PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16543, 29 September 1921, Page 8

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

ANNUAL MEETING OF ST ANDREWS. The annual meeting of St Andrew s Presbyterian Church was held last night in the schoolroom, the llev Norman Webster presiding over a very large gathering of members. The building was beautifully decorated with spring blooms, palms and Japanese maples, and supper tables with dainty vases of flowers were placed about the hall. The proceedings were much less formal than usual, and after the business had been disposed of a musical evening was followed by supper. The annual report referred to the induction of the Kev N. L. D. I\ebster, as minister, in succession to the Rev R. M. Ryburn, and eulogised the work cf Mr Ryburn in the charge. The report added that during the year 45 members had joined the church. There had been 46 names removed from the roll by disjunction, quite a’ number having joined the Spreydon Church. The present, membership was 461, including those on the supplementary roll. The Sunday school report stated that there were 50 girls and 49 boys in the main school, and 12 girls and 15 boys in the infant department, a total of 126, with an average attendance of 88. Satisfactory reports were received from the senior Rible classes, the ladies’ guild, the 44 Busy Bees,’’ the Presbyterian Women’s Missionary Union, and the Young People’s Society. Financially, the report stated, the church was £3OO behind, and although the future finance was assured the congregation would be obliged, by wav of special collections, to find £3OO to meet immediate liabilities. Mr Webster spoke appreciatively of the good work that- was being done in the various branches of the church’s activities, and referred specially to the work of the organist and choirmaster (Mr R. K. Lake) and the choir. Ho said that he and Mrs Webster were very happy at St Andrew’s, where they hoped to remain for many years to come. By a very majority the meeting massed a motion recommending the Deacons’ Court to appoint a deaconess in succession to Sister Miriam, who had resigned after thirteen years’ work at St Andrew’s. It was also resolved to make a special collection to clear the church of the present debt of £3OO. The honorary treasurer (Mr C. Ogilvie) stated that once clear of debt the future finance was assured, as there had been £p wonderful increase In the collections since the arrival of Mr Webster. Special reference was made to the active work of the church among young people, and to the fact that the senior Bible classes were sending out leaders, jwhile two of the members intended to enter the ministry. A most enjoyable musical programme was given by the Misses Noeline and Melva Bruce, Miss Sinclair and Messrs Leslie Flemming. W. M’Kay, Winston Charters, Stevens and T. M. J Charters, Mr R. E. Lake playing the accompaniments. The performers were specially thanked on the motion of Mr J. Frame. u For They Are Jolly Good Fellows" was sung as an accompaniment to a vote of appreciation of the good work accomplished bv Mr and Mrs .Webster since their arrival. The motion was put by Mr J. Frame, who expressed the hope that Mr Webster would long be spared to op in and out among the rvepplo for their spiritual welfare. Mr Webster, in said that he sincerely hoped Mr Frame’s good wishes would come true.