PARISHIONERS’ MEETING.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 985, 29 April 1911, Page 3

PARISHIONERS’ MEETING.

ALL SAINTS’ CHURCH. The annual meeting of the parishioners of All Saints’ parish was held on Thursday evening, the vicar in the chair. Mr W. ts. Stewart was appointed vicar’s warden, and Mr A. S. Easton people’s warden. The new vestry consists of Messrs Boyes, Betty, Jenks, Holliugtou, Nye, Woods and Witchell. Synodsman, Mr A. S. Easton. Mr Witchell read the balance-sheet, which was of a very satisfactory nature, and showed that a great deal had been accomplished. He explained that the balance-sheet showed a credit of a considerable sum, but this was the result of a bazaar, and was all to be paid out as soon as the new fence was erected. The special offertories for Mission showed an increase on last year, and the ordinary collections were 2i higher than the preceding year. The vicar’s report was voluminous and comprehensive. It stated inter alia that spiritually and financially there was marked improvement, and the Church had established a record in these particulars. The attendances at all services had increased. The spiritual life was tested to a great extent by the number of communicants at the 8 a.m. services. Much of the success during the year was attributed to the hearty co-operatiou of members and to the mission, and also to the excellent feeling between the vicar and members. Special praise was bestowed upon the work of the churchwardens, whom the report characterised as the “best in the whole diocese.” The subject of almsgiving was dealt with at length. The indifference on the part of many in this particular was adversely criticised. No one was asked to give more than they could afford, but each should give in proportion to the income received. It was only here and there that we find a rich man giving in the. same proportion as a poor man. The Scripture thus defines alms-giving : “It is better to give alms than to lay up gold ; alms doin ucuver from death, and it shall purge away all sin—they that do alms and righteousness shall be filled with life.” It is not now “How much can I give to God ?” but “ How little can I offer without appearing really mean?” The services of the vestry and the good work accomplished by them was touched upon, also the Ladies’ Guild. The latter hand id to the church wardens the sum of /9b as the result of their labours. The Guild was one of the best assets the Church had. The time had come when the interior of the Church required beautifying—the sanctuary of God was beginning to look shabby. A list of requirements were set for.h in detail. The excellent services of the choirmaster (Mr R. T. Betty) and organist (Miss Jenks) were placed on record. The Sunday school, under the superiuteudeucy of Mr W. S. Stewart, was under-staffed, and the report pleaded for more workers in this the greatest work in Christ’s vineyard. Reierence was made to the introduction into this parish of a Communicants’ Guild, called the Guild of St. George. Its objects were explained, aud parishioners urged to join. Appreciative reference was made to the Herald for publishing church notices, etc., to the treasurer aud secretary, Messrs Witchell and Woods. During the year the Church had lost by death one of its most taithful aud active members, Mr Theophilus Easton, whose life was a standing example of humility aud sincerity. Other references were made to statistics, the Church Chronicle, the departure of Bishop Wallis aud his successor, and to all who have in any way helped on the work of Christ in this parish. The report concluded by asking for the prayers of the parishioners on behalf of the vicar that he may be made, more worthy of the great office of the priesthood, that his example may be the aspiration oi the people. The statistics of the year are as follows, the figures in parentheses being those of 1910 -Number of communions made, 814 (628) ; baptisms, 31 (48) ; weddings, 4 (7) ; burials, 9 (12); number of children on the Sunday school roll, xoo; children on the roll of the vicar’s religious instruction class, 85 (30).