CHURCH REPORTS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1730, 22 April 1913, Page 3

CHURCH REPORTS.

ST. MARK'S PARISH. Tlie annual report of the. Vestry of St. •Thomas states that tho finances' of the parish show a marked improvement. The average general oiFertories disclose an upward tendency. Tho siistentation subscriptions and those through the- envelope system both show an increase, whilo the ■. special offertories are - about 50• per' cent, better. Notwithstanding that the parish has an additional expenditure of ovor : iEBO for the stipend of tho assistant curate there is only a debit balance of about JBIO, which should be considered satisfactory, as no special help lias been sought ,nor appeal made to obviate this. The Vicarage Fund has greatly, benefited during tho year by tho successful gipsy fair, held, last October. Tho net proceeds (together with grant from the hall account and an anonymous donation) enabled us to redeem debentures to tho value of ,£335, thus reducing our liabilities to that extent, as also 'interest upon that amount. We are therefore in a position of recommending a reduction in tlie .amount (<£7s) found by the general account to meet interest, rates, etc., thus releasing that account of a littlo of its obligations. The hall has ken leased for another twelve months upon a satisfactory basis, with a reservation of our using it a limited number of week evenings, when necessary. The building has received every attention at the hands of tho caretaker (Mr. Hoar), who has during the past year renovated the interior at a cost of the material only. Tho fund for providing a stAined glass window for the east end of the church shows a credit balance of £53, principally owing to tho original source of income having l>een resumed. . The matter has received considerable attention; a design for a win-dow-frame has been obtained from the diocesan architect (Mr. F. do J. Clere); a special committee has teen set up to view several stained- glass windows o!' local manufacture, reporting most favourably: Mr. Collie also kindly volunteered to obtain designs and prices, in Engkud during his visit there; when full particulars are to hand the parishioners will be duly, notified. The "Parish Magazine'' will'bo published again monthly, commencing with April. The vestry has appointed an editor and a manager, and it is anticipated that with tho cordial support of. parishioners tho useful littlo journal will be a literary and financial success. The special effort made last October, when the gipsy fair was held, proved;successful, and reflects credit upon everyone'■ who participated,, besides the Vicarage Fund being considerably enriched, St. Cutlibert's Churchroom, tho Melanosian Mission, and tho Levin Homo also benefited by, tho proceeds. It is hoped that a similar organisation will eventuate this year, as it is most important to reduce our indebtedness;,arrangements aro already ,in train'for another fair, and we trust that it' will bo as liberally supported. Tho Young Men's Club had. a successful session last winter, and is looking forward to a more prosperous one in tho ensuing season. St. Cuthbert's Churchroom Committee's report shows an appreciable movement in that part of l the parish. The matter of Hicir indebtedness should receive sarious consideration. We desire, to place on record our appreciation of the help given by all during the last twelve months, especially by Vcn. Archdeacon .Fancourt, Ecv. D. I-t. Jenkins, and tho lay 'readers; also by the Sunday School superintendents and teachers, the choir, St. Agnes Guild, tho Missionary Association, Mothers' Union. Young Men's Club, and C.8.M.5., who all contribute in their respective spheres of usefulness. .