PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 28 August 1919, Page 4

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

» ANNUAL REPORT. At the annual meeting of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, held recently, the secretary submitted the following report : The committee beg to extend their sincere <> thanks to the members and adherents for the loyal support they have received during the past year. The year has been one of progress, and marks an epoch in the history of the Church. Obituary.—lt is with sincere regret we record the death of our esteemed and well beloved brother in Christ, Mr Andrew Nuttall, who succumbed to the dreadful influenza scourge last November. He was both a consistent and earnest worker in the Church for some years, and held the office of treasurer up to the time of his death. Also Mr Jas. McDonald, of Woodhill, who was a faithful worker in that district. We extend to their relatives our deep and sincere sympathy. Induction.—lt will be remembered that at our last annual meeting a recommendation by the Moderator that Helensville become a sanction Charge and that we seek to obtain a Minister, was adopted, with the result that on 10th October last the Rev. Wm. Butterworth was inducted to the charge of this district, the Rev. W. J. Shaw; Moderator of the Charge, performing the ceremony, and the district was declared a sanction Charge. Farewell to Rev. Hodson—Rev. Hodson bade farewell to this Charge in October last, having faithfully served the district for three and a half years with glory to God, honour to the Charge, and distinction to himself. The attendance at the services has been well maintained, but could be improved if the members and adherents realised their responsibility to God and •the Church. The district had a visit from the Moderator of the N.Z General Assembly Rev..W. Gray Dixon, in June last. Rev. Gray Dixon gave a very interesting lecture on Japan and the Japanese, which was much appreciated, and the Church received a net profit of £5. Finance.—The finance of the Church is in a very satisfactory state as will be shown by the Treasurer's report. You will note that the debt on the manse has been paid off; due entirely to the c fforts of the ladies of the Church. A site for a manse was kindly offered by Mr and Mrs W. F. Coutts at a very low cost. The committee are awaiting legal negotiations to complete* the matter, meanwhile a lease of a house has been arranged for a period of two years. The Ladies' Guild.—The work in this department has been consistently maintained. The ladies meet weekly to continue their good work, and by their industry and perseverence have raised enough money to pay off the mortgage on the manse, as prevjously recorded.The Oreranist.—The Church extends to Miss Stewart their sincere thanks for •the faithful manner in which she has fulfilled the office of organist. A strenuous effort is now being made to start a choir, and the committee appeal to all who can in any way assist. j The Sunday School.—The records of the Sunday School show a steady increase in membership, but the work is hampered for want oi" teachers. Taking into consideration that the future church is coming from those now in the Sunday School, this department should receive more sympathy, support, and help. The committee feel that there are those in the Church who could do the work, and appeal to them to sacrifice (if you can oal! work of moulding and framing the future of these scholars, a sacrifice) a little time to extend this good work. Mr Thomson, the .superintendent, has faithfully carried out this duty, and the Church extends to him sincere thanks and appreciation for his labours.