CHURCH REPORTS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1422, 24 April 1912, Page 6

CHURCH REPORTS.

ST. THOMAS'S CHURCH. The annual report of the vestry of St. Thomas's Church, to lje presented at (he annual meeting of the parishioners, to be held on Friday evening next, contains the following notes of interest to members :— The Rev. E. T. W. Bond having resigned the charge of this district ill January, tho Rev. Win. Fancourt was appointed by the Bishop as vicar, and commenced his duties immediately, thus avoiding an interregnum. Tho attendances at the services during the past few months have much improved; the number of Communicants at Christinas and Easter were slightly in excess of fonnor festivals. The need for an assistant for the vicar is growing more apparent, especially if any satisfactory progress is to be made at Berhampore. , Your vestry carefully considered tho matter, and havo authorised the vicar to procure suitablo assistance.

Tho finances of the parish, which were somewhat backward in the first half of tho financial year, improved considerably during tho last quarter, resulting in a larger credit balance than formerly. Tho general offertories show an increase, but tho generous donations (anonymously) to tho several main funds contributed' considerably to the satisfactory stato of the several amounts. The sustentation fund shows a decreaso upon former years, due to the lack of collectors, tlicro being but one.

Tho vicarage was completed and occupied by the vicar last Jfay, and sinco then the general account has been assessed nt the rate of JG7S per annum, authorised by the last annual meeting. This should be continued or increased if possible, so as to meet interest, necessary .upkeep, and provide for a sinking fund to pay off tho debt incurred, which can be seen by reference to the balance-sheet. Unforseen difficulties aroso from the unstablo character of the high ground at the back, necessitating a retaining wall; tho drainage matters caused some concern, but were successfully arranged. The debentures, which were so freely taken up, obviated the necessity and expense of a mortgage; they are of 5 years' currency only, from last June, which shows tho desirability of some comprehensive and combined action by the parishioners and the several organisations to promote a special effort annually towards the reducing the principal. The vestry gratefully acknowledge tho valuable help of Jlr. Hoar, who kindly supervised the erection of the building. The stipend endowment fund received an additional anonymous donation of Xl 5, which increased the capital to .£IOO. Nearly all has been invested in vicarage fund debentures as being more remunerative than the previous investment at fixed deposit. Tho window fund, kindly inaugurated by Jfr. E. Collie, has now reached .£l6, and is doposited in a separate ecount in tho P.O. Savings Bank. The original source of the fund having discontinued, the augmentation is recommended to the incoming vestry.

The general statement of finances for t.he year shows a balance to credit of i£lß Bs. 7d.

ST. CUTHBERT'S, BERHAMPORE. The annual report of St. Cutbbert's, Borhampore, states that tho evening services , were maintained all the year, being taken by the Rev. J. D. Jenkins and lay readers. Tho attendance was small, but did not vary much either way. It is # showing signs of increasing, and it is thouglit that even under, present arrangements an improv inent in tho attendance will be shown next year. We aro greatly indebted to an anonymous donor for ,£ls towards current expenses. It was very much appreciated by thoso who are taking an active part ii Church work in the district, and is decidedly encouraging. Wo had a "Christmas tree" in November, which realised £7 lCs. 9d. clear profit. For this linn some result wo have to thank Mrs. Hills and. the Jlisses Hills, St. Agnes's Guild, tho vestry, C.E.Jf.S., and tho small band of energetic workers belonging to the church room. Owing to the general election we were enabled to obtain JM 19s. by way of rent for the room. The room was used twico as a polling booth, and from the number of votes polled its inclusion ns a booth is evidently warranted. Tho room is now used by the Defence Department as a drillhall for the senior cadets—for this we are to receive <£10 per nnniiin. This is a welcome addition to our income, which is (as a perusal of the balance-sheet will show) not sufficient to meet current expenses.

It is gratifying to be able to report favourably on the Sunday School, which, owing to'the good attendance, justifies the existence r-f the room in that part of the parochial district. The average nttendaiu'o for last year was 52; the highest attendance being 87 nnd tho lowest 211 (this latter on a very wet day).