ST. JOHN'S CHURCH.

Colonist, Volume LI, Issue 12405, 21 November 1908, Page 6 (Supplement)

ST. JOHN'S CHURCH.

♦ SUNDAY SCHOOL ANNIVEHSA.RY. Recently there wera large congregations at St. John's Methodist Uhurcb, when the services in the morning, afternoon, and evening wera in connection with the sixtysecond anniversary of the Sunday school. In the morning sue liev. C H. Garland preaohed an eloquent discourse based on the Saviour's command for the chidren to be brought : to him, and his his hands' upou them, and blessing them. In the afternoon the Re?. Stanley Jenkin (Baptist) gave an excellent address to the KCbolar.s on "Ambition," basing his remarks on Christ's words, "Sees ye t iirst the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all things shall be added unto _ you. " In the evening every seat in the commodious building was occupied. The Key. C. H. Garland preached from the text, "Work out your own salvation. " He dwelt upon grace being received through faith, and sins being pardoned for Christ's sake. He emphasised that salvation really meant all that the grace of God intended for a Human soul in the development of character. The preacher earnestly exhorted the young people to work out; their own salvation, in other words to win a Christian character. The children were seated on a raised platform on each side of the minister's rostrum. At each service they sang a number of special hymns, assisted by the Church choir, Mr A. P. Lucas beidg the conductor, and Miss Stevens the organist. The singing was good, and the bright and nappy appearance of the children was most pleasing, in connection with the school there are 17 officials and teachers; 228 scholars, and 79 on the cradle roll. The average attendance for the past year was 144 scholars per Sunday. The income for the year was £73 9s 9d, and the expenditure £65 2s 4d. leaving a credit balance of £8 7s 3d. Last year out of the income £15 was transferred to the building fund, and £12 10s devoted to the Home Missions fund. There is now in hand towards the proposed new building for the school £533 8s lOd, the fund navmg increased by £179 4a lid during the past twelve months. The officials in charge of the school are: Superintendent, Mr Mark Smith ; secretary, Mr F. Greenslade; treasurer, Mr James Bonn; tablet secretary. Mr W. G. Tiller; organist, Miss H. Richards; librarian, Mr Percy Whitford; cradle roll secretaries, Mr and Mrs W. G. Tiller and ten teachers. In conneotion with the anniversary, a public meeting will be held on Wednesday evenin?, at half - past seven, when addresses will be delivered, and the tablet, Sunday School Union, and Band of Hope prizes will be distributed. . The children will siog some of the special hymns, and a collection will be taken up for the school funds.