CHALMERS CHURCH

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19673, 15 December 1933, Page 7

CHALMERS CHURCH

ANNUAL MEETING OF CONGREGATION routine business The annual congregational meeting of Chalmers Church was held last night. The Rev. E. Llywelyn Williams Pl ln'opening the meeting, Mr Williams explained that, as many members of the congregation were desirous of attending the annual break-up function of the Timaru Boys’ High School, it had been decided to transact only routine business and to hold over discussion on general matters to a later meeting. The congregational meeting had been arranged before it was known that the High School function was to be held on the same night.

Annual Reports. The Session, in presenting its thirtyfirst annual report, expressed thanks to the earnest band of workers whose untiring eSorts had enabled the work of the many organisations to be successfully carried out. Further opportunity was taken of acknowledging the work of the Rev. P. Gladstone Hughes, whose resignation after 12 years ministry had been received with deep regret. The call to the new minister, the Rev. E. Llywelyn Williams, 8.A., of New York, had not only been unanimous but also very enthusiastic. There had been no changes in the staff during the year. The Sunday services had been fairly well attended, and on occasions there had been crowded congregations. The two Sunday Schools had carried on their work quietly and satisfactorily. The teachers felt that the number of children on the rolls was not so large as the congregation warranted and bespoke the help of parents in this connection. The Bible Class movement had become firmly established, there being now three girls and three boys’ classes, all under capable leadership. The success of the w r ork of the choir was best judged by the congregation, who had expressed appreciation of the musical portion of the services. The Chalmers Girls' Club, with a membership of approximately 40, and the Ladies’ Guild had experienced successful seasons, both socially and in the general work of the Church affecting their respective spheres. The Chalmers P.W.M.U. had done conscientious work. The membership roll was 80, though about 200 women attended social gatherings and gave to missionary objects. Three new Elders were ordained during the year: Messrs W. J. Smith, R. W. Wishart and J. R. Home. They regretted the loss by death of one of their oldest elders, Mr D. Shaw, and placed on record their appreciation of his services for Chalmers.

The Church roll, after careful revision and purging, showed 724 members, and the attendances at the quarterly Communion services were: December, 416; March, 475; June, 486; September, 435. The Session expressed its sincere sympathy with all those members who had suffered sickness and bereavement during the year.

Deacon's Court. The annual report of the Deacons’ Court stated that the Court had been profoundly affected by the departure ol Mr Hughes, who had given of his best for the welfare of the Church. The Court joined with the congregation in extending a welcome to the new Minister, Mr Williams. The past year had shown only a slight falling-ofi in ordinary revenue, but a comparatively greater falling-off in receipts for General Assembly schemes. It was to be noted that in a church as elsewhere, the problem of fixed costs was a difficult one and it was usually found impracticable to effect major economies without spreading these over a period of years. The committee and likewise the Court, were of the opinion that the problem of income and expenditure could and would be solved when Church attendances became adequate and systematic; there were not wanting signs that this improvement was at hand. The Church was fortunate during the year in receiving the benefit of a bequest of £3OO from the late Hugh Stewart; this was mentioned in la: t annual report, but it was only this year that the amount became available, with interest. In addition Mrs G. R. Joyce handed over to the Court a sum of £IOO, the interest from which was to be devoted to General Assembly schemes. Appreciation was expressed of the spirit which actuated these generous donors. The outlay on Church property had this year been somewhat less than usual, owing to no considerable repairs or renovations proving necessary. The Court placed on record its appreciation of the services of the women of the congregation, of the auditors, and of all voluntary workers in the interests of the purely business side of Church activities.

In the motion of Mr W. Nicol, seconded by Mr T. Charteris, the annual reports were adopted. Mr W. Gibb moved a comprehensive vote of thanks to all Church workers. All of them had m ,de sacrifices in varying degrees in the interests of the Church, but they were sacrifices that brought their own reward. To the Minister down to the lowest officer, the congregation owed its best thanks. The motion was carried by acclamation. Mr Williams reported that at the last quarterly communion service there had been 569 communicants, a record for Chalmers Church. He expressed his appr: nation of the fine response.