PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 23 August 1917, Page 3

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

ANNUAL MEETING

THE annual , meeting of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Helensville, took place on Monday evening, August 20th. In the absence of the Moderator, Rev. A. A. Murray (who was unavoidably absent through illness) Mr R. Hoe was appointed Chairman. The meeting was opened with a hymn, after which Rev. Hodson led in prayer, followed by the reading of Psalm 46 by Mr Hoe. Apologies for absence were received from Messrs Stringer, D. McDonald and C. Milligan.

The minutes of the last annual meeting were read and confirmed. The annual balance sheet, showing a credit balance, was then read and adopted. The Church is to be congratulated on the highly successful year that hasjust closed.

The Rev. Hodson read letters of congratulation from the Reys. Mawson, Pattison, Walker, and Jeffries, eulogising the work of the past year, expressing great pleasure at the reception given them on their visits, and wishing the Helensville Charge continued success in their work.

Messrs Kennedy, R. Pengelly, C. Thomson, H. Aitkenhead, and C. Jones, gave an outline of the work that had been done in their districts, which was of a satisfactory nature.

[A detailed account of the delegates' reports will appear in our next issue.]

The Chairman reported that it was being arranged to hold a service at Wainui once a month if the people in that district would assist to support the effort.

It was resolved to have two Rolls of Honour placed in the Chapel in honour of the brave men who have gone to fight for freedom and justice, one for those who had made the supreme sacrifice, and one for those who were serving.

A vote of condolence was passed to the relatives of Stanley Hoe, Richard Pengelly, and Malcolm McKinnon, who have given their lives in this fearful struggle.

It was resolved to hold an In Memoriam Service at the Church on Sunday evening, August 26, in honour of the late Malcolm McKmnon, who acted as secretary for some time.

The Chairman stated that during the year the Revs. Pattison, Jeffries, and Saunders had visited the district and conducted memorial services. Their efforts were appreciated, and all looked forward to seeing them again.

The Rev. Hodson, in replying to the various matters referred to, thanked, the speakers for their kind remarks, and said that he had 6nly tried to do his duty, and that although the weather and bad roads had somewhat hampered him in his work, he felt that he had the love of the Church and the sympathy of the adherents with him. He hoped that with the help of the Divine Master that the incoming year would be one of fruition, and by the instrumentality of the preacher of the Word many may be brought into the fold.

Mrs Kennedy, of Woodhill, sang " The Gift," and " I cannot sing the old Songs," which were greatly appreciated.

A vote of thanks was passed to Mr H. W. Stringer for auditing the books ; also to the ladies for providing refreshments.

The National Anthem was then sung, and Rev. Hodson pronouned the benediction. Refreshments were handed round, and a short time spent in social intercourse, which concluded one of the happiest meetings in Helensville.