PARISHIONERS MEET

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 115, 18 May 1939, Page 12

PARISHIONERS MEET

W ANGANUI DISTRICT. SATISFACTORY YEAR. The annual meeting of parishioners in the Wanganui Ptyochial District was held al St. Barnabas’ Church, Durie Hill, the vicar, Rev. W. M. Smallfield, presiding. There was a good attendance, representatives coming from Mangamahu, Matarawa, Wangaehu and Upokongaro. The statement of accounts disclosed that the year had been a satisfactory one. All missionary quotas had been filled, the parish buildings maintained, and a credit balance shown after every liability had been met. The vicar congratulated the churchwardens for this splendid slate of affairs. There had been an increase this year in the offertories at St. Barnabas’ Church of 20 per cent, and attendances were most encouraging. The vicar spoke appreciatively of the great help the choir had received from the organist, Mrs. W. J. Gillies, and the choirmaster, Mr. O. Kitson. The choir was now fully robed and had been of tremendous help in building up the standard of our services. Improvements had been carried out to the Church of St. Mary Magdalene, Fordell. The building had been renovated and painted, concrete paths laid down, a notice board erected and soon a start will be made on laying out the grounds and installing electric light and heat. Several gifts had been, made to the church during the year, including a psalm and hymn board, altar cross, etc., and these were much appreciated. The vicar appointed Mr. A. Selwyn Dymock as his warden and thanked him for his generous help and advice throughout the past year. Mr. J. B. Powle was elected people's warden. The following were elected to the vestry: Messrs. J. Wyley, T. W. Lonsdale, H. Anderson. F. W. Behrent, J. Burtt, K. Burtt. F. Jannings, L. Horrocks and W. J. Gillies. Mr. Arthur Silcock was re-elected auditor. There are four churches in the parish and ten centres where services are held. There are three Sundayschools in a very flourishing state and those children who are unable to attend because of distance are taught by correspondence. The evening was brought to a close by the serving of a dainty supper by the ladies.