A SATISFACTORY YEAR.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 504, 11 May 1909, Page 6

A SATISFACTORY YEAR.

CO.TJRTENAY PLACE; CHURCH. ' The membership of the Courtenay Place Congregational Church, as. stated in tho report to .be presented at the annual meeting tonight is 98, : five members having' tfcxn added during the year. Mr. G. P. Gregory, has-been appointed secretary, succeeding Mr.' A. 31. Lewis, who has beon elected chairman of the Congregational Union of New Zealand. "We; very much regret," states ; tho report, ' having to record tho great loss the church has sustained in the death of two of our" oldest members, both having joined' the, church at its foundation in' 1887. Last September Mrs'.' Annie Brown was called awayi and wo unanimously dccided to place on record 'our high appreciation of her noble Christian life, wnich was an exoellent example for all of us to follow.' Last month Mr. J. Thawley, sen., passed away, and the church has so honoured his, memory as to' adopt the following minuto:—'We desire to placo on record our deep regret at the death of Mr. J. Thawley, sell. . . By his lovable Christian character ho had won a high place, in the esteem and affection of all, and as senior deacon he has served the church since its foundation with zoal arid faithfulness.-Taken to bo with the Saviour he loved so well, his Christian influence will long continue to live in tho lives of all who know him.' " Tho Sunday services have been well attended, especially in the evening, lie Srni.day. . school has made progress under the superintendent of Mr. W. G. Holdsworth. There are on tie roll 98 scholars, and officers and teachers number 14. A -Young Ladies' Club has been formed, under the charge of Miss Rowlandson, and meets weekly for social intercourse and games. The Aspland Club of young men, under Mr. Reynolds, progresses satisfactorily,. Its members have dono well on the cricket ground',- being runners-up for. the fourth-class championship. The Ladies' Sewing Guild has rendered valuable financial; assistance to tie church,-a'sale of work resulting in the magnificent addition of £100 13s. 73. to the renovation fund. The socioty has.promised to pay for the new seats'in theschoolroom, _ costing about £40, out of tho proceeds of its next sale. The church finances furnish many causes ; for thankfulness. The total receipts from all sources amount to £515. Tho choir, under Mr. Lewis, has increased its membership,' and given appreciated services. A cantata given'by it produced £10 for the renovation fund. In Mr. Lewis's absence, Mr. T. Forsyth will act as choir conductor. An elocutionary recital organised by Mrs. Martin Williams caused £12 to be added to the renovation fond. Thanks are expressed to numerous church workers and friends. ;