DEBT EXTINGUISHED

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 136, 6 December 1938, Page 4

DEBT EXTINGUISHED

ST. ANDREW'S CHURCH

MEMORABLE EFFORT

A memorable effort by the congregation of St. Andrew's Church, The Terrace, under the Centenary Thanksgiving Fund campaign of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand, was marked by a service ot dedication of the gifts conducted by the Rev. A B. Kilroy on Sunday morning. When the campaign commenced St. [Andrew's had a debt of £3660. and only £461 in the debt reduction fund. On Sunday evening the fund amounted to £3870, so not only will the debt be extinguished but a certain sum will be available for the fund to help other churches. St. Andrew's fund has not yet finally closed. Mr. Kilroy said it was thought fitting that there should be some permanent record to mark the occasion. On the Communion table there was a casket which contained an illuminated document inscribed as follows:—"Presbyterian Church of New Zealand. St. Andrew's Church, Wellington, 1840----1940. Centenary Thanksgiving Fund. With gratitude to God for all His mercies and in memory of the sacrifice and devotion of the pioneers these gifts are offered with the prayer that they be used to the glory of God and the extension of His Kingdom. December 4, 1938." The inscription will include the final amount. The casket, which is a handsome piece of work in mahogany, will be encased in glass and put in a suitable place in the church. Under the fund, promise cards have been signed on the basis of giving over three years. The total aimed at throughout the Dominion is £300,000 and two-thirds of this amount will extinguish all debts. The remaining £100.000 is to be used for special purposes.