CATHEDRAL CHAPTER.

Waikato Times, Volume 103, Issue 17384, 21 April 1928, Page 11

CATHEDRAL CHAPTER.

ANNUAL MEETING. GOOD FINANCIAL POSITION. The annual report of the Cathedral Chapter of the Cathedral district of Hamilton, which will be submitted at the annual meeting of parishioners in the Parish Hall on Monday, strikes an optimistic note for the activities of the coming year. The report says:— The outstanding incident at the outset was the surrender of the reins of office by the venerable Archdeacon E. M. Cowie, after a tenure of 18 years. He saw great developments in the parish. The dean came into office at the end of June, and found the Revs. S. R. Wareing, M.A., and H. G. Sell, L.Th., hard at work in their respective spheres. Mr Wareing left at the end of 1927, and his place was taken by the Rev. J. Rich, 8.A., from Whangarei. who was settling down to work chiefly in Claudclands and the out districts.

It was always tempting to quote figures in these reports, and perhaps it was well to do so here, 'because of a certain misapprehension concerning the position, continues the report. During the year GSOO Communions were made at the Cathedral alone, and another 2200 in the subdistricts; 48 were baptised, 70 confirmed, 25 married, 22 buried.

Finances.' The finances were quite cheerful; nearly £4OO 'had been paid in additional stipends. Certainly both collections and subscriptions showed a falling off from what might be described as the "peak" year—the year of preparation for the coming consecration and early work of the Bishop. The incoming Chapter would need to organise the finances thoroughly if the work was not to be hindered. The choir had continued to render enthusiastic, devotional and efficient service under the baton of Mr J. K. Page; mention should also be made of tiie capable and sympathetic work done by Mr Sims at the organ. Mrs E. Stace had always been most willing to give her assistance as deputy organist. A Confirmation was held In the Cathedral at the end of July, when 70 young people were presented. • The Sunday school continued to work under difficulties, which were being gradually surmounted. Mrs Maning ami her helpers had done excellent work in the infant department. A tribute must be paid to the quiet, good work effected by Mr G. Bindon in the Boys' Bible Class. They were sorry not to have his help this year. Mrs Money was making headway with the girls' class. The Women's Sewing Guild had had another excellent season, and had reached its goal in providing over £BOO to place in position a line east end window. Mrs Curling had again demonstrated her ability as secretary, it was desired to thank the Embroidery Guild, under Mrs Foster, for the valuable additions contributed to the Cathedral furnishings. The missionary organisation was still evolving. The great work was to provide the missions' quota of £134 by June 30. Just before the end of 1927 a 'branch of the Mothers' Union was formed in the parish. Though as yet it has not made much headway, yet since the inspiring visit of Miss Griflln, of Auckland, they were confident the union would prove a tower of strength in the parish. ' , Regular weekly visiting at the Waikato Hospital had been carried on, and since December a Sunday evening service at 6 o'clock had been provided. Those who helped to brighten these services by coming to lead the singing were thanked in the report. Monthly Parish Leaflet, A new venture this year had been the monthly Parish Leaflet. This was greatly appreciated, it was understood, but unless parishioners showed their appreciation in a practical way by contributing towards the cost, the Chapter might not continue to finance it. The Girl Cuidcs, under the raptaincv of Mrs Seddon, had had a most successful year. Thanks were due to Mrs Seddon for her excellent and sound leadership. The social side of church work had been confined to the young people. St. Peter's Club had bad another very successful season, and provided the means for securing a pair of silvermounted cruets for use at the Holy Communion. The St. Peter's Tennis Club had had a most excellent season though badly handicapped in being forced to pay £6O each year in rent and rates..

The Out Districts. Claudelands had developed very satisfactorily during the year—both in congregations and collections. The Women's Guild had again done excellent work. Boys' and girls' Bible classes were in full swing. The Sunday school continued to develop under the care of Mr E. Stace. Mr Rich had recently formed a troop of Boy Scouts, which promised to be most popular and successful. The furnishings of the hall were ever being added to. Mr F. Hall made and presented a handsome set in brass of a cross and two candlesticks, while the Sunday school had presented a solid silver chalice, paten, and glass cruets. Gordonton was in a position to put in hand the building of its church so soon as parishioners could agree concerning the site. Congregations here and at Piako Road continued to be satis factory. They had still to develop Horsham Downs and Puketaha. Hamilton East had done very well under the care of Mr Sell. A congregation was being gathered, a Sunday school developed, and a Women s Guild had done excellent work. Ilicsc, together with the Men's Committee had raised over £220 since May. A site had been secured at the corner of Cambridge Road and Nixon Strtst, and it was trusted that soon a church hall might be erected. A solid chalice and pafen, with a set of altar linen had been presented for their use. Matangi was pushing on with < church building fund, and a Uve guild was working, well. At News lead work had been opened up, and a Women's Guild had been formed. • To Rapa continued to be a strong church centre. Mr Innes-Jones and Miss Norrfr were both faithful in thenwork among the children Finally, to one and all who had worked for the od , Kingdom in the pans* grateful . h , ul ks of the Chapter were reaJ > civen and it was hoped that the coming yea? would see a strong forward move in every direction. The statement of receipts and expenditure showed a bank balance of £52 8s sd, as compared With £BO 5s dfo last year. Cathedral offer ones during the year Waited £947 U. ™ other offertories, £552 17s Sd, ana rents and sundries brought m £214 i3s lQd. __ ' ___,__