THE CHURCHES.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1113, 28 April 1911, Page 6

THE CHURCHES.

, _x__ ST. PAUL'S PARISH. . ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the parishioners of St. Paul's Was held in the Sydney Street Schoolroom last night. The liev. T. 11. Sprott presided over a good attendance. The report and balance-sheet (previously published) were read and adopted. The following i< the list of officers elected for the ensuing your:—Vicar's churehwardtn, Mr. T. F. .Martin; parishioners' churchwarden, .Mr. W. F. Ward; voshy, Messrs. β-irraud. Wean, Hills, Kensington. Medland, Meslayer, Sliirtclifl'e. Stow'p, Warren, and Professor Kaslorlield; auditors. .Messrs. Hndds-ind Gill; synod-men. Messrs. Powles, Tolhurst, Anderson, and liarraud. Jvubgish'n reference was made to tho way Jlr. W. F. Barraml, a retiring churchwarden, had carried out l.is numerous duties during the year. Owing to.pressure of business and several other causes, Mr. Barraiid could not lake up the yosi(ion again. ST, MARY'S, KARORI, The annual meeting of parishioners of St. Mary's Anglican Church. Karori, was held in the Parochial Hall last evening. The report, and balance-sheet were read and adopted. 'J'ha vicar in his address made feeling reference In the loss which I he diocese had sustained by the retirement of Bishop \\all;s, and the great pleasure which it had afforded his lordship, before leaving the Dominion, to be 'present to lay the foundation stone of the new church. They were all looking forward'to the opening of the church villi joy and hope. Mr. \\". F. Xoweombe was appointed clergyman's churchwarden and Mr. It Caldwell people's churchwarden. The following were elected for the vestry:— Messrs. 11. Cook, G. Eagle, W. A. Andrew, K. Smiley, J. N. Henderson, A. 0. Henderson, S. B. Shortt; auditor, Mr. C. I. Dasent. Mr. Caldwell was appointed representative to the synod. ST. MARK'S, CARTERTON. MOST PROSPEROUS YEAR ON RECORD. The annual report of St. Mark's, Carterton, for the year ]!)]O-]9ll, states:—The

presentation of this report marks the close ol tho highest year ever experienced by the parish of St. .Mark's, Carterton. AVc are stronger financially than we have ever been, and this position was attained uy the parishioners' keen interest iu the weliare of the church demonstrated by practical assistance and support. It was reported at tin- last annuiil meeting that if a special effort were made, we should bo able to wipe out 'arrears and begin next year with a clean slreet. That effort was made, and made so strenuously that at tho close of this year liabilities (except a few working expenses) were nil, arrears were nil. and we had some MO P, ? pare (exclusive of a reserve fund of £-.o)— a position hitherto unprecedented in the annals of tho church. -\'o doubt ono great evet-t has i. substantial contributory factor to this gratifying condition of affairs, and that is the Mis-"■■-•n of Help which took place in February last. The missioner told us why he had como—what was the object of tho mission. As to the result th«re can be but one verdict. The mission accomplished all it sought. It was indeed a memorable incident- and a fitting- climax to a steady progress towards an eminently satisfactory position. The amount of tho ofiertoriEs represent the best guide as to thb v.cokiy congregation?. Last year showed the largest amount in offertories ever received. This year that amount has bpen increased by over 25 per cent, h\vn prior to the mission the average was tlie highest on record. .. Since thoc there has been a considerable increase iir tiio congregation. There is another, factor which has assisted to elevate tho fi. n.'iuces to thtfir present position. Last Aovember a highly successful bazaar was field, which venture Mas a great tribute lo the conscientious industry of the Ladies' Guild. One cannot speak 100 Highly of tho earnest manner in which they carried through the arduous work entailed by the enterprise. They received their reward in a generous response from the parishioners, which was an appropriate compliment to their zeal. At a meeting c.illed subsequently it was resolved to utilise the fund to 'pay off all liabilities, and to reserve JMO to be disposed <\- by a committee duly appointed for the purpose. This committee decided to rebuild tho diningroom chimney in the vicarage, and repaper the diningroom. and lo ifffect certain repairs and improve'.nents to the church and grounds. Those irorks are still in hand. Mr. Peden; the collector, has paid careful attention to his duties with satisfactory results. He and the church are indebted to Messrs. Shaw and Cole for tlie loan of a horse and gig for' the purpose of his duties, and also to Mrs. King for a similar kindness. . The pew rents, arc v.ell paid up. the amirs being less than last year. There are also a comparatively few vacant sittings. In conclusion, it.is trusted that the parishioners will preserve the present status, and they and the incoming vestry and churchwardens are congratulated on being able to commence the year, relieved of encumbrances and with funds in hand.

ST, MATTHEW'S, MASTERTON. (By Telceraph.-jSnocinl Correspondent.) Masterton, April 27. The annual meeting of the parishioners of St. Matthew's was held this evening, the Rev. H. Watson presiding. The reports and balance-sheet showed that very good work had l)een done during the year, the revenue from offertories alone being more, than ,£IOO in excess of (hat of the previous year. Tho church attendance had increased to such an extent that it was almost impossible to find sufficient seating. It was reported that the Rev. W. Raine would be leaving Masterton for Wellington in June, and steps would be necessary to find a successor as a curate. Mr. E. H. AVaddington was re-elected vicar's warden, and Mr. J; W. Blackmail parishioners' warden. Tho following vestry was elected:—Messrs. J. Brown, W. K. L. Galwey, J. B. Henry, S. Inder, Dyer, G. Hyde, G. Hand, Newton, B. E. Joiics, A. E. Winzcnberg, awl J. de Castro. A resolution was passed recommending the synod to allow wonien to vote at vestry meetings. The annual meeting of parishioners of St. Thomas's Church, Newtown, will be held to-night. . . The annual meeting of St. Mary's Guild will be held at the Diocesan Office to-dav.