ANGLICAN AFFAIRS.

Waikato Times, Volume 113, Issue 18930, 27 April 1933, Page 8

ANGLICAN AFFAIRS.

CLAUDELANDS PROGRESS.

INOREASED ATTENDANCE, ! —i SEPARATE CHARGE A SUCCESS. Striking progress since the district was granted autonomy was revealed at the annual meeting of parishioners of St. Aldan’s Anglican Church Hall, Claudelands, last evening. The Rev. W. M. Smallfleld presided over an attendance of about 50. A letter was read from the Bishop of Waikato congratulating the district on Its progress under separate management. “I am looking forward to .the day when my hopes will be fulfilled and a third parochial district will be soundly and solidly established in Hamilton," added His Lordship. The committee, in its report, stated that the most important event of the year was the formation of a conventional district at Claudelands and the appointment of the Rev. W. M. Smallfleld as priest in charge. Prior to the change being made the committee appealed to- the parishioners to subscribe £IOO as a reserve' fund. The response was very gratifying, and £lO6 was collected, including £27 'Subscribed by the ladies’ guild. Of this amount £92 was still intact. Since the district was formed on January 1 last the committee had trebled its obligations, and had been able to meet all commitments. The year concluded with a small credit balance besides the reserve fund referred to. The sum of £129 12s was collected in offertories and £142 in donations, a total of £271. Attendances at services had increased, and on Easter Sunday there were 365 present at the ’ five services held, including 217 communicants. The success achieved was largely due to the influence cf Mr Smallfleld. Increased attendances at the Sunday school and Bible classes were also reported. There 'had been an improvement in the membership of the choir. Useful service had been rendered by the ladles’, guild. Thanks were expressed to Miss L. Valder and IMrs J. C. Stubbs, who had aoted as organists, the lay-readers and Sunday school teachers, Mr G. C. Morris,, the ohoirmaster, and to Mrs W. SoottBaker, Mrs H. Livingstone, the donors ♦of furniture and to Misses Ward and Speight, who cared for the altar flowers. In a brief report covering his period as priest-in-charge Mr Smallfleld expressed thanks to the various church organisations and helpers, and referred gratifyingly to the increased attendances. Mr E. A. Butt, lay superintendent of the Sunday School, reported that the attendance had increased by 20 per cent, during the year, and that children were attending with greater regularity than previously. Election of Officers. The following officers were elected: Vicar's warden, Mr F. B. Hall; people’s warden, Mr H. M. Baker; committee, Messrs E. V. Stace, W. H. Blakeway, E. A. Butt, G. G. Morris, J. I. Paterson, H. N. Hallett, R. H. Shannon. E. Wilkins, F. C. Lamprell, E. P. J. Trevena, E. Clarke and' J. C. Stubbs. The financial statement disclosed a credit balance of £94 16s 6d. The chief items on the receipts side were: Special offertories, £22 10s 3d; general offertories, £129 12s 2d; donations, £SO Os 6d; Sunday School collections, £7 8s 7d; building fund, £34 6s 2d. The general offertory had increased during the year by £56. Messrs Baker and Hall pointed out that one-third- of the Chapter’s receipts were expected to come from Claudelands. Under these circumstances it was considered only fair that Claudelands should obtain a share of .the Chapter’s income from endowments.

Future of Church Hall.

Mr Smallfleld stated that there was a desire among some parishioners for tile church hall to be dedicated. If it was dedicated it could be used only for divine purposes. He brought forward the matter merely to get the opinion of the meeting. Several speakers expressed the opinion that while most parishioners would like to have the church dedicated, it would be a mistake to attempt it until the district was better established. If the hall were dedicated a substantial source of revenue would be lost. After a full discussion the general feeling was that the time was not ripe for dedicating the hall, and the matter was deferred. Mr Blakeway congratulated Mr Smallfleld on the results attained since his regime started, and assured him of the parishioners’ complete confidence and support. Mr J. T. Reid, representing the Cathedral Chapter, complimented the district and parishioners on their fine achievement over the last three months. The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the secretary (Mr E. A. Butt). HAMILTON EAST. YEAR’S WORK REVIEWED. LIABILITIES REDUCED. There was a good attendance at the annual meeting of Hamilton East Anglican parishioners in the church hall last evening. The Bishop of Waikato presided. In its sixth annual report the committee stated that owing to economic conditions the progress made was not as good as in previous years. The falling off in attendances was due largely to lack of clergy to administer the district. The activities of the Ladies’ Guild had resulted in nearly £3O being raised. All the collections amounting to £l9 14s 6d less £1 3s for lighting had been handed to the Cathedral Chapter. Liabilities had been reduced during the year, £2O having been paid off the mortgage on the hall, which now stood at £250. The excess of assets over liabilities was £597 2s lid but no allowance had been made for depreciation of the building. The Sunday School was still doing good work under the capable control of Mrs. Ritchie assisted by the Rev. F. 0. Dawson and the Misses Forster, Williams and Tiscli. The committee concluded by expressing appreciation to the clergy, lay readers and ladies who had provided music.

Bishop’s Congratulations. In congratulating the committee on the position, the Bishop stated that lie would like the district to aim at giving at least. £3O per annum towards (he Chapter funds. He eulogised the work of ihc Ladies’ Guild. , ; It was decided to hold card evenings every fortnight during the winter months, and the formation of a young people's club was mooted. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year:—People’s warden, Major. It. G. V. Parker; committee, Messrs. J. 11. Edgeeumbe, E. M. Masters, S. Lorimer, J. Morley, G, Hope, S. Ilewetson.