ST. MATTHEW’S PARISH

Wairarapa Age, 15 April 1932, Page 5

ST. MATTHEW’S PARISH

REVIEW OF THE YEAR’S WORK. VICAR’S REPORT. REAL PROGRESS RECORDED. “The year that has just ended has been one of happy and devoted service,” states the Vicar of St. Matthew’s Parish, the Rev. E. J. Rich, in his annual report. “All the various branches of our Church’s work have been well maintained, and there has been increased interest and real progress in that spiritual work for which our Church exists. A general survey of the work of the last year can but fill one with thankfulness to Almighty God, that, in spite of the stress and difficulties of the times, there has -been so much accomplished, and that more people are co-operating to make our Church and parish a real centre of spiritual power. “The Services.—On special occasions the seating accommodation at St. Matthew’s has been taxed to the utmost, and the average attendance has shown a most encouraging increase. The high standard set by the choir has been more than maintained, and their work, and that of the organists at all centres has been appreciated by parishioners. The increase in the attendances at Taueru has been most encouraging. The number of Acts of Communion made in the parish was 4751, an increase of 451 over the previous year. “Kuripuni.—Real progress has been made also at this end of the parish. All the various activities connected with the Church of the Epiphany have been well maintained. During the vear a week of special services and social functions was organised to mark the twentieth anniversary of the Church.. This was not only a very happy, but also a most inspiring occasion, and the visit of the Rev. Canon H. Watson for the celebrations, together with former parishioners and workers, was appreciated iby all. YOUNG PEOPLE’S WORK. “It is pleasing to -be able to report further progress in this important department. The increased membership of the Sunday Schools is a most hopeful sign for the future. The Bible Class continues to flourish, and th» work done by all the branches of the Scout movement is in a healthy state. Full advantage has been taken of the opportunity afforded the clergy of giving Scripture lessons in the Masterton schools. Statistics: During the year there have been 92 baptisms, 18 weddings and 47 burials. Forty-nine candidates were presented for Confirmation. church workers. “The Rev. E. McLevie has rendered continued faithful service to the parish, and the lay readers have given ready help. The church wardens and vestryhave given of their -best for the furtherance of the Church’s work. The Ladies’ Guild has been a tower of strength, so, too, has the Girls’ Club. All these, together with the C.ELM.B., the envelope secretary, Altar Flowers Guild, altar servers, Bell-ringers’ Guild magazine secretary and Missionary Fellowship, collectors for Sedgley, Sunday School workers, those who care for the altar linen, chapel flowers, chancel, baptistry, and country churches, and our faithful verger, have rendered service that has ‘been of the utmost value in helping on God’s work. While we have such a splendid -band of workers we need have no fears of the future.

Conclusion.—Amid the stress and chaos of times like these, the Church has a great part to play. Leading men in every nation have stressed the crying need for a great spiritual revival. Our world will never be right until it is right with God. Signs are not wanting that, with the continued loyal and whole-hearted support of you all, our " parish will have a worthy share in strengthening those spiritual forces which can uplift and inspire human-

CHURCHWARDENS’ report Tke churchwardens, Dr. Archer Hosn*ng and Mr. J. Ninnes, reported that the amount received in annual subscriptions wa, about £BO less than last year. The debt on the three accounts which aealt with , parish expenses was £56 higher than a year ago, but special funds had increased by £163, so actually the financial position of the parish was better by £lO7 than a year P age. In spite of the fact that extra subscribers were obtained the parish m-c;. zine was not yet self-supporting. The choir had a difficult year but the high Si paBt bad been tamed. The departure of Mrs. Rosewaime was a great loss. After the death of Mr. H. F. Green, who had taken up the work of choir-master, Mr. ~.a nn had Slnce earned out Mel aS 11 ?! 8 a ? d had won the eonfidaHke Th? vl 3nd coa S r ‘’ga’-ion Mrs F T T h V holr 8 T rk and lhat of Mrs. F. J Hunn at the organ wag antoeth« n by 6 p <>Ver flo ° was adde d vear ® e F airB Fund during the year Referring to the improvement in th© Parish Hall Account, the report ?v a r e 8 that -K t ? e J‘ adies ’ Guild w as ma n- > f for that an d ‘he Girls’ Uut> had also been of material assistance. The Tennis Club had had a splendid year and the whole sum necifsary for the new psalters was given by parishioners. The Kuripuni Clergy House Fund now stood at £3OO. Thanks were accorded to all helpers. The total debt on current accounts was £358, The result of the year’s activities was most encouraging. Sincere appreciation is expressed to the Vicar an ! Mrs. Rich of the way in which they had carried out their duties.