ST. MATTHEW’S CHURCH

Evening Star, Issue 21753, 22 June 1934, Page 3

ST. MATTHEW’S CHURCH

PARISHIONERS' ANNUAL MEETING

The annual meeting of the parishioners of St. Matthew’s Church was held in the Sunday School Hall last night, the vicar (llev. W. A. Hamblett) presiding over a fair attendance. The Chairman, extended a welcome to the llev. J 1 Simpson and Mrs Simpson, and also to Mr J. Watson, of Taranaki, a former member of the church.

During the evening Mr Hamblett made reference to Archdeacon Titchett’s appointment to the Bishop of the Dunedin Diocese, and said that in these difficult times, when both city and couiltry churches were affected financially, they would find the Bishop a great administrator, and his advice of beneficial help. He was a man who possessed qualifications that were needed in the diocese, stated the Vicar, and he hoped that the parishioners would lighten his duties by giving him every assistance. The vicar presented a very comprehensive report, dealing with all the brandies of the church. The wardens had given regular and faithful service, while vestry members had held monthly meetings at which careful consideration was given to everything pertaining to the parish. The Sunday school was a flourishing offshoot of the church's activities, and had a membership of fifty-nine scholars and eight teachers, one of wlmm had recently resigned. The choir had again rendered valuable service under MrAxel Newton, the organist and choirmaster. During the year the sacred cantatas, ‘ Olivet to Calvary ’ and ‘ Holy Child ’ were rendered. The full strength of the choir was forty-five. All the various guilds were performing beneficial work in helping to alleviate distress by making various useful articles.

The report was adopted. The churchwardens' report stated that the main source of revenue was derived from' the duplex weekly freewill envelope, and this had proved a much more satisfactory system than the offerings given by the usual method. During the year, a modern system of electric flood lighting was installed in the church. This innovation justified itself, and revealed at its best the beautiful interior architecture of the budding. Thanks were due to those who liberally subscribed towards its cost. Various repairs had been effected to the church and vicarage, but extensive work had still to be carried out to the roof of the church. A dividing fence was also badly needed. The United Friendly Societies had held its anniversary parade, and the evensong service was conducted with the assistance of the St. Kilda Band. A social evening was spent w*ith the members of the St? Andrew’s Church, and proved a most enjoyable function. The laypreacher and deputy-choirmaster had rendered excellent service during Mr Newton’s absence. The report w-as adopted. CHURCH OFFICERS. The following officers were appointed for the year:—Vicar’s warden, Mr W. J. Ingram; parishioners’ warden, Mr •a. W. Martin; vestry members Dr E. H. Williams, Messrs A. Rule, G. G. Austin, F. W. Knight, A. Burse, W. Ellis, E. W. Hannah, and F. J. Bloy.