ST. JOHN'S CHURCH

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVI, Issue 57, 4 September 1943, Page 9

ST. JOHN'S CHURCH

. "In the face of disquieting setbacks to spiritual progress generally, and notwithstanding the absence of-many active workers, particularly young men now serving with the Armed Forces, the congregation of St. John's has steadfastly maintained its Christian way, as the reports of the various church organisations testify," states a paragraph in the annual report of St. John's Church, Willis Street. Appreciative reference is made to the devoted and acceptable service given by the minister, the Rev. P. Gladstone Hughes, and a comprehensive review is made of the many activities carried on by church workers under different headings. The board of management was active throughout the year and attention to the church property continued to be given to the extent of the funds available.

The annual meeting on Thursday night opened with, an address by the Moderator, followed by the presentation of the session's report and the adoption of various annual reports, presented by Messrs. A. P. Smith and A. Purdie. The financial statements were presented by Messrs. F. C. Spratt and Robertson. Managers were reelected.

The minister paid a- tribute to the loyalty of the, congregation at a difficult time, and said that they welcomed the opportunity of entertaining Allied service men and women and so cementing the ties of international friendship. The church had given during the year over £600 to missionary and other church enterprises. The Women's Association had raised over £200 of this amount and had sent parcels of clothing to bombed areas in the United Kingdom and dispatched over 300 parcels to the 85 members of the congregation who were serving with the Forces.