WESLEYAN CHURCH, THORNDON.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3974, 10 December 1873, Page 2

WESLEYAN CHURCH, THORNDON.

FIRST ANNIVERSARY.

The first anniversary of this church wa'B celebrated last evening by a tea and public meeting in the church. The tables were amply provided, and most tastefully decorated with flowers, under the auspices of Mesdumes Tringham. Isaac, Stoddart, Barber, Bowater, Jackson, Kirk, and Miss Cowles. There was a fuir attendance, and ample justice was done to the good things prepared by the ladies. The public meeting was opened by singing, after which the Rev J. S. Smaller offered prayer. The Her Mr Morhj, who occupied the chair, then called upon Mr Watt, the score* tary of the Church Tru'fc, to read the following BEPOBT,

On the occasion of the first anniversary, the trustees beg to submit to the congregation ' and friends the following report : — The church - was opened on December 22, 1872, since which time two services have been conducted every Sabbath, and a week day service on Wednesday evening. Two society classes have also been established. The Sabbath congregation has steadily increased, although ifc still appears small compared with the capacity of the building. The attendance on the weekevening service has been very limited. It is hoped that Ihe coming year will show a marked improvement in this respect. The Sunday offertories have been well sustained, as well as the contributions in the classes. This being the first year of the congregation's history, comparatively little has been done for missions and other connexional funds. While the Sabbath congregations have listened attentively to the Word of Life, there Lave not been those evidences of spiritual life which are seen in the conversion of sinners. The trustees regret that such should be the case, and earnestly entreat that the convincing and converting power of the spirit may be seen among the people. A Sunday school wag started with the year 1873. There are now 93 children on the roll, with ten teachers. The harmonium is ably presided orer by Mr Bowater, who will be glad to welcome a larger number of persons into the choir. It is hoped that others will come forward (o aid in the servioe of song. At the meeting in. March last the accounts had not been settled so that it was impossible to present a com' plete financial statement. The balance sheets I 0W r fc ot all P."*"po3es the sum of £697 17s 7d has been rased, and that a debt of £675 remains on the property. The trusteesbeg most heartily to thank the ladies and gentlemen of the Bazaar Committee, through whose successful effort they were able so materially to reduce the debt. They have also to acknowledge the gift of a handsome communion service by Dr Bennett, a baptis. mal font by Mrs Denton, the pulpit Bible by Mrs Lewis, and hymn book by Mrs Buddie They are likewise itdebted to some unknown friend for a handsome clock. In conclusion, he truetees would urge upon all the ro embers of the church and congregation the importance of personal consecration to God's service and more earnestness in Christian toil. They pray that Q-od would pour oat His Spirit, ana rauke thw church the birthplaoe of many

Earnest and practioal addresses were delivered by Eevs Richardson, Moir, DeanLaw, Smalley, and Mr Woodward, After votes of thanks to the ladies and gentlemen who had addressed the meiting, the prooeedings were closed with tbe Doxolo»v.