SOCIAL AT QUEEN-STREET CHURCH.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXII, Issue 224, 16 November 1900, Page 2

SOCIAL AT QUEEN-STREET CHURCH.

The annual social gathering of the members of the Queen-street Ohurch was held on Thursday evening, when, although the weather was most unfavourable, the attendance was good. The Rev. J, Nixon opened the proceedings with a few appropriate remarks, and warmly welcomed Mr. J. Bellringer, whom he congratulated on his safe return, concluding by calling upon him to take the chair. Mr. Bellringer, who mot with a hearty reception, expressed his thanks for the welcome he had received on returning amongst his old friends, whom he was glad to see again. He said he had visited several of the churches at Home, and found they had the same difficulties to contend with as in the colonies. Amongst others he had met the Revs. A. J. Smith and Sadler, who, with Mrs. Sadler, wished him to remember them to old friends ia Taranaki.

The Rev. S. 8. Osborne Baid it gave him much pleasure to the present at the gathering and add his welcome to Mr. Bellringer, whom he was particularly glad to have in New Plymouth, is now there might be a chance of having the roads watered, whereby the comfort and peace of mind and body of theoitizens would be greitly promoted. (Much laughter). He heartily wished the Ohurch prosperity. The Circuit Steward gave a statement as to the trust, showing that in repairs to the church and manse there had been expended about £7O during the year. lie stated that the trustees had under consideration the re-roofing and re-seating of the church, and would probably put the work in hand shortly. They had also a scheme of utilising the church property in the Borongh. The Rev. Jas. Ings also made a few remarks, in the course ef which he expressed the pleasure it afforded him to make the acquaintance of Mr, Bellringer. He also wished the church a prosperous year.

The Bev. John Nixon, in thanking all those who had taken part in the gathering, alluded to the unfavourable weather, which some of the friends had thought would justify the meeting being postponed, but he was glad that, as there was such a good attendance, he had decided on holding it. During the eveaing there was soma very pleasing singing, Misses Loveridge and Nichols contributing solos, and the choir two anthems, "Lo! My Shepherd " and " Exalt Him." Thanks to che kindnesß of the ladies of the church, a bountiful supply of enjoyable refreshments was provided, and- helped considerably to the success of what proved to be a moat thoroughly social evening. Before separating, the Doxology was sung, and the Benediction pronounced by Mr, Nixon.