St. Mary's Levin.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 24 April 1914, Page 3

St. Mary's Levin.

Following is the report read by Major .Burlinsou, secretary of the vestry of St. Mary's, Levin, at the annual meeting of parishioners held last Wednesday in the church schoolroom: —

"The vestry desire to place on record the valuable services rendered to the parish by the vicar and his wife. Through their efforts the church has gained_consMerably. We specially desire to mention Ihe great help that: the mission lias been, and record our thanks to the Pev. A. L. Hansell, who we trust will long be spared to earn* on so successfully his Master's work.

It is through the action of the vicar that the mission was carried out, and we feel sure that the parishioners will join with us in our thanks. Several parishioners have left during the year, and we regret their departure, especially that of Dr. and Mrs Kennedy, who have been for a number of years earnest church workers. We hope with God's blessing Dr. Kennedy mav be restored to health.

"The vestry desires to thank Mrs Stealer and the members of (he Ladies' Guild and all others who assisted to make the sale of work so successful. The result of the sale of work was that £55 was paid off the overdraft at the bank, leaving now a total indebtedness of £44 12s Id odd, and an equal amount, was paid into the Weraroa Church Poom Building fund. Some things were left over, and at the A. and P. Show the Ladies' Guild had a stall that brought in •£l3 4s Nd, and this amount was handed over to the treasurer for general church expenses. The vestry also thanks Mr B. P. Gardener for his many years work in auditing the church accounts,, and are pleased that he has recovered from his serious illness. "We are glad to say that through the exertions of the superintendent and teachers of (lie Sunday School the numbers are increasing in this important field of work, and the parishioners owe a debt of gratitude to the superintendent and teachers, and also to those members who have assisted in the Girls' Friendly Society and in the choir. It would be a great help if more men and women were" • o join the choir.

"The vestry desires again to ask members of the congregation who have not yet done so to join I lie en velope system. If every church member were to give a small amount regularly it would materially help those who have the finances of t-hp church in hand. Tm this connection the vestry regrets that Mr Outfield has resigned the office of treasurer, which lie has filled with so much radit to himself and advantage to >he church. He will be difficult to replace, for he was at all times only too anxious to liclp in any

way possible, and perhaps he may have really given too much time to this. The vestry desires to thank him for the great interest he has taken in the work.

"You will be pleased to know that the end of tlie year shows a credit, balance of £10 14s, a slight improvement over last year. A resolution of the synod was brought before'the vestry in a letier from the Ven. Archdeacon Fancourt. It was to the effect- thai ! onsidering the increased cost of living the stipends paid to the c J orgy had not the same purchasing power as in the past, a'nd asking by whmft amount the assessment could be increased. The Vcstrv after careful consideration "iiammously decided that the as•"ssment be increased by £15. nnd Hie vestry is sure thafTlie parish- : >ners will fully endorse this actum. Within a short time it- will be nccssnry to paint ihe Church vnd do up the grounds around the Church, and it is to be hoped that ■"be funds will permit of this beius* done. On the whole the vestry feels i'tat the year has been both spiritually and otherwise one of improvement, owing in a great measure to the active interest taken in tb church by 111 vicar aiid bis M-ife, -who have at henrt the wel-•fn'-e nf the parishioners. 0. M. n - T ~"RT,T'N'SO"N', Secretary to (be Vestry."