METHODIST CHURCH.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 25 September 1924, Page 6

METHODIST CHURCH.

ANNIVERSARY GATHERING

The anniversarv gathering of the Methodist Church was held last evening at the Wesley Hall. The Rev. AV. Uxbrow presided. An encouraging report from the Trust Secretary (Mr L. Dioxn) was read ns follows: Tu presenting our annual report of Tf 6 activities of the Hawera Aietliodist Church in its various branches ol Christian, sen-ice, it is impbssible to tabulate the far-reaching influence di even one year of faithful work. We render thanks to- God for the large number of devoted workers who have done their part in making the year so successful. \\e are indebted to our .noir for the splendid music they rendor from time to time and their attendance at morning and evening service. About a year ago Air Hidsden Hutton was appointed, organist and choirmaster, and the trustees place oh record their appreciation of the success attending his leadership,- ,it being quite a common thing to see over 3!) in the choir on a Sunday evenigg. We appreciate his enthusiasm, not only as choirmaster, but his interest in leading the singing in the'Sunday School, and also teaching a class. He: finds a delight in helping the church in every possible way. During the year a visit was received from Mr Goldie and his two boys. We pride ourselves 'on being a missionary bhurch. This is very largely due to the enthusiastic work of the Radies’ Auxiliary for Home and Foreign' Missions. Their devotion and practical work should be an inspiration to the: whole church. Without their work we could not reach the objective of at least £2OO for foreign missions and £IOO for home missions. Both Bible Classes and Sunday School are on the upward grade. During the year we. were favoured with a visit from Mr Cyril Burton, organiser for our young men’s movement (a former scholar of our school). His visit was an inspiration and the outcome was the starting of /i a Senior Bible Class. The Junior Bible. Class is in a very healthy state. Our Young AY omen’s Bible Classes are flourishing under their enthusiastic leader. They have been helped considerably by the visit of Miss Lynn. W hat- can we say of the Easter c-amps!-' Well, only those who. had the privilege of attending can estimate their value to the church. For those young men and women who made the great decision we thank God, and look- forward to. the next Easter camp, to be held at Hawera, with great- expectancy. Ihe Sunday School has also; been making records. To all leaders of Bible classes, teachers and office-bearers we express our thanks. The Boys’ -Club, which meets every Friday evening under the instruction of Mr E. Yearbury, a splendid institution for our hoys. We thank him for the great interest lie takes in the- boys. Some years age the trustees deckled to have all free seats. 'This meant the abolition of pew rents, and to- make up this loss members and adherents Avere asked to contribute the amount paid for peAV rent as usual. We commend thit fund to our people. AVe are indebted to Mrs Squire (senr.) and Mrs AV. J. Yearbury (senr.) for their untiring devotion in collecting this money., AVill others hand in their names and add to the number avliu thank them for calling? During the year the Hawera congregation has contributed to all sources over £IOOO. This speaks for itself of the interest taken in the several departments. In comparison Avith past years, the attendance at public Avorship has been satisfactory. Still there is room for absentees. If all the people who call themselves Methodists Avere to- attend the services our church Avould need enlarging. AVe ask for the hearty co-operation of all our people in assisting our minister in his endeavour to build up a strong church. One of the most satisfactory meetings .of our church life is the Tuesday evening gathering for Bible study and prayer. W T e invite more of our people to this very helpful means of grace. lii conclusion Ave thank all organisations of our church for services rendered, and enter upon another year Avith an optimistic spirit, believing the- best is yet to come.” During the evening a number of varied and A-ery enjoyable items Avere given. Songs Avere rendered by Mesdames Carter and Tozer,-Messrs E. G. Jones, A. G. Reid, AV. T. Johnston. Three recitations were given by Mrs Robb and three items Avere sung by the Hawera quartette party (Messrs Herbert, Jones, Liddington and Strange). The choir also sang tAvo anthems. The. accompanists were Miss Spurdle and Airs Hutton. 5 The chairman heartily thanked all who had contributed to the enjoyable programme.