Presbyterian Church, Timaru.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6703, 16 November 1889, Page 4

Presbyterian Church, Timaru.

ANNUAL MEETING. The twenty - fourth annual business meeting of the congregation of this church waß held on Wednesday evening, the Rev W. Gillies presiding. There was but a small attendance, owing to heavy rain falling. The usual reports were cheerful in tone, the Deacons' and Treasurer's even jubilant, Bhowing that in spite of the loss of many liberal supporters of the church during the year, and in spite of the depression, the income had been JBIIOO odd, or J675 more than the previous year. Expenses had been somewhat reduced, and .£3OO had been paid off the mortgage debt. In view of all the circumstances, and though starting with a debit of .£23, they looked forward to a prosperous present year. The changes to which the congregation has been subject, received special mention. During the year 55 names had been removed from the roll through the " exodus," and 28 new one 3 added, leaving a loss of 27 for the year. There are now 302 on tbe roll. During the fifteen years which Mr Gillies has been in charge, the congregation has changed olmoat three times over. Of those who were members fifteen years ago, only 33 remain ; during that time 659 had been enrolled, and only 269 of these remain. This feature of change, the pastor remarked, was one of the greatest drawbacks to Church work in the Colonies, as it disturbed working organisations bo much. It was, however, no use lamenting it ; they must simply make the best of it. The report on the Sunday schools was considered very satisfactory. The Presbyterian teachers of Timaruand the neighbourhood have formed a union, comprising the town and suburban echools, and those at Washdyke, Wai-iti, Kingsdown and Upper Otaio. The report dealt with the whole, except Wai-iti, from which the returns were not in. . The aggregate number of scholars on the roll was 482, average attendance 407, teaching staff 52. The pastor thanked other members of the Presbytery for the assistance rendered during his three months' illness, and the congregation for the sympathy shown him during his enforced retirement from active work.