Anniversary Social.

Thames Star, Volume XXX, Issue 9113, 6 July 1898, Page 4

Anniversary Social.

The annual social celebrating the anniversary of the Baptist and Congregational Churches was held last evening, and proved most successful, being very largely attended. Rev, W. R. Woolley welcomed the large number of friend? from other congregations who had come to show their sympathy with his people and himself, He stated that no formal report would be presented, and it therefore devolved upon him to briefly state the few special features that had characterised ihe year's work. The hand of death had unfortunately fallen heavily upon them, removing in quick succession Mr Thos, Doidge, Miss Whitehead, both members of th» Baptist Church, and Master W. Wood, one of their Sunday School scholars. Although there had been no additions to the church by baptism, he rejoiced to know that there had been conversions, and he believed that others were on the verge of decision for Christ. The ordinary expenses of the year had been met by voluntary offerings, but there was nevertheless a debit balance. Outside interests had sot been neglected, for upwards of £50 had been raised for the work of Foreign and Home Missions. The Y.P.SC.E. had gone on quietly and successfully. Perhaps the most interesting feature of the year's work w%B that carried on among the Chinese. This had been most encouraging to him, and be paid a warm tribute of- praise to the devotedness of the teachers engaged in this work. He also tendered the thanks of the officers and members to the choir, whose services were valued and appreciated. The Treasurer's report showed that the total receipts were £320 9s 6d, the main item being proceeds of collections, £224 148 6d. The expenditure (including £53 Us for missions) totalled £330 7s 6d, leaving a debit balance of £9 18s.

Anthem. " Arise and Shine," choir.

Ensign Dixon (S.A.) tendered his good wishes to the pastor and congregation, and rejoiced in the evident spirit of unity prevailing. Solo, 'The Holy Shrine," Miss Williams.

The next speaker was Rev J, Mackenzie, MA,, who chose as his subject " Progress,*' as conditioned by regard for lessons ot the past and reverence for the past. The present was an age when " Progress was in the air." He deemed this a good sign because it showed a belief iii God. Unfortunately " movement" was often mistaken for "progress." The truest progress was based upon the old principles; it mattered not whether it were in education or in church work, it was necessary only to adapt old principles to modern needs, so he besought bis auditors they kept fast hold upon the fundamental doctrines of the faith, they mußt be ready to receive new light whenever it was presented to them.

An apology was received from Rev, S. J. Serpelt

Duet : Ora pro nobis," Misses Gribble and Creamer.

Eev. F. W. Boys, expressed his great pleasure at being present on such an occasion when the inherent unity of the Christian church was so apparent. He did not wish for uniformity. He thought it would be an intolerable burden, but he did want to see a growth of the spirit of unity in the bond of peace. Mr William Wing testified to the gratitude of his Chinese brethren to the teachers of the Chinese class. They were very grateful iadeed. He was then joined by Mr Charlie Chuck, and the two sang " Jesus, Lover of My Soul," ie remarkably good English.

Rev, A. H. Collins, who was very warmly welcamed, expressed his indebtedness to the Church at being privileged to take part in a very interestingseriesof meetings lie was not depressed by the statement that this year had presented no startling feature but had been one of steady and quiet progress. The mightiest forces of nature were silent in their operations, and the speaker would have pastor and people take encouragement from that fact. Mr Collins passed on to congratulate church and pastor on the near completion of Mr Woolley's fifteenth year of service on the Thames and then briefly spoke about the opportunity of the free Churches to serve the cause of God in this colony. The value of this work was so great that he felt it his duty as a. comparative stranger to urge upon all present present, and especially the young men and women, to throw in their lot definitely and heartily with some branch of the Christian Church that they might have their share in bring ing the world to the feet of Christ. Anthem, " Honor and Glory," choir.

During the evening refreshments werehanded round, and the proceedings were of a most enjoyable nature.