PRESBYTERIAN COUNTRY CHURCH ATTENDANCE GOOD

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 14, Issue 28, 22 August 1949, Page 5

PRESBYTERIAN COUNTRY CHURCH ATTENDANCE GOOD

The annual meeting Rangitaiki Presbyterian Outfields was held ‘n the Church Hall, Matata, recently. The moderator, Rev J. H. Starnes, B.A. of Edgecumbe, presided. There F. A. Fulton and Mr D. J| Badcock from the whole charge. The session report, which was read, by the minister, Rev A. id. Ncrrie, showed that services had been held regularly throughout tl e district. The total number of children and adults attending had increased. Sunday Schools were held during the services at most of the preaching places. At Pongakawa Valley, Mrs F. A. Fulton conducted a weekly Sunday School. In cooperation with the Anglican Maori Minister weekly Bible lessons were given in the Pukehina Maori School. Owing to a number of removals from the district, the roll of members had only made a slight increase, even though a number had joined during the year.

Regret was expressed at tjie departure of the Wilkins family. Mrs A. Wilkins had been an efficient non. secretary and treasurer, and Miss I/. Wilkins was a valued superintendent of the Matata Sunday School. Other removals were Mrs Hansen, a faithful pianist at Pongakawa Valiev, and Mrs Falvey who played for the Pongakawa service..

Death had removed a valued member in Mr C. E. Conn of Pikowai and another helper, Mrs J. F. Reid of Pukehina.

Tt was agreed and elected Messrs F. A. Fulton and Mr D. J. Badcock to the eldership. The ordinal; on took place at Matata yesterday. The previous committee of management was re-elected. Appreciation was expressed of the work of the minister and his w’fe and the help given by the Moderator. Missionary Reports

The report of the Women’s Missionary organisation at Otmarakau was read by Mrs M. Cameron and that of Matata by Mrs Caverhill. Very helpful work had been done for the church cause and the number of members had increased. The financial report read by the recently appointed honorary secretary and treasurer, Mr R. G. Logan, showed that all expenses hack been met and the year closed with a credit balance. A fair amount of money was in hand for the purchase of a new car.

Thanks Votes Votes of thanks were passed to the Te Puke Presbyterian managers for the use of their church for weddings and funerals and to the several hall and school committees for the use of their buildings. The minister spoke of the fine spirit of helpfulness and co-operation of the pec pie of the district. The much appreciated services of the following organists were acknowledged: Matata, Mesdames A. Wilkins and A. C. Conn; Manawahe, Mrs C. Relf; Otamarakau, Mrs G. Mortensen; Pukehina, Mesdames Aubertson and Gordon; Pongakawa, Mesdames Falvey and Watt; Pongakawa Valley, Mrs Hansen. Miss Jean Norrie had assisted where required. During the evening the Moderator gave a demonstration of the method of teaching children by “Fknnel Craft.” This excited much interest. At the close supper was served by the women present.