ST. ANDREW'S, NAPIER.

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume 26, Issue 10, 1 October 1936, Page 5

ST. ANDREW'S, NAPIER.

The annual meeting of parishioners was held on Wednesday, August sth, and the following is the churchr warden's report: — "In presenting the annual report for the year ending June 30th, 1936, the vestry and churchwardens of St. Andrew's have much pleasure m stating that the outlook generally is more encouraging. "Our financial position has temporarily improved. Our bank account showing a credit balance of £25. This is most when we realise that the previous year closed with a debit balance of £32. "Also our offertories have decreased considerably, and our envelope system is sadly depleted. To report a credit balance with so many obstacles to be overcome seems almost an impossibility, but many regular subscribers have again given us their support and inspired by the sincerity and faithfulness of our Vicar many others have sent us donations. "Our Gift Note Sunday resulted m the sum of £70 being received towards the church funds. "We have exceeded our missionary <?uota by £15, and have also exceeded our diocesan quota by £9. ' "We sincerely thank all who have given us financial support. Such ■a splendid result is a great incentive to our faith, and we feel something •of the enthusiasm of the psalmist when he wrote: 'I have been young, and now am old, yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.' "The attendance at our services •still leaves much to be desired, with the exception of our early morning celebration, which continues to be an inspiration to the many communicants who attend it. "If the numbers at our evening services are few, we do feel they are most faithful, and everyone joins reverently and \heartily into the spirit of the service, so much so that many visitors have expressed pleasure at ■the brightness of the services, and

stated how much they have enjoyed joining m the singing. ' "Our Sunday School is under the capable guidance of Mr. Hull and Miss Grant, and we thank them and the assistant teachers for their good work. "On Sunday, March 26th, we held our Harvest Thanksgiving service. Many helpers kindly came forward and the church was beautifully decorated, and many gifts of fruit and produce were received, which were later sent to St. Mary's Home and Hukarere School. "The Mothers' Union continues to grow, and is a very live branch of our church work. Our membership is over 50, and our well attended meetings are an inspiration and help to the many who attend them. "During the year Mr. Smith carried out much needed repairs to the church fence. "Mr. Wilkinson, our organist, is post faithful m his services, we extend to him the thanks of the vestry and parishioners. "We also express our thanks to Mrs. Tait for her faithful work m cleaning the church. "This report would be incomplete without mention being made of Miss Vera Prebble. The vestry and parishioners will heartily congratulate her on her engagement to the Rev. Claude Hyde, but our joy at her happiness must be tempered with regret at her departure, for not only shall we miss her radiant, happy personality, but we shall be losing one of our most enthusiastic church workers. Miss Prebble is one our most popular Sunday School teachers, a leader of the Girl Guides, a member of the choir, and a member of the present vestry. It is splendid to know that Miss Prebble is entering a wider field of work for God's Kingdom, and we rejoice that she has the gift to help others to follow the Bethlehem Star, which she herself sees so clearly. We wish her every success and happiness. "In conclusion, we thank all who have helped our church during the year. We congratulate the Vicar on the year's work, and especially for his love and attention to the sick and distressed. He is ever ready to minister to their spiritual and bodily needs at any time of the day or night,

and is sincerely carrying out pur Father's mission when he said: 'Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me.' "On behalf of the vestry and parishioners we thank the Vicar and Mrs. Brierley for the help and encouragement they have given to us during the year, and for the bright and sincere hospitality they have extended to all with whom they come m contact. "We also congratulate them on the birth of their little daughter, Marion Ellen." MABEL NORMAN, Churchwarden. August 4th, 1936.