ST. JOHN’S PARISH MEETING.

Globe, Volume III, Issue 261, 13 April 1875, Page 2

ST. JOHN’S PARISH MEETING.

There was a good attendance of the parishioners at the annual meeting of St John the Baptist last night. The chair was taken by the incumbent at 7.30. After opening the meeting with prayer, the chairman said that it would be seen from the report, which would be presently read, that the affairs of the parish were in a somewhat prosperous condition. Certain additions bad been made to the organ, which had greatly improved it, and an organ chamber had been built. Notwithstanding these additions, the liabilities of last year had been but slightly increased. A service had been established at Colombo road, which was well attended, and although at present taken by the Rev R. S. Jackson, yet it would be necessary for the parishioners to provide for the permanent services of a curate. He might tell them that the Bishop had mentioned the fact that he was expecting a clergyman of high qualifications from England, whose services might be available for the district of St John’s, if application were made to the Bishop for him. An adjustment of the boundaries of the parish was desirable, and was invited by the standing committee. From a map in che room, the parishioners would be able to see what course was most desirable in this respect. Thanks were due to the members of the choir, which was now in a more efficient condition than it had been for years, having in it the best material to be obtained in Christchurch; to the organist, and to the Sunday school teachers, for the discharge of their arduous duties. The Sunday school had never been in better order, and numbered about three hundred children. In order to carry out the recommendations contained in the report, he proposed to call a meeting of the ladies of the congregation, for the purpose of inviting their cordial cooperation in advancing the work of the church. He would now read the report, which was as follows ;

“The vestry have the honor to present to the parishioners of St John’s Church the report for the year ending March 31st, 1875—Although the debt upon the church was extinguished last year, yet there were arrears on the general account amounting to £143 19s 7d. This amount has been slightly increased during the year that is closed. Special works, the enlarging of the organ, and the building of an organ chamber, have cost £422 8s 4d, which, with the amount of arrears, makes a total of £566 7s lid. Towards this amount only £l5O 14s 6d have been received from sources other than ordinary, so that the balance, £415 13s sd, has been made a charge upon the general fund of the Church. This fact, as appears from the balance sheet, has added slightly to the parish liability. During the year £ISOB 17s 8d has been received from all sources, including an advance of £353 7s lid from the bank, thus leaving £1155 14s 7d received from parochial sources. The offertories show an advance of £22 19s on those of last year; yet the vestry have still to lament that many of the congregation do not recognise their duty in contributing through the offertory to the expenses of the Church. They again beg to urge upon their fellow worshippers their duty in this respect. By the erection of ah

organ chamber, seat accommodation has been provided for forty-two persons, and the whole of the seats thus provided have been already let. The vestry have the pleasure to report that a Sunday service has been successfully established in Colombo road, which is conducted by the Rev R S. Jackson, lately of the Melanesian mission. A Sunday school has already been commenced, which is rapidly increasing in numbers. The incumbent reports that St John’s Sunday school is quite full; that during the year the attendance was fully a third more than that of the previous year. In concluding their report the vestry recommend to their successors:—l. The completion of the organ. The pipes for the great organ —four additional stops—have been paid for, and are ready for use. Mr Jenkins has offered to make the addition (which will will complete the instrument in all its parts) for the sum of £7O. 2. The addition of a slated wooden spire to the tower. This necessary work will give the church a finished appearance, and will add greatly to the beauty of the building. To carry out these works the vestry recommend that the assistance of the ladies of the congregation be obtained, who will doubtless render valuable help to the officers of the church. Signed on behalf of the vestry— H. C. M. Watson, incumbent; H. Thomson, H. Hesketh, churchwardens.” The chairman then called on the churchwardens to present their balance-sheet, which was read by Mr H Thomson, and the several items explained by him. The report was, on the motion of Mr Wilson, seconded l>y Mr Alport, agreed to. The chairman then explained that on the resignation of Dr Deamer, whose services had been very valuable, Mr H. 'Thomson had kindly agreed to fill his place, and he (the chairman) had great pleasure in asking him to accept the office of clergyman’s warden for the present year. Mr Hesketh, having declined to act as people’s warden, proposed Mr Aiken, who was unanimously elected. A ballot was then taken for the vestry for the present year, twelve gentlemen having been proposed. The following were elected : —Messrs F. H. Wilson, W. D. Carruthers, H. W. Packer, W. Wilson, H. Hesketh, W. H. Hargreaves, H. Sawtell, Holloway, <l. Ponsford, and F. J. Smith. Votes of thanks having been passed to the choir end organist, the Sunday School teachers, the retiring officers, and Mr Anthony, the meeting, which was a hearty and unanimous one, terminated with a vote of thanks to the Chairman.