendance at' Communion averaged 150, slightly above last year’s average. Three new members, Messrs S. E. Bryant, T. Clark and H. Fear, were welcomed to the Session during the year. Alteration to 11 o’clock for Sunday School has been made—this gives country parents opportunity to bring their children in, and we trust the change will prove the success hoped for. The long looked improvements to the interior of the Church, together with the new furnishings, the gifts of members, has been effected, and to these folk our sincere thanks and appreciation are due. The result is most gratifying—it not only enhances the beauty of our Church, but adds to the spirit of worship. The dedication of these furnishings took place at a very inspiring service conducted by Rev. G. H. McNeur on August 18. In May the three short years of Mr Young’s Ministry were brought to a close by his translation to Mt. Albert. It was with deep regret that we said boodbye to Mr and Mrs Young and Mrs Leslie —they gave of their best and their place will be hard to fill. The improvements to the Church, together with the new electric blower for the organ, were largely due to Mr Young’s tenacity. We were pleased to welcome Mr and Mrs Pattison in June and we feel we are fortu-

nate in having Mr Pattison to supply during the vacancy. In conclusion, we would thank all those who have given of their time and services in the various branches of the Church’s work, and earnestly pray for an even greater devotion and loyalty to the Master’s cause from each individual member. MANAGERS’ REPORT. The Managers reported as follows : Nine meetings have been held, with an average attendance of eleven members. At the beginning of the year it was decided to have the interior of the Church renovated and the tender of Mr Churchfield of £4B 10s was accepted. With the completion of the work and the gifts of a new pulpit, a new communion table, three chairs and other Church furniture, the interior of the Church has been greatly improved. To the donors of these beautiful gifts the Managers express their grateful thanks. The names of the donors and gifts received have been recorded in the minute book. One of our members, Mr Claude Rae, volunteered for active service and was congratulated by Mr Young on answering his country’s call and before going overseas was presented with a Testament as a goodwill token. Names of men from Presbyterian families who have joined up have been recorded and each received a card and gift at Christmas. The names of these young men who are serving will be inscribed on a Roll of Honour which was designed by Mr Prouse, and when complete will be placed in the vestibule of the Church. In September. 1940, it was decided to secure an electric blower for the organ and in May of this year it arrived safely from overseas and was installed by Mr D. S. Osbourne and is now in use. The finances of the Church are in a healthy state. This year the generous sum of £391 has been contributed to the Centenary Fund. A Church Property Extension Fund has been opened and £7OO has been taken from the Bank of New Zealand account and placed in the Post Office Savings Bank to the credit of the Church Property Extension Fund. The retiring collections on Communion Sundays have been donated to the Auckland Orphanages and the Waikato Chaplaincy Fund; and the gifts of fruit and produce from the Harvest Festival were sent to the Auckland Orphanages and were gratefully acknowledged by Mr Halliday. At the March meeting, Mr Young made a statement in regard to the Call to be presented to him from Mt. Albert congregation and explained to members what had taken place between him and Mt. Albert Session. A resolution passed at a previous meeting of Managers was read, stating to Mr Young our reasons why we thought he should remain in his present Charge. Mr S. Clark read the resolution and also stated that if Mr Young did decide to accept the Call

to Mt. Albert we would place no obstacle in his way but would wish him God-speed in his new sphere of labours. A farewell social was tendered Mr and Mrs Young and Mrs Leslie on May 19. Ministers of sister churches were present. Rev. M. Sullivan paid tribute to the high esteem in which Mr Young was held by his fellow clergy, and Rev. S. M. Webber, as Moderator of the Waikato Presbytery, spoke in the highest terms of Mr Young’s work in Presbytery. Mr S. Clark, on behalf of the congregation, presented each with a gift as a token of appreciation of their good work in Te Awamutu and assured them of our best wishes for a successful ministry at Mt. Albert. When reviewing the work of the year, we recognise the valued help we receive from many voluntary workers and would place on record our appreciation of their help. To the ladies of the P.W.M.U. we offer our grateful thanks for their generous contribution to our missionary budget; also to the Bible Classes for their contributions. To the Organists and Choir for leading the Church Praise and to Bible Class and Sunday School teachers for their work amongst the young, our special thanks are due; also to the ladies who provide flowers Sunday by Sunday and to the ladies who replace cover over the Communion Table after the evening service. To our Moderator, Rev. J. C. Young, we would record our appreciation of his unfailing courtesy and able guidance during his three years Ministry here; and to the Rev. J. Pattison we extend a welcome and trust that he will be happy in his work during his stay with us. The Managers who retire by rotation this year are:—Mr C. Rae, Mr R. Ross, Mr G. Smith. GENERAL INFORMATION FROM VARIOUS REPORTS. Following are extracts from various reports presented:— The P.W.M.U.—An excellent report has been presented by the secretary, Mrs McArthur. The membership has risen to 85, the highest on record, and the average attendance at the meetings is 55. Thanks are expressed to the speakers who addressed the meetings during the year, and to Mrs Kirkham and members who staged a very successful play, “The Lantern.” A highly successful Garden Party was held in the Manse grounds in Novem- , her, augmenting the funds by upwards i of £3O. The treasurer, Mrs Stewart, ’ has faithfully carried out her duties during the year. Her report shows that the branch raised and contributed to Mission Funds £124 5s 7d. Of this sum, £lO9 8s Id was handed to the Church treasurer. A large supply of used clothing and new garments were packed and forwarded to the Opotiki Maori Mission by Mrs G. Smith. The Stamp Secretary, Miss Ross, cleaned, sorted and sent in no less than 10,000 stamps, a labour of love and patience. The Report expressed cordial appreciations of the invaluable help given by the Rev. J. C. Young, Mrs Young and Mrs Leslie, sorrow at their departure and best wishes for their future work and happiness. Sunday School’s Report.—St. Andrew’s: Faithful and devoted service is rendered by the Superintendent, Mr Trevor Clark, and the other members of the staff. The attendance at the end of June was 101 with 10 teachers. The change of hour of meetings from 10 to 11 seems to be working satisfactorily, giving the children an opportunity of taking part in the Church service for a brief period and enabling country children to attend Sunday School while the parents worship in the Church. The sum of £l4 15s Id was handed to the Church treasurer for Missions. Te Kawa Sunday School: Miss McLean, single’ handed, still carries on the good work in Te Kawa. There are 23 on the roll. Choir Report: Mrs Gibson and Miss Mandeno continue to give their valuable service at the organ. Mrs Mandeno carries on faithfully as leader, amid difficulties o£ petrol restriction which hinders attendance, and departure of some members for active service. There is need for new membership and increased interest in this important work. Bible Classes: The membership is upwards of 80 and a total of over £26, including £5 from Pokuru, has been contributed to Missions. We are indebted to the leaders and members for happy fellowship, increased knowledge of the Bible and spiritual help. Girls’ Auxiliary: A very successful and promising branch. Miss Reed, the president, and members are to be congratulated on their good work. The membership stands at 26, and during the year £29 6s 6d was raised and contributed. Envelope System: Is firmly established and well supported. The number of subscribers is now 78. The Church is greatly indebted to the secretary, Mr S. C. Price, for his valuable work. The Managers would earnestly commend the Envelope System to all the members of the congregation as the best method for assuring an increased and steady income. It is fervently hoped that soon the present vacancy may be filled with a suitable minister who will maintain the present level of Church prosperity. GENERAL MATTERS. Messrs Claude Rae, George Smith and Robert Ross were re-elected managers. The business of the evening was interspersed with much appreciated songs by Mrs Mathews and with violin solos by Mr R. C. Judd. A light supper provided by the ladies of the P.W.M.U., was much enjoyed. The pronouncing of the Benediction concluded a very successful meeting.