ALL SAINTS’ CHURCH.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 370, 9 April 1908, Page 3

ALL SAINTS’ CHURCH.

Parishioners’ Annual Meeting.

The above meeting, which, by the way, was open to all, was held in All Saints’ Schoolroom on Tuesday night, and was well attended, a fair sprinkling of representatives from the other churches being present. The proceedings were opened by the vicar offering prayer. The ordinary business was ihen commenced, the minutes of the previous annual meeting being read by the Secretary, Mr Morgan, after which the report and balance-sheet was submitted by the Treasurer, Mr Baillie. Mr W. Stewart in moving the same be adopted, commenting on the very satisfactory results achieved —there being a credit balance of £ 12 —a munificient sum, when taking into consideration all the expense incurred by renovating the church, etc., in fact, the expenses had beenu 11 usually heavy, and the credit balance in hand was far and above that of any year in Mr Stewart’s recollection, which dates back full 20 years. The vicar then presented his report, stating the past year had been bis first full year among Foxton parishioners, and he could look back upon it with thankfulness to Almighty God for His goodness. It had been an eventful year, and the parish was to be congratulated on its financial success —old representatives claiming the past year to be the first for 32 years that a balance-sheet had come out on the right side. The speaker hoped this was only the beginning of many such years. Is it not a shameful thing, continued the vicar, that God’s Holy Church should be allowed to be in debt ? That the things of the world should prosper, but the things ol God be a failure ? He was sure all must feel happy at the change which had taken place. The most important work done during the year was the restoration of the church, the funds from which came from the bazaar held in October last. The church now stands good for at least 50 years ; brick piles have taken the place of the old wooden ones, an iron roof has replaced the shingle one, and the whole exterior of the building has been painted. In addition to this, a new bell has been given by Messrs George and Harry Coley, in memory of their father, who did many years’ faithful service for the church. The vicar hoped, now, that attention would be given to the interior of - the church.—He had to thank the out-going vestry for improvements effected to the vicarage, which added greatly to its comfort.—Regarding theKspiscopal visit, Mr Woodward stated that on August 2nd, the Ford Bishop of the Diocese held a confirmation in AH Saints’ Church, when he (the vicar) presented to him 37 candidates—the largest number confirmed for many years in this parish, and he hoped to be able to present even a greater number next time. There were still a large number of the older members of the church unconfirmed, and it was hoped that they would come forward at the next confirmation. Re clerical visits, the speaker intimated that a number of clergymen had visited Foxton from other parishes, including the Rev. G. P. Daveys, of St. Peter’s Church, Wellington, the Rev. J. Walker, of St. Thomas’, Wellington, the Rev. C. W. Maclaverty, and the Rev. H. F. Wilson, late vicar of this parish ; two weeks ago a visit had been paid by the Venerable Archdeacon Fancourt, who had for many years taken an active part in the church life of Foxton. Continuing, the vicar remarked that in September last the church had been favoured with an organ recital by Mr Milward Anderson, the proceeds of which had been a means of wiping off the debt on the organ, and he anticipated arranging for a similar recital this year. Speaking of the Sunday School, the Rev. Woodward referred to it as being the most important work of the church, for the children of to-day were to be the fathers and mothers of this issue, and carry on the great faith of our religion. On the whole, the Sunday School had had a very good year, but there was room for vast improvement. The attendance of the children was erratic, and in many cases distressing to the teachers, who gave up a great deal of their time to supply them with spiritual instruction. He thought one was sometimes apt to forget the self-sacrificing love of those who, Sunday after Sunday, taught in the Sunday School. An improvement in the attendance was what was wanted, and the parents alone could be instrumental in bringing that about. The vicar felt that he could not too often remind the fathers and mothers of the little ones—their responsibility in bringing up their children in the fear and love of God. The Sunday School was an institution to benefit- them, and the least thing parents could do would be to send their children regularly and faithfully to the school. The Superintendent, Mr Stewart, had under his guidance an excellent staff of teachers. Touching the choir, the vicar said he was glad to be able to state that that very necessary organ to church worship was in a flourishing condition, all the seats being now filled with members, and they had, what he considered a most excellent scheme —a young choir growing up with the older one, thus being enabled to fill up any gaps that may occur. Sincerest gratitude was due by them all to Mr Betty, who, with unwearied zeal, had worked hard as choir master, and who, by

example, had inspired those under him to regular attendance in the service of God. The singing in All Saints’ Church was, in comparison with the many other churches of a similar size, visited by the vicar, far above the average. In reference to the guild, he considered it an indispensible institution, being one of the chief factors of obtaining that necessary article —money, for the upkeep of the church. The ladies who had been regular each week at the guild had done real service to their church, but he regretted to say this work had been allowed to fall on the shoulders of a, few of the faithful ones, and must on many occasions have filled them with discouragement. The guild was now opened for the new year, thus affording an opportunity for many more ladies to take an interest in the work. They should bear in mind that it was service to God’s glory, and faithfulness would be rewarded by Him. In speaking of the vestry, Mr Woodward opined it would be a difficult matter to pick a better one than had been chosen for the past year ; the meetings had been well attended, and not once had the postponement of a meeting been necessitated owing to lack of members. The church wardens (Messrs Stewart and Easton), also, were excellent, and thanks were due to them for the great assistance they had rendered the vicar, and he sincerely hoped that the same two would pilot the ship over another year. Deepest thanks was due to Mr Baillie, who had willingly taken Mr Chisholm’s place as Treasurer, and who had presented such a successful balance sheet. The Secretary, Mr Morgan, must not be forgotten ; he had fulfilled his duties cheerfully; Mr Clemett, also, deserved thanks, inasmuch as he had audited all the accounts for the past year. The vicar, commenting on the services, said the evening congregations were very fair, and this was the most enthusiastic service of the day ; the morning service was improving, and he was glad to notice that the parents were bringing their children to church ; churchgoing was like everything else — one must be taught to go. The eight o’clock services were, perhaps, the most satisfactory—a year ago these early services could not be held, owing to lack of worshippers, but now there were generally a fair number present —sufficient to allow the great sacrifice of the altar to be offered up. AH Saints’ services were made as bright as possible, and an oppoituuily was given to all of joining in public worship. The Rev. Woodward mentioned, during his discourse, the Church Chronicle, the distribution of which was in the capable hands of Mrs Clemett, who would be most happy to take the names of new subscribers; this churuh paper enabled one to not only become acquainted with church news of the diocese, but throughout the whole world. The statistics for the year were presented as follows: Communions, 664 ; infants baptised, 68 ; burials, 13 ; weddings, four. In conclusion, the vicar thanked one and all, sincerely trusting that the same liberal help would be proffered during the next year.

Mr Easton was appointed people’s warden, and Mr Stewart synoclsman. The following vestry was elected : Messrs Jenks, Nye, Woods, Morgan, Baillie, Betty, and Phillips. Special vote of thanks was accorded Mr Hornblow for general sympathy shown, not only to All Saints’, but to all other churches, also to the ladies, who had worked so assiduously. Refreshments were then handed round by the ladies of the church, after which the vicar pronounced the benediction.