ST. THOMAS'S CHURCH, NEWTOWN.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1108, 22 April 1911, Page 10

ST. THOMAS'S CHURCH, NEWTOWN.

THE ANNUAL REPORT. The annual report of St. Thomas's Church, Newtown, to be presented at tho annual meeting of parishioners to be held on Friday next, April 23, stales:— The Rev. John Walker having resigned the charge of this district in May last, the Rev. 13. T. W. Bond was appointed by the Bishop as Viear, and commenced his duties in July, the interregnum being filled by the kimllv assistance of Revs. W. Ballachey, B. 11. Ward, D. C. Bates, D. H. Jenkins, ami the lay readers. The Mission of Help held last October was an event which no doubt will have a life-long effect upon tho memory and lives of the great majority who participated, not only those who professedly worship, with us, but also those who usually worship, apart from us, have openly expressed the good influence the mission had upon them and others, and their appreciation of the broad teaching of the missioners. OF tho missioncr allotted to us we cannot say too much, Prebendary H. V. Stuart having left such an influence upon his hearzrs, that wo cannot but feel that God was truly working with ,and by him. Tho thankoffering at the close of tho mission was fully worthy of tho occasion. Tho attendance at all services during the last few months lias much improved, and may be attributed to the influence of the mission. 'The finances of the parish show a marked improvement upon last year. The most noteworthy is (lie increase in tho general offertories, although tho Sustentation Fund subscriptions have not increased in the same proportion; due probably to some preferring the incognito medium of the offertory, while others may Hot be fully awaro of tho desirability of such a source of rorenue. Additional collectors for this fund would bo very welcome. Tho actual fact of a credit balance, although small, in tho general account, is a pleasing experience after so many years otherwise. The debt on the Sunday School building has been greatly reduced, owing principally to tho hall having been in continuous demand, although the kind donations are not overlooked. The building is now free from mortgage (which stood at ,£112). Debentures were" reduced by £170, leaving only .£255 now current. Sanction having been given at the annual and a subsequent special meeting of parishioners to contribute at the rate of .£SO per annum to the rent of a temporary vicarage, and also to arrange for the erection of a suitable building, the vestry placed tho architectural responsibilities in the hands of Mr. V. do J. CTcre, resulting in the acceptance of tho tender of Mr. Wilkenning. A heavy storm will increase our expenditure, necessitating a retaining wall, and the drainage caused considerable trouble owin" to incorrect data.on city records. Tho peclion was purchased from Mrs. James for .£275, with a proviso to take a second mortgage, thus leaving the way clear for an anticipated first mortgage for building, purposes, but tho applieaiions for debentures, bearing interest at 5 per cent., were such that tho whole of the financial arrangements have been completed without the aid of a mortgage. It is expected that the new building will lie ready for occupation by May 1. Meanwhile,,'of course, the rent allowance continues, as als'o the interest upon tho balance of land purchase and the debentures taken up for contractor's and other payments. Authority will bo asked to instruct the incoming vestry to allocate at least .£75 yearly to meet iiiter«st, rates, and other charges, and tho vestry would also recommend to parishioners as a whole to continue where possible periodical subscriptions, as also to make.a combined yearly and substantial effort:to raise funds so as to meet the inevitable indebtedness upon the building. The question of ventilation and prevention of draughts has had our serious attention, and alter consulting Mr. Clere he favoured the proposal to build a large porch at the west end of tho building. 'IV meet tho expenditure for this, a special offertory was given, in November last, also . the. proceeds-,of the Cbrislmasi'Jtrcc' aud Horticultural 'Show, totalling'nearly forty pounds. The C.E.M.S. inaugurated'some months ago, has made steady progress." Tho Young Men's Club has had an indifferent year, and it is hoped that during tho coming winter they will be far more successful. Probably the C.E.M.S. will bo able to assist in this, also in other mat- • ters. Tho services at St.'Cuthbcrt's Churchroom, lierhampore, have been maintained, but nqt with the success hoped for, owing to removals from the parish of several who had taken an interest in them, especially llr. Neilson, whose work has been kindly undertaken by Mr. King. The interest, on mortgages and other charges have been, met with the help of a concert ably promoted bv Misses Bland and Chisholm. It is hoped that a strong working committee may bo forthcoming to take up the incidental work and assist Mr. Avery, who, with others, has worked so faithfully. The debt of o£GSO is a heavy one,-and should receive immediato consideration. During the year we have lost by death and removal those whose labours will be long remembered—Mr. V. R. Hills, who was suddenly called to his rest; and Mr. E. Bedwcll and his household, who removed to Chrislchurch. Tho choir, St. Agnes Guild and Missionary Association havo all maintained their respective spheres of usefulness. A special fund to provide for a stained glass cast window has been started. The vestry desire to acknowledge gratefully the help that has been rendered, and it is hoped there will be a continuance of activity, with a full recognition of spiritual privileges and responsibilities.