PARISH MEETING AT ST. LUKE’S.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1296, 15 May 1878, Page 3

PARISH MEETING AT ST. LUKE’S.

A meeting of the parishioners of St Luke’s was held last night, in the parish schoolroom. The Rev. W. A. Pascoe occupied the chair, and opened the meeting with pr iyer. The Chairman stated that the object of the meeting was to.consid r the financial position of the parish. This was becoming a matter for serious consideration. !he lately-elected churchwardens had made an estimate of probab.e receipts and expenditure, whi h showed that the latter would far exceed the former, unless a much larger income than had hitherto been received was realised. He read a letter from Mr E. R. Bishop, expressing regret at his inability to attend, and suggesting a further division of the parish. He (the chairman) looked upon the question ns a parochial one rather than a congregational one. He suggested several courses that might be adopted, but was in favor of extra exertions being made by the parishioners one and all to work the parish as it had been worked, rather than allow a work of God to be thwarted because some woull not contribute as they ought. He called upon Mr Meddings to read the statement which the churchwardens had drawn up . Mr Meddings then read the estimate, which showed an income of £739 and an expenditure of £1095. The present liability was £o9l 19a Bd. The total liability next Easter will therefore be £919 19s Bd. The expenses included only what was absolutely necessary, and did not contemplate the painting of the church, which it was very desirable should be done. Mr Gordon asked if the churchwardens had prepared any scheme. " * Mr Meddings said they had not, hut trusted that the meeting would consider what should be done. Mr C, R. Blakiston said there was a sum of about £22 in the hands of his brother, the proceeds of some working parties, which was to be applied to the debt for the communion service. Mr Meddings said that would reduce the liabilities by that amount. Mr Mclntyre considered the pari hioners were as much interested in devising a scheme for reducing the liabilities as were the church officers. He reviewed the statement, and explained how it had happened that the debt had increased during the past week. He admitted that the subscription from St. Matthew’s had been very liberal, but he thought the system of lettings in that church should bo adopted, this would give £-10 or £SO a year. Mr Wyatt suggested that a subscription list should he made. Mr B'akiston moved a resolution earnestly inviting the par ‘•hioners of St. Matthew’s and t, Luke’s to contribute towards liqu dating the debt; subscriptions to be paid the fir.-t quarter in advance, and promissory notes to bo given for the balance

Mr W. Henderson offered to subscribe a pound, and believed there would be no difficulty in getting 600 of the parishioners to give a similar amount, Mr Blakiston’a resolution, altered so as to enable subscribers to pay either at once or at stated periods at their option, was after some discussion carried. The list was immediately opened, and twentyone of those present put down their names for various sums, amounting to <£66 Bs. Mr Meddings moved—“ That books beopened showing the amount promised, and bo banned to those willing to assist in collecting subscriptions.” Mr Strange seconded the motion, which was agreed to. Mr Mclntyre moved —‘‘That the sittings in St. Matthew’s Church be open for letting on the same conditions as those of Bt. Luke’s; and that the cordial co-operation of the parishioners attending St. Matthew’s be invited _ towards securing the letting of all the available sittings in that church.” Mr Meddings seconded the motion. The motion was warmly discussed, the chairman taking a decided stand against it, as, in his opinion, paw-rents were unscriptural, and only justifiable as an expediency. He had found that in St. Matthew’s Church many attended who would not attend were the motion carried. He felt strongly on the matter, _ and hoped the motion would not be carried. [Applause.] Mr Mclntyre, in replying to the objections urged, called upon the opponents of the motion to be consistent and oppose the seat-rents in St. Luke’s. [Hear, hear.] He concluded by asking leave to withdraw the second part of his resolution, Leave was granted. The first part was then put and declared to be lost. A show of hands was demanded by Mr Mclntyre. Six were held up for the motion and twelve against it.

Mr Medd ngs moved—" That the churchwardens be instructo 1 to telegr ipli to the Key. E. A. Lingard, countermanding the previous telegram requesting him to engage a curate in England,” Mr Mc'ntyre seconded the motion pro forma. Mr Meddings explained 'hat the Kev. Mr Stack had expressed his willingness to act until the return of the incumbent. 1 he motion was lost. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to the chairman.