HOLY GROSS CHURCH

Evening Star, Issue 21750, 19 June 1934, Page 14

HOLY GROSS CHURCH

MEETING OF PARISHIONERS The annual meeting of the parishioners of Holy Cross Church, b*- - Kilda, was held last night, the vicar (the Rev. A. Wingfield) presiding over a fair attendance of members and supporters of the church. Prior to commencing the business of the meeting, the Chairman referred to the death during the year of Airs Higginson and Air Murray Steele, both of whom had been associated with the work of the church for many years, and those present stood in silence as a mark of respect to the memory of the deceased. VICAR’S REAIARKS. Reviewing the work of the year, the Vicar expressed thanks to the members of the vestry for their continued interest and co-operation in the work oi the parish. The attendances at the church services had been well maintained, and he was grateful for the whole-hearted assistance given by the large body of helpers who, in the various branches of tlie church s activities, had rendered invaluable service. He knew’ that times wore difficult at present, and conditions were naturally reflected in the financial position of the parish. The various organisations connected with the church were fully staffed by a hand of faithful workers, many of whom had served the parish well and faithfully for many ydars, and to them he wished to extend his grateful thanks. VESTRY REPORT. The churchwardens and vestry, in presenting their annual report, stated that although there had been a slight increase in the attendances at church the' financial position was not at all satisfactory. The revenue was still not anything like sufficient to meet the ordinary expenses. At the end of the last financial year the balance showed a debit of £248 14s 7d, whereas this year it had increased to £289 Bs, so it would be .seen that they -were gradually getting further behind. This was a serious matter and should not be allowed to continue. The vestry was of the, opinion that if something were done to keep in closer touch with the parishioners, more especially those who failed to attend regularly, the finance of the church would not suffer as it was now doing, and that if more reference to tho financial difficulties wore voiced from the pulpit ifiore interest would be manifest by the parishioners. in November last a general meeting of parishioners was held to consider the financial position, when a special committee w ; as set up to assist the vestry by canvassing the district and using other moans of raising money. This committee had also taken over the management of the penny scheme that the vestry had in hand, and under the direction of Air King the result had been most gratifying for the short time it had been in existence. The bequest irom the late Mr Tayles (£500) had not yet been received owing to the difficulty in the winding up of the estate; £25 had, however, been received diming the year, hut this, it was understood, W'as on account of interest. The trustees Imped to forward more instalments in the near future. As Air’ H. S. Fenwick, the sole remaining trustee of the church and vicarage properties, had removed from the district, the vestry had appointed Messrs W. Jacobsen. P. J. Priest, and James Dickie trustees for all the church properties. Moving the adoption of the report, Mr P. J. Priest said that it was unfortunate that the parish had, during the past year, gone back a little in its finances, ’ and something would have to bedoue to see if this could not be rectified. The committee elected last November was doing good work, but it was’ necessary for the parishioners to give more support to the church than they were doing, and he was quite sure that if the attendances at church could be increased so would the finances 'improve. Mr W. Jacobsen seconded the motion, and expressed the hope that the church membership would increase, and that next year’s balance-sheet would not show a deficit. Air Denton Leech spoke to the report, and urged that' a more personal touch between the officers of the church and the parishioners should be established. Air W. Ward struck an optimistic note, and said that the deficit shown by the balance-sheet was by no means such a serious matter as it> appeared. He paid a tribute ,to the work of the vicar, and suggested that there he added to the report recognition of the services given to the parish during the year by Mr Wingfield. The report, with the addition suggested by Air Ward, was adopted. OFFICE-BEARERS. ~ The following office-bearers were elected :—Parishioners’ warden, Mr W. Jacobsen: vestry—Alessrs G. Pope, C. G. Oaten, W. Ward, C. West, R. S. Brent, E. A. Newman, C. F. Aliller, W. Pullar, G. Uttridge, J. Dickie; auditor. Air E. K. Broad. Air P. J. Priest was appointed vicar’s warden. it was decided to forward a letter to Bishop Fitchett congratulating him on his elevation to the bishopric of Dunedin.