PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 10, Issue 25, 16 September 1946, Page 3

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

. RANGITAIKI OUTFIELDS ANNUAL MEETING HELD The annual meeting of the Rangitaiki Presbyterian Outfields was held in the Pukehina Hall on Wednesday, August 21. There was a representative attendance including members of Matata, Manawahe, Ohinepanea, Awakaponga, Otamarakau and Pongakawa. The Moderator, the Rev. J. H. Starnes 8.A., of Edgecumbe, presided.

The session report, which was read by the Minister, Rev, A. H. Norrie, showed that in spite of removals from the district, there had been a small increase in the average attendance at the services over all the districts. Bible Classes were held at Matata and Pongakawa. The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper had been observed quarterly with an increasing attendance. Twenty-seven people had joined the Church and the roll how stood at 72. Mention was made of the pleasure in welcoming two members back from overseas, the Manawahe elder, Mr G. Logan, and also the visit of a former Minister Rev. J. Johnston, of China. Mr Colin Cassels, of the Y.M.C.A. is expected back next month.

Sunday School work is being carried out at Matata and Pongakawa Valley with encouraging results, but regret was expressed at the departure of Mr and Mrs Scoles from Otamarakau, where the latter conducted a Sunday School. Thanks were expressed to the following for their help as organists: Pukehina and Pongakawa, Mrs G. Gordon; Matata, Mrs B. Wilkins; Manawahe, Mrs Reid; Otamarakau, Mrs Ivy Cameron; Pongakawa, Mrs Hansen and Miss Jean Norrie and others who acted on necessary occasions.

Sympathy was expressed with all who had suffered bereavements and anxiety in the past year. Thanksgiving was expressed at the ending, of hostilities and the prosecution of the w r ork of the church universal was commended to all, as the only means of gaining a settled peace. Mrs M. Cameron read the repoi’t of the Otamarakau and Pukehina Women’s Missionary Union, which showed an increase in membership and in finance. The annual Garden Party at Mrs Mikkelsen’s residence proved a great success. Regret was expressed at the removals from the district of Mesdames Scoles, Savage and Miss Ivy Mikkelsen, now Mrs I. Cameron. These were all suitably farewelled.

The report of the Matata P.W.M.U. showed increased givings and a successful Garden Party. The financial report was read by Mrs B. Wilkins and showed an increase in the givings of the people. In spite of heavier car running expenses, the year closed with a small credit balance.

It was agreed that the Dominion Mission Committee be notified that the congregation were willing for a reduction of their grant with the prospect of the district being more self-supporting. The previous Committee of Management were re-elected with the addition of Mr Relph, of Manawahe,

and Mr Roy Fulton, of Pongakawa Valley. A comprehensive vote of thanks was passed to all who had in any way helped on the cause.

During the evening the presentation of a fireside chair and a cushion was made to Mrs B. Wilkins, of Matata, the hon. secretary and treasurer, who has removed her residence to Thornton. Mention was made of the great help Mr and Mrs Wilkins and their -family had rendered to the church.

A dainty supper was served and ;his brought the meeting to a close.