ST. ANDREW’S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Hokitika Guardian, 24 September 1926, Page 1

ST. ANDREW’S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

The annual congregational meeting in connection with the above was held on Wednesday evening in the Church Hall, when there was a very large attendance and all the proceedings passed off happily. The Rev. J. W. Hayward resided, and expressed pleasure at such a good attendance. He hoped the new departure of having tho annual meeting in the, hall with a musical programme and a cup of tea would justify itself. Mr Hayward hoped to have the loyal co-operation of the people, and spec-wily urged that the children should he sent regularly to tho morning service at to the Sabbath School. The session report was read by Ur Folley (Session Clerk) and referred Lo the many changes that had taken place during the year. The resignation of Rev. P. B. Fraser; tho loss of the church through tho removal to Christchurch of Mr Aithen; and the recent settlement of the new Minister. The roll of membership now stood at 110. Tho report acknowledged with thanks the faithful labours of all the workers in connection with tho church. The manager’s report, given by Mr Gooch, referred to the improvements carried out in connection with the Hall, Manse and Church, and showed tliit though considerable extra expense had been incurred the year closed with a credit balance. The report expressed the. hope that the envelope system of .giving would he adopted with Mr S. J. Preston in charge of the scheme. Mr W. U. TTquhart (church treasurer), read the balance sheet showing receipts £IOO 10s sd, expenditure £470 15s 3d, credit balance £2G Ss 7d. A statement of the Scots Memorial Fund was read by Mr A. B. King, (treasurer of the fund) showing £1322 19s 5d in hand. The meeting decided to take up a collection once a year for this fund. The Sunday School report was read by Mr James Park, (superintendent), and showed that n great deal of ia.ithfnl work had been done and a large sum raised for missionary and other purposes. The Young Women’s Bible Class under tho leadership of Miss Potts reported progress though a number ot members had loft the district. Tho meeting elected tho following as a committee of management: L. Gooch. W. Good fellow, A. B. King, J. King. S. J. Preston, D. Stevenson. W. R. Urquhni't, W. Wilson, S. Moods. At tho conclusion of the business the following musical programme was veil dered.: Pfanofort solo, .Miss Thompson; solos hv Miss Davidson, Mrs Parkhill and Mr Conning; recitations by Miss J. Ward and Master B. Blair. Supper was provided by the ladies, jsjid a very successful gathering concluded with a vote ol thanks to them and the singing of the National Anthem.