WESLEYAN CHURCH, DURHAM STREET.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1468, 31 October 1878, Page 3

WESLEYAN CHURCH, DURHAM STREET.

The annual meeting on behalf of the Home Mission and Church Extension Fund was held yesterday evening. There was a moderate attendance. In the absence of Mr C. W. Turner, through indisposition, the Rev. W. Morley presided. The report was read by Mr J. L. Wilson, the local secretary. It showed that there are employed by the Church in this work three English and five Native ministers, with five cutechists, who labor among the Maoris. From the fund grants aro also made to nine English circuits and five Home Mission stations, in which eight ordained ministers and eight lay agents are engaged in preaching the gospel. From the same source £IOO is voted to aid in the erection and furnishing of each new parsonage, and students for the European ministry are thus supported at the Three Kings' College. The total amount expended on these objects during the year 1877 was £1846. In the S resent year, inclusive of a balance of £4OO ue to the treasurers, it was estimated that at least £2440 would be required. The report showed that among the Maori congregations there were evident signs of increasing interest in spiritual things, and that on the European stations churches were being built and congregations gathered. The Rev. J. Crump, President of the Conference, thought it was matter for congratulation, that while only twelve years since the New Zealand Church received help from the English Missionary Society, it now raised £I4OO per annum for extending the woik in the outlying districts of the colony. Looking, however, at the growth of wealth in the colony, he thought much more could be done. Mr E. Connal addressed the meeting on ° Giving as a Christian Grace." He said people did not usually apprehend this, but showed by a variety of illustrations that we do admire self-sacrifice. This was what was required in giving to God's cause. 'lhe Rev. A. R. Fitchett (of Dunedin) adverted to the need there was for a fund and agency such as the Home Mission contemplated. Ths rapid growth of population and the tide of immigrants pouring in laid the duty upon the Churches of providing for their spiritual wants. He believed that when the members of the Churches knew this the necessary means would be forthcoming. What was wanted was a system of laying by weekly a email sum for this object. He referred to the teaching of St. Paul on church finance, and showed therefrom the right of ministers to declare to congregations their duty on this matter. He dwelt also emphatically and eloquently on the necessity of making provision for ministerial training. A collection was made on behalf of the fund, which realised £ll 2s. Mr Wilson stated that by collections and subscription*, when all were in, the Durham street Circuit would this year raise about £220.

The choir sang several hymns and anthems during the evening in a creditable manner, and the meeting closed about half-past nine.