ST. PAUL’S CHURCH.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIX, Issue 5268, 30 April 1928, Page 2

ST. PAUL’S CHURCH.

PAIHSIIIONERS* ANNUAL MEETING

SATISFACTORY YEAR SHOWN.

The annual general meeting of tlie parishioners of St. Paul’s Church, Paeroa, was held at the Parish Hall last Monday night, the vkalr, the Rev. W. H. G. Weadon, presiding ovetr a large attendance. ANNUAL REPORT. The following was included in the annual report presented by the vicar : “The first financial year during my incumbency has come to a close, in taking stock of things, ‘progress’ is thei outstanding feature of practically all that has been attempted during the year.

“In regard to the spiritual life and work of the parish, judging from thesteady weekly increase of communicants, the congregations at other- services, and the unusual number of confirmation candidates, these are marks of. real progress. The total number of communions for the year was 1651, of which 1391 were made in the parish church. This is about 600 bet er than any previous record.

“I must thank those who have added to the beauty of our church and services by donating gifts for the church.

Mr T. Moresby resigned his position (is organist owing to pressure of other duties, and Miss Joy Bly th has very ably filled the position. “The gratitude of all our worships pers is due to Mr R. W. Evans for his untiring devotion in beautifying the Altar with flowers each week; also his care of the hangings and changing them for the Church’s seasons. In his position, as choirmaster no one but those in the inner circle of things knows the time and sacri’ flees made to make the 'rendering of our services beautiful. The choir, too, is rendering noble and devoted serv!ce.

“The vicar is very grateful for the able assistance of the two lay Traders, Dr. G. T. Smith and Mr C. Gwilliam, for taking occasional services where needed ; also for the assistance rendered by a very capable staff of serv-< e’rs at the Holy Eucharist —It is hoped about nine of them will shortly be admitted to the Diccesan Guild of Servers.

“The- Sunday School at Paeroa. continues to flourish in spitei of some difficulties. Mrs A. J. Thorp, our able superintendent, is working with a shortage of teachers, which is dis-, couraging to both the scholars and the results of her devoted energies.

“Financial Position.—With regard to the financial position, although an. adverse one, it needs' to be borne in mind that our financial Responsibilities have been exceptionally .heavy, most of which is non-recurring (e.g., purchase of car, erection of garage, extensive repairs to vica'i-age, purchase of registers and service forms, etc) ; yet, as parishioners will’see in the statement of accounts, t'he. Sunday offerings have increased over £7O compared with any previous year. This, I am grateful to say, is largely due to the duplex envelope system which has been working during the past twelve months. The vic,ar and vestry are very grateful tb the Ladies’ Guild and Girls’ Club for the very substantial financial help they have given,; also towards funds for ■the new church. “Country Districts.—Two services a month arc being held in, each of the following districts: Karangahake, Hikutaia, and Netherton. The. Sunday School at Hikutaia is. still carried on under the supervision of Miss L. Robinson, while an undenominational Sunday School at Wharepoa continues to flourish. The country has adopted the duplex system, with the exception of Karangahake, with very gratifying results. Netherton folk especially are to be congratu'lated, for in addition to meeting thei'r assessment and quota, to the car fund they, raised considerably over £5O through the energy of the ladies’ guild there towards their new church fund. All country districts read'ly contributed' towards the cost of the car, which has made it possible for the vicar to give them two services a month.” ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The following officers were elected : Vicar’s warden, Dr. G. T. Smith ; people’s warden, Mr W. Barclay; vestry, Messrs W. J. Towers, R. W. Evans, C. N. O’Nqill, F. C. Blyth, W. J. Ellis, L. C. Cane, C. MooWiouse, C. S. Wrack, R. J. Thorp, S. J. Nichoills ; delegate to Waikato Synod, Mr R. WEvans; auditor, Mr J. A. Wilkinson.