ST. MARY’S CHURCH.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 17944, 1 May 1928, Page 11

ST. MARY’S CHURCH.

CHURCHWARDEN’S REPORT. The following is the report of the Churchwardens to be submitted at the annual meeting of parishioners of St. Mary’s, to-night:—The Churchwardens regret baving to report that the last year ended with a debit: it will be noticed that starting with an actual credit balance of £25 8s lid., we end with an'overdraft of £204 2s lOd, to which must be added £42 6s 6d, being various sums received and held in trust, such as Lenten offerings, Benevolent Fund. etc. Against this must be set cash in, hand £6B 5s 7d, the actual debit being £l7B 3s 9d, The cash offertories show an increase, being £BB2 4s 6d, as against £Bl4 15s 4d last year. The duplex envelope scheme is not so satisfactory, the returns from it having fallen from £1340 7s 6d to £1223 os 7d; the total number of subscribers has fallen from 338 to 305. We trust that many more parishioners will adopt this system of contributing to the c-hurch finances, as it provides the .opportunity of subscribing regularly and systematically for the work of the Church at home and abroad. , The appeal for the Stipend Fund niet with a liberal response, the amount subscribed, £315 6s, being only £3 lls below last year’s figures. Seat rents brought in £46; it is 13 years since it was decided that no more seats should be let, the number of sittings then let being fully 300. Seeing that there aie only now about 55 sittings let the Vestry is of opinion that the time has arrived when seat rents should be abolished, and a proposal to that effect will be submitted to parishioners at the annual meeting; there are only two other churches in the diocese where seat rents are charged. The Parish Hall buildling fund now amounts to £4756, of which £IO6O is outstanding. As a result of the bazaar held last November, £IOOB was paid into the fund by the organiser (Mr VV. D. Revell), which must be regarded as very satisfactory,' and our best thanks are due to all 'who helped in that big effort. The Vestry is of opinion that the building should be commenced at the earliest opportunity; and proposals dealing with same will be submitted to the annual meeting. Consequent upon his appointment as Dean of Christchurch, Archdeacon Julius resigned liis position as Vicar, and on 12th. December, he and Mrs Julius were the guests of a crowded gathering of parishioners who met tri bid them farewell. They wilt long be remembered for their devoted work xn this parish, and they left, carrying with them the best wishes of parishioners for their future welfare. The Rev. H. W. Monaghan, M.A., Vicar of Kawera. whs appointed his successor, ana was Instituted on the sth. January by the Right Reverend the Bishop ot Christchurch; early in the following month, he and Mrs Monaghan received, a most hearty welcome at a social gatli ering in the schoolroom. * IC J V s 1 1 a ! wLSTw lister Janet, to all of wll ?“ h 0" Site-o'f"skter Janet, such devoted service m the parish together with the members of the varSs churchguiids, stipend fund j collectors, and many other workers deserve our warmest tUanus We mui also thank Messrs Turnbull and Rule for their services as advisory Sch£&.\ In ’J C gT gratulate the congregation ot Peter’s .upon having paid off the deb on their schoolroom, and to e *P, r , es hone that all parishioners will-unite in doing tlieir very utmost to c a r U the big task which lies before us during the present year. _