ST. JOHN'S CHURCH.

Colonist, Volume LIV, Issue 13412, 9 May 1912, Page 3 (Supplement)

ST. JOHN'S CHURCH.

ANNUAL MEETING

REV. W\ BAUMBER WELCOMED

(From "The Colonist," April. 25.)

Tho annual meeting of St. John's Methodist Church was hold last night, the new schoolroom being well filled. Mr. J. Boon acted as chairman, and the Revs. J. H. MacKenzie, J. Crump, W. C. Lambert, Isitt, Thomas, Verco, and Ensign Middlemiss were seated on the platform.

After the singing of a hymn, the Rev Verco offered prayer.

Mr. A. A. Lucas read tho report, which showed that tho new school was finished a few weeks ago, after seven years' effort. Mr. Leaper, the builder, and all helpers wero thanked. The total raised by the church during the year was £973 odd. Tho membership was maintained, but pew rents had fallen off. All helpers were thanked, and the Rev. J. Crump was wished a happy time in his retirement. Hydraulic power for the organ, a piano, and other improvements, it was hoped, would shortly be practicable. The debt at present was shown at £495.

Tho report and balance sheet were adopted. The chairman heartily welcomed Mr. and Mrs. Baumber to the circuit. He read an apology from the Rev. Mr. Lucas for his unavoidable absence, and wishing' Mr. Baumbor happiness and success.

Mr. Grove, as circuit representative, also welcomed IVir. Baumber. He referred to the hopeful note of Mr. Baumber's services, and encouraged all to help him. ■ The Rev. J. H. MacKenzie, in a humorous and practical address, wished Mr. Baumber and his flock a happy time.

The Rev. J. Crump referred to having welcomed Mr, Baumber to New Zealand as" a. young man. He was glad to welcome him to Nelson..

The Roy. B. L. Thomas, on behalf of the Ministers' Association, welcomed Mr. Baumber, and in the name of the Congregational Church wished the Methodist Church added grace and

good. The Rev. Mr. Baumber thanked all for their hearty welcome, on behalf of his wife and himself. He was glad to see some familiar faces among his people. He was glad to receive the welcome from othor ministers, fmd would do his best with God's hely to do some good.

During tho evening two glees wero given by the choir, and songs were contributed by Mr. Allen,- Mrs. Warren, Mr. Tasker, Miss Smith, Mr. A. P. Lucas, a recitation was given by Mr. Allen, a pianoforte solo by Mr. Naylor, and concertina solo by Mr. Taylor, all 'being encored. Refreshments were provided by the ladies, and all agreed that a pleasant evening had been spent, and a successful welcome given to the new minister.