METHODIST CHURCH.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXVIX, Issue 8134, 8 May 1906, Page 5

METHODIST CHURCH.

ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING.

WELCOME TO REV. J. N. BUTTLE. Tbe annual congregational meeting in connection with the anniversary of the Masterton Methodist Church was heid last evening. The occasion was ni3o taken to welcome the Rev. J. N. Buttle to Masterton. Mr Audrow Donald presided, and there was a large congregation. The Chairman, in a tew opening remarks, expressed a hope that Mr ButMe'a ministry in Masterton would be a successful one. He took the opportunity of thanking the members of the congregation who had worked so hard in the interests of the church during the past year. The annual report was submitted by Mr F. W. Temple, Secretary of tbe Churoh Trust. The report stated, inter alia, that under the guidance of the Rev. D. J. Murray much good work had been done in the church. The attendance at public worship, especially at the morniug services, had largely-increased during the year, and the usual "little talk" to the children was much appreciated. After four years work in Master- . ton the Rev. D. J. Murray hßd accepted an invitation to the Mornington circuit.. The invitation had been ratified by the Conference, and Oil April 9th the Churoh had said farewell to Mr and Mrs Murray. At the September quarterly meeting an invitation had been exteuded to the Rev. J. N. Buttle, a former Superintendent of the Masterton circuit, to succeed Mr Murray. Tne invitation had boon accepted, and that night thoy were delighted to welcome Mr Buttle back to Masterton after hu absence of eighteen years, and they believed that his labours in Masterton would be appreciated not only in the church but to the benefit of th 9 ecinmunity. During the year the attendance at both the Masterton and KuriDuni Sunday Schools had largely increased, and the teachers were to be congratulated. The young people's classes, under Messrs 0. Pragnell and A. Donald, and the Christian I Endeavour Society were also men- , tioned as being in a flourishing condition. Regular services were still ' being held at Wangaehu, Kangitumau, Taueru and Kuripuni, and the local preachers were still doing good work. During tbe yeur the church lost the services of Mr Baillie, ■ choirmaster, and Mr Ralph wat> appointed to fill the vacancy. The Trustees wore very grateful to Mr Ralph, conductor, Mr Inue, organist, and the members of the choir for their services and also to the Ladies' Guild and Mr Z. M. Hoar for his gift of a christening font. The Trust's balance sheet sfor the past year showed the receipts to have been £lO5 9s Id. The expenses with last year's debit (£lOl 10; . c 'd) amounted to £278 la 9d, leaving u debit balance of £172 12s Bd. A number of improvements had been carried out at tbe parsonage. The total indebtedness of the church now stood at £235. In conclusion, the report thanked all who had worked in connection with tbe church, and trusted that the church might still prosper. Mr Temple moved the adoption of tbe report, and Mr J. ileyhoe seconded. The latter, on behalf uf the Sunday School, extended a heaity welcome to Mr 'ind Mrs Buttle and family. The Rev. A. M. Johnson, on behalf of the Church of Gugland, welcomed Mr Buttle to Masterton, and congratulated the members ot the congregation on securing Mr Buttle as their pastor. He hoped that both churches would work well together. He hoped that Mr Buttle's career in Masterton would be one of the bright spots in his life. Messrs F. T. Redman, on behalf of the local preachers of the WeeJeyan Church, K. Burton, on behalf of the Kuripuni Sunday School, ani K. Ashton, representing the Presbyterian Church, welcdnsed Mr Buttle to Masterton, and expressed the hope that his sojourn would be a successful one.

Mr 0. E. Dnniell, speaking on behalf of the Circuit, congratulated the congregation ou the successful work of the past year. Ho also extended a warm welcome to Mr Buttle, Mr Buttle, in replying, thanked the speakers for their laud words of welcome. He appreciated their sentimeuta, and took it that the congregation would assist him in carrying oat bis work ia Masterfcoa. He specially thanked Mr Asfcton and the Rev. Johnson for their remarks, and stated that "ho was tb9 friend of all and the enemy of none," He expressed delight at the clear and concise report on the work of the ohuruh during the peat year. He had oome to Mastertou with the sincere desire to extend the welfare of his church and congregation. He would always try to do his best. He had been with them on the occasion of their last anniversary services, and had been impressed with the large number of young men and women that attended church in Masterton At the church he was at in New Plymouth the congregation, consisted largely of elderly persons. His work would be with his congregation, and as far as he was able, he would allow nothing to interfere with his duties. Outside of his church duties ho wished to take an interest in public affaire. He had only been, iu Masterton four Sundays, and ho had already had evidences of the kindly feeling* of the people, and it would be his duty to reciprooate those feelings. In conclusion, he again thanked the congregation for their welcome, and hoped to have a prosperous time m Masterton. During the,evening songs were rendered by Messrs 3. R. Rqlph, E. J. Chilton, and J. B. Niool, and an anthem was given by the choir. Mr T. Rodgers gave a cornet solo. An adjournment made s to the Sunday School room, where refreshments were handed around by , the ladies.