PARISH OF CHRIST CHURCH; SUCCESSFUL PAST YEAR REVIEWED

Wanganui Chronicle, 5 May 1950, Page 6

PARISH OF CHRIST CHURCH; SUCCESSFUL PAST YEAR REVIEWED

Progress in a wide field of church activity was reviewed b ythe Rev. J. R. L. Higgs, Vicar, of Christ Church, at the annual meeting of parishioners held on Wednesday night. The 10,222 acts of Communion represented an increase of 400 on last year and would probably be the highest for the diocese, Mr. Higgs said. Dealing with the various church organisations he said that in the seven Sunday schools of the parish there were 400 children while Bible class members numbered 78. There was a membership of 18S in the Mothers' Union, while that of the Church of England Men’s Society stood at 60. Extensive repairs and renovations had been done to the five churches, live halls, two vicarages and one school maintained by the parish. The addition of a “children’s corner" to Christ Church had been of inestimable value, and was due to the enthusiasm of Mrs. H. D. Robertson. Referring to the preparatory school, Mr. Higgs said thaj it had enjoyed a year of success and progress. The roll numbered 70 and there was a staff of four.

An amount of £325 had been raised for the missionary quota last year, this being the second highest in the diocese. S'ixty-eight people had been confirmed, including eight adults. In view of the successful Work by the people of All Saints’ Church, Wanganui East, tlie vestry had recommended that All Saints' become a separate parochial district in this synod, Mr. Higgs told the meeting. He gave warm commendation to the work of the Rev. F. Keay, priest in charge, and to that of the Rev. P. E. Sutton, who leaves for England shortly. HOME FOR THE AGED. Referring to the proposed purchase of “Hikurangi” as a home for aged people, Mr. Higgs said an appeal had been made to the citizens of Wanganui and the fund raised would receive a Government subsidy. “I don’t think the parish will ever have as great an opportunity for social service as this, and while not making a direct call on parishioners, I do commend it to your very earnest consideration, and I am sure most of you will wish to be associated in the financing of this very necessary project,” said Mr. Higgs. The balance-sheet as presented by the treasurer, Mr. W. J. Gilbert, revealed a satisfactory position. As there were only sufficient nominations for members required for the vestry and other officers, the following were elected: — Synodsmen, Messrs. P. Mepham and C. P. Brown; vicar’s warden, Mr. C. P. Brown; people's warden, Mr. C. S. Swan; vestry, Mrs. H. D. Robertson and Messrs J. A. Jull, P. Mepham, W. J. Gilbert, G. F. Payne, K. O. Parnell, R. G. Taiboys, K. H. Readman, V. D. O'Halloran and F. O. Rule.