CAVERSHAM BAPTISTS

Evening Star, Issue 23377, 21 September 1939, Page 17

CAVERSHAM BAPTISTS

ANNUAL MEETING The sixty-sixtli meeting of the Caversham Baptist Church was held last evening, the Rev. 11. L. Fursdou presiding over a largo attendance of members. The financial statement, which was presented by Mr 11. H. Todd, revealed a satisfactory position, the total receipts amounting to £760. " No one who has his finger on the pulse of church life to-day is satisfied with church attendances,” the annual report, read by Mr J. L. Baines, stated. Only a fragment of the population attended a place of prayer, and there was need for n higher quality of spiritual life in the ordinary Christian and a greater concern for persona) evangelism. “.The church paVs tribute fo the work of its pastor and his wife, the Rev. It. L. Fursdou and Mrs Fursdon,” the report stated. “ They are now in their fifth year of ministry at Caversham.” . Interest in the church services had been sustained, and attendances at the mid-week prayer meeting also maintained. The topic dqring the year at these services had centred around the life of Christ. At tho commencement of the year a youth council was formed with the object of a greater co-operation of the various organisations, but the failure to get all the leaders together had nullified the results that were expected, the report stated. The church newssheet, ‘ The Link,’ issued by the pastor. was appreciated by its many recipients. • Appreciation was expressed to Mr Fursdon for his work in this matter. As a result of last year’s thankoffering it was found possible to put down a new floor in the Sunday school, which was a great improvement. Gifts from a number of members had also enabled us to install a gas fire in the prayer meeting room. A memorial gift was received from Mrs A. H. Fisher in memory ot her father, Mr R. Farrant, an esteemed attendee at the services up to the time of his death. A sum of £25 had been made available for Young Worshippers League prizes over a period ot years, and had been placed m a trust fU Deconate.—Twelve meetings were hpld during the year. At all times the officers manifested an earnest desuagto work in harmony, and endeavoured to assist the pastor in the oversight ot the church, and to that end had Si'’ much of their time and service. During the year the rules of the church wire revised and the roll of membership scrutinised. All officers retire y ®.‘| and appreciation is expressed to all tor work faithfully carried out. Finance Committee .—The committee, ably guided by the chairman, Mr Jf.JB. Carter, met monthly, andi greatly re lieved the officers of financial worries and had undertaken various repairs to church property. The committee wished to place on record the liberal responses that had been made to its appeals by members and adherents, . , , Deaconnesses. Noble service had been rendered by the deaconesses, who held the esteem and confidence of ail. Their visitation work was deeply appreciated by pastor members alike. Sunday School.—The work of the Sunday school continued to show promise under Mr W. G. HilJiker and a staff of 16 teachers.. . , , „ Y.M.B.C.— The senior class, under Mr A W. Duncan, had a roll of 12, and the intermediate class, under Mr D. Meiklejohn, also had a roll of 12. Mem hers were keen, and took part in camps and other youth activities. Y W B.C. Two senior classes, with Mrs Fursdon and Mrs H. Baines as leaders, had a total roll of 19. The iunior class, under Miss K. Thompson, had a roll of four. Choir. —Appreciation was expressed to the choir for its assistance in the leading of the service of song. Mr Charles Clark, as conductor, was loyally supported by his members and Organist Mr C. W. Clark. Men’s Club.—The club continued to he a source of fellowship for tho men of tho congregation. 'Hie club recently acted as hosts to the Dunedin Baptist Men’s Association, when contacts were made with the men of the local Baptist Committee.—The efforts of the Ladies’ Committee, with Miss Bardwell as convener, had been called upon on many occasions, and as usual always willingly and successfully carried out. The report was adopted. ELECTION OF OFFICERS

Officers for the ensuing year were elected as follows --Secretary, Mr J.L. Baines; treasurer, Mr R. H. load; deacons—Messrs J. L. Baines, J. B. Halsey, W. A. W. G. HilUker, D. S. Mackay, D. H. Meiklejohn, VV. B. Quennoll, R. G. Sincock, and R. H. Todd- Finance Committee—Messrs G. H. Baines, J. L. Baines, F. B. Carter, D. S. Mackay, W. B. Quennell, R. G. Sincock, and R. H. Todd ; choir conductor, Mr O. Clark; organist, Mr C. W. Clark.