Waipukurau.

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume V, Issue 5, 1 November 1914, Page 59

Waipukurau.

Vicar: Rev. A. W. G. Stace. Since our last notes m the " Gazette " we' had a, most helpful visit from the Bishop of the Diocese. His Xdrdship preached at both services at S. Mary's Church, and was much appreciated. At the evening service the Vicar presented twenty-three candi-

dates who : received at the Bishop's hands' the sacred rite of Confirmation. At a meeting of the Vestry, held on September 2nd, it was decided to ask all Church members to contribute to a stated sum per quarter or year, and thus place the financial position of the Church on a satisfactory basis. It is pleasing to note an increase m the number of communicants, especially those attending the early Celebration. Deaconess Esther Brand paid us a visit on September 24th, and . was present at our usual monith,y meeting of our Mothers' Union. The L/itajny was said m S. Mary's Church at 2.30, conducted by the Vicar ; Afterwards we adjourned to S. Andrew's Sunday School, (our own Schoolroom being engaged) where Deaconess Brand gave us a most interesting address which was greatly appreciated by all present. hhe briefly sketched the history of the Order of Deaconesses, how it was proved a part of the organisation pi' the Church m early. Christian day£, commencing with Phoebe the Deaconess (Riom. xvi. I) how the Order fell into disuse m hard and troublous times, how it was revived m England m the Diocese of London m 1862. She also laid great stress on the fact that 'besides opening a refuge for those who had already fallen m sin, there was much preventive work, to . be done, m this all could help by furthering the cause of religious education and by- working to the utmost such societies- as. the Girls' Friendly Society and the Mothers' Union, and that .they also needed the co-operation of the men if they would strike at the root of the evil. Afternoon tea was provided by Mesdames Tait and Hallett. A meeting/ : of; .iUie. Waipukurau parish committee ''■"of . ladies engaged iii social and rescue work was held on October Bth. Present : Mesdames Harding, Reed, Heatley, Stace, Broad, IBairper, French Scholes, Haldane, Rood, and Miss Godfrey. Mrs Stace presided, and it was unanimously decided that Mrs Hoarding act as representative, and that Mrs Hentley undertake the duties of Secretary and Treasurer. It was agreed that each member ' of the committee be responsible for the subscribing or. 'collecting of one guinea a year. The first subscription is to be paid at the end of this month, and the Secretary will notify when next is due. Mrs Stace promised to have a gift afternoon at the Vicarage on the last Thursday aftetrnoon of this month. It will take the form of each guest bringing a gift of house linen to-? wards! the furnishing of the Rescue Home . Afternoon tea will he Provided. The meeting, closed with prayer. The Ladies' Guild, m connection with S. Mary's Church, met on Thursday, Mrs Sta-ce presiding- The balance sheet, considered very satisfactory m connection with the re-

cently held Bulb Show , was presented and adopted. The resignations of Mrs Winter (Secretary) and . Mrs Curd (Treasurer) were accepted with great regret. Mrs Stace will carry on the duties m the meantime. Some of the members of our Mothers' Union branch here are looking forward to being present at the Annual Festival on November 18th.