CHURCH MEETINGS.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1287, 4 May 1878, Page 3

CHURCH MEETINGS.

AVONSIDE PARISH. The annual parish meeting was held last night in the schoolroom at 8 p.m. The incumbent occupied the chair. The Chairman addressed the parishioners, regretting the small attendance. The offertories, he was glad to say, wore on the increase. When he first came in 187-1, the offerings amounted to £lO9, but this last year they had increased to £25 -'. The introduction of gas into the church had been effected by special subscription. It was a great improvement, and the parishioners had contributed liberally. The Sunday school, as might have been expected, owing to the resignation of Mr Slater, was partially disorganised, but that would only bo temporary, as ho hoped to replace Mr Slater with an equally competent and zealous teacher. With reference to the education of the children, much more satisfactory results might be accomplished, if more zeal and interest were evinced on the part of the parish. The churchwardens’ report and financial statement were next read, and, after some discussion, were, on the motion of Mr Cowlishaw, seconded by Mr Gowau, received and adopted. The election of church officers for the ensuing year was then proceeded with. Mr Cuthbert and Mr Hammond were chosen churchwardens, the former for the minister, aad the latter for the parishioners. The following were elected to act as vestrymen Messrs Slater, Cuff, Hayward, Day, Ward, Grierson, and Cowlishaw. Mr Hennah was elected auditor.

At the request of Mr Cowlishaw, the substance of a letter from the Church Property Trustees to the Avonside parish authorities was detailed to the meeting by Mr Slater. The lo'ter set forth that for the future they (the tra-teos) intended insuring church buildings in their own name in the Union Insurance Company, and requested that a cheque might be forwarded by the Avonside parish authorities, on their own behalf, for insurance charges. Mr Slater said he had replied to the letter, and pointed out that he, as churchwarden, objected to the course proposed, on the ground that the Church Property Trustees had no legal interest in the property, and further that he failed to see by what right the,trustees attempted to dictate to the Avonside parish executive how they should act in such a matter, and lastly that the Avonside Church officers had always insured in the Norwich Union, and intended to do so for the future. Mr Slater’s answer met with the approval of the meeting. Votes of thanks having been passed to the choir, retiring churchwardens, vestrymen, and chairman, the proceedings terminated with the benediction.

ST. MART’S, ADDINGTON

The Easter meeting of parishioners was held on ffhursday evening last. The Rev. Herbert East in the chair. The balance-sheet for the past year was read and adopted, from which it appeared that the receipts were £ll4O 16s lOd, and the expenditure £1074 2s Ud; balance in hand £G6 13s lid; liabilities, £3OO. The chairman nominated Mr William Pratt as clergyman’s churchwarden, and Mr John Hobden was elected parishioners’ churchwarden. Messrs Lane, Eeston, Evans, Styche, Cooper, Ward, and Lancaster were elected vestrymen. Votes of thanks were passed to the choir and Sunday school teachers for their past services, and to Mr Murray for his gift of a font to the church. At a meeting of the vestry held the same evening, a tender was accepted for the erection of a new Sunday schoolroom for the parish.

ST. LUKE’S PARISH,

The annual meeting of the parishioners of St. Luke’s was held last Thursday. The Rev. Mr Pascoe, curate in charge, presided. The meeting having been opened with prayer, the Chairman referred briefly to the difficulties under which the parish had labored, owing to the illness of the Rev. E. A. Lingard. Ho congratulated the parish on the speedy return of Mr Lingard, and his restoration to health. The parish had also sustained a loss in the removal of the Rev. Mr Scott to Kumara. The parish accounts were then submitted, and after some discussion adopted. The Chairman nominated Mr W. G. Meddings as clergyman’s churchwarden, and Mr E. Strange was elected as parishioners’ churchwarden. Twelve names were submitted for the vestry, and the election resulted in the selection of the following, viz., Messrs Knapman, Ellisdon, Wyatt, Gordon, C. B. Blakiston, A. F. N. Blakiston, G. Mclntyre, Seager, Lake, and Crooks.

The Chairman stated that a new set of Communion plate had been obtained at cost price, and free of incidental charges, through the liberality of Mr E. Strange. A second chalice had been ordered, and the total cost would be under £SO. To meet this two thank offerings of £lO from parishioners who had left the parish, which had been placed at the disposal of the curate in charge, had been set aside, and a special donation of £lO had been received that day towards tbe same object. A lady bad also contributed £6. the proceeds of the sale of work, towards the cost of tbe sendee. The Communion plate formerly in use had been handed over to St. Matthew’s, Caledonian road. Votes of thanks were given to the outgoing churchwardens and vestry, to the organist and choir, and also to Mr Woodward and the choir of St. Matthew’s, and tbe meeting closed with a vote of thanks to tbe chairman.