Presbyterian Church Holds Annual Meeting

Chronicle (Levin), 2 August 1949, Page 4

Presbyterian Church Holds Annual Meeting

: He was glad to see so good an attendance as it showe'd that the spirit of democracy in church government was not dead, and that some people were still ready and willing to make their own decisions. "While democracy lives in the government of the Church it will not die in the State." 'With these words Rev. A. Salmond .welcomed members of the congregation to the annual meeting of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church on Saturday night. The election for the board -of management resulted as follows: — Mesdames W. Davie and A. Brash, Miss E. Anderson, and Messrs >N. H. Atkinson, T. Petersen, J. Edgar, R. Hutchinson, W. • Duguid, D. Gardiner, F. Silson and C. Bartholomew- , . The report of the Session was presented by Mr. A. G. H. Bodl'ey, the board of managers' report by Mr. M. J. Munro, and the financial slatement by the treasurerj Mr. N. H. Atkinson. Mrs. M. S. Bartholomew presented the report of the ladies' guil'd and Miss E. Anderson the report of the P.W.M.U. The meeting was informed that Ihe financial resources of the board of managers were now such that, within the next few months, a considerable amount of delayed maintenance on the church and manse could he undertaken.

Session Repoct. "On June 30, 1949, the communieants' roll numbered 145. Attendances at the quarterly observance of the Lord's Supper have been 104, 102, 123 and 98," said the Session report. "Five 'disjunction certificates have beeri issued and 11 members have been received. There have been 29 baptisms, 18 marriages and 14 funerals. Session was strengthened on September 5 by the election of Mr. C. R. Knight (Ohau West} to the eldership. Mr. A. G. H. Bodley, who has represented Session in Presbytery, was St. Andrew's delegate to General Assembly. Rev, A. W. Armstrong and Rev. E. T. King have been associated with the Session at the observance of the Sacrament. "Session visited the Bible Class and Sunday Schools and were conscious that the youth work was presenting opportunities that were not heing taken fully because of lack of sufflcient staff. The roll of the main school (the Minister actihg superintendent), numbered 50, the primary school (Miss E. Bland superintending) numbered 51, and St. Andrew's Waitarere (Mrs. V. Stanley superintending), numbered 31. The Bible Class has continued under Mr. G. Ball's leadership. A monthly prayer meeting has heen held in co-operation with St. John's Methodist Church. "Session notes the small but continued improvement in attendance at public worship in Levin and urges more regular attendance. Attendance of families at public worship would foring a new effectiveness to the work, our youth staff is so diligently and so'loyally doing." Managers' Report. "In presenting this annual report the board records the resignation of its treasurer, Mr. G. Cameron, who gave much devoted service to the congregation over 23 years," said the report by the board of managers. "At a special gathering a fireside chair was presented and appreciation of Mr. Cameron's many services was expressed. The board appointed Mr. N. H. Atkinson to be treasurer. "The board records its deep appreciation of the services of Mr. M. J. Munro, who has continued to act as secretary to the board." The report of the P.W.M.U. stated that medical equipment was sent to the New Hebrides and to China. The P.W.M.U. increased its giving to missions ■ by £14 over last year's giving. •"