CAVERSHAM BAPTISTS

Evening Star, Issue 22446, 17 September 1936, Page 13

CAVERSHAM BAPTISTS

ANNUAL MEETING OF CHURCH The Rev, R. L. Feredon presided at the annual meeting of the Caversham Baptist Church. There was a large attendance of members. The annual report was read by the secretary (Mr J. L. Baines). It stated (inter alia): The Rev. R. L. Fursdon and his wife having entered on the second year of their ministry at Oaversham are now able to view the particular needs of the people, and as far as m them lies are ever willing to meet any request that calls for the easing of some burden, or the giving of some message of hope and cheer. Our pastor's messages leave no doubt as to their urgency and the power of the Word of God. With the vigour of youth and a strong practical conviction, he presents present day evangelism and Bible teaching with unswerving loyalty to the Bible as the inspired Word of God. To the younger members our pastor’s ability to instil and teach is most marked, and in later years his influence will be felt, we believe, in the lives of these young people, many of whom even now are launching out into the ministry of the Gospel and seeking avenues of service for our Lord, in common with most churches a falling off in chilrch attendance was evident after the Christy mas vacation, and in order to create a greater interest in God’s House the pastor commenced a “ back to church ” campaign early in June, giving a series of special addresses on prophetical subjects for eight Sunday evening services, and is now following these up with a further series, including the ‘ Feasts of Israel.’ Two canvasses of the district in this time had meant an increased interest in. God’s work and a response that has encouraged pastor and members alike; The church roll shows a decrease of nine in membership, compared with last year, and totals 224, made up of 191 resident members and 33 non-re-sident. New members added during the year were eight, all by baptism. Losses were 18, by death 5, by transfer 4, by revision of roll 9. Baptisms during the year totalled 11. Attendances at the services are well mam. tained, and the mid-week prayer meeting continues to be a source of spiritual enrichment to the many who gather. The finances of the church are sound, and much sacrificial giving has again been evident in the responses made for the carrying on of the work. The financial statement presented by Mr R. H. Todd revealed a satisfactory position. Total receipts were £572. The report and balance sheet were adopted. Votes of thanks were accorded the secretary, treasurer, and retiring otti-. cere. Office-bearers were elected as follow:—Secretary, Mr J. L. Baines; treasurer, Mr H. H. Todd; deacons—. Messrs R. Duncan, W. A. Hilliker, D, Mackay, G. Reid, W. B. Quenhell, R. G. Sincock, W. Woodbury; confidential secretary, Mr W. M. Earland; Finance Oommittee—Messrs J. L. Baines, F, B. Carter, W. H. Earland, L. Guny D. Mackay, R. G. Sincock. R. H. Todd; choirmaster, Mr C. Clark; organist, Mr C. W. Clark; auditors, Messrs C. Clark and 11. M'Lintockj Young Worshippers’ League superintendent, Mr G. H. Baines; agent for ‘Baptist,’ Mr W. H. Earland; reporter to 1 Baptist,’ Mr E. Whiteside; prayer meeting organist, Mrs Williamson; Missionary Society representative, Miss Cunningham; Baptist Union representative, Miss M. Thompson; Ladies’ Committee—Mesdamea G. H.' Baines, Carter, J. Clark, Fursdon, Mackay, Whiteside, and Misses Bardwell, Cunningham, and Smith; Manurevva Home representative. Miss F. Dougall; home department agent, Mrs Williamson. A vote of appreciation of the Hev. R. L. Fursdon’s services during the year was carried unanimously.^