METHODIST CHURCH.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2321, 27 August 1921, Page 4

METHODIST CHURCH.

anniversary meeting

The local Methodist Church held us anniversary meeting and social m the Masonic Hall on Thursday evening. There was a good attendance, including representatives from other religious denominations. The Rev. L. Minifio presided. Apart from a capital musical programme, the reports were submitted, which disclosed that the Church was making splendid progress throughout the circuit. During the evening_the following programme, was submitted, and much appreciated: —Songs by Mrs Freeman, Mrs Bullard, Messrs Poole, King, Head, Colder, duct (vocal) by Mrs Bullard and Miss Evans, pianoforte duet, Misses lion ore and Signal, flute solo, Mr Moorman, recitations by Miss Belle Pearson and Mr Homlilow, glees by the choir, monologues by Rev. L. Minifie. The accompaniments were played, by' Mrs' Freeman, Misses Evans, Signal, King, and Mr Thornbur. Air H. Osborne conducted the choir. Congratulatory addresses were delivered by the Rev. V\ . \\ alton (Anglican), and Captain long (Salvation Army). An apology was received from the Rev. Holliday (Presbyterian). Mr. Ed. Osborne, of Palmerston, one of the pioneer members of the Church, made a very happy and humorous speech in connection with Methodism in

Fox ton in the early days. Ihe usual votes of thanks to othcc-beaiers and other organisations in connection with the Church were carried by acclamation. The minister also thanked office-bearers for kindly references to his work. The total - amount raised as a result of the anniversary was £7l 10s od. The social closed with the benediction. An appetising supper was provided by the ladies, which was much appreciated. The reports presented were as follow : CIRCUIT REPORT.

The Circuit year does not end correspondingly with that ot the Trust, but on behalt ot the Circuit Board we present a brief report of

circuit work at this time, -so far the year has been unparalleled in its success for many years. A most successful special function was promoted by the ladies last November. The financial aid from this placed us in a most, excellent position for the coming of our new minister. The Harvest Festivals, Foxton and Shannon, held in March were an easy record, netting £f>l. Since our new minister'^ rrived the Circuit has been busy spending some of it> surplus cash in needed ways. Removal expenses used a fair see* .tion of the credit, balance. Next came means of transit, within the Circuit. Fortunately, our minister is*of the kind who places circuit firs!, then self,' and in the ease first, then self, and is prepared to I ride anything providing it goes and I gets* there quickly. not I stand om for a modern car —‘‘Give

me something which will carry me, and carry me across country quiyk--1 v," was his expressed desire. _So we purchased a good old “Triumph” motor cycle, which is indeed proving .a triumph for his work. While the Trustees have been busy with the church anti' its grounds, the Circuit official-: turned their attentions to tla> parsonage. Tins litis been thoroughly r< nova ted--paper-ed inside, painted outside, grounds nicely laid out. the whole presenting a picture the trustees could do well to copy for the church. Our town congregation has been steadily growing, but we urge more attention to our morning attendance. The ouipo=t work is very bright. Our ministers first service at Shannon was both disappointing and discouraging, the full muster on that occasion being four adults and as many children, To-day he, goes over to u church which is three-parts full. Oroua Downs has likewise progressed, from an average attendance of four or five, it has

grown to between 20 and 25. A Sunday school >.>l. eight or nine <>n

the roll has grown to over thirty. Finance for this year has been good, and if our people will, adopt, systematic giving by means of die envelope system, there will be no need lor h special effort in November. A rough estimate for a period of twelve months on both circuit and trust work of the church reveals an income of close on £SOO. A word

of appreciation is also due to our minister. Although he has been with us only a few months, he has

made his presence felt. The energy and enthusiasm ho has put into his work has had a most telling effect, both inside and outside of the church. We find him ever willing to do his share, in fact, a little more than his share, so it behoves each one of us as Methodists to see and do our share, when, with our combined efforts, we can look forward to good times in the future. I would like also to endorse the remarks made by the Secretary of the Trust re thanks to everyone who has assisted us in any way whatever to carry on the work of the church. I should also like to thank any whom he should have accidentally omitted, for during the year there are countless acts of help and assistance rendered which are too numerous to enumerate. —L. Bullard. TRUST REPORT.

For some considerable period tie Foxton Methodist Trust has not been unduly burdened in the matter of activity. From the time of the completion of the antiroom, now used as a social room and choir vestry, the activities of the Trust have been limited to routine work. So little work was required of the Trustees that the business was transacted at the meeting of the quarterly board officials. However,

some three or four months ago the Trust entered upon a distinct progress movement; certain schemes were discussed among the members of the Board, and it was felt to be imperative that the Trustees should resume their separate meetings and endeavour to carry out certain schemes suggested. At the outset it was felt that even as a little more

light was urgently needed on trust matters, so more light was also needed in our church building. Appreciating the work of the chpir, gas was installed'above the choir seats. We believe this to be a benefit. to our leaders of song, as is perhaps evidenced in the marked improvement of the singing of recent times. We are proud of our church building. It is modern, solid, roomy, but until recently one stepped into a, porch of darkness, or else beheld the flickering glimmer or was met by the odour of an oldfashioned kerosene lamp. The Trust had installed here a light incandescent burner. The increase of late in our attendance seems to indicate that, this light, and 1 the new, bright lamp at the church gate, have been as a beacon and guide to the one-time wandering footsteps of some of our pe_ople. Our grounds have hardly been in keeping with cur building. A willing band of our men, under the excellent direction of Mr Chalk, has already done good work. Mountains have been levelled, and valleys covered, paths cut, and other work making for the improvement of the property carried out. The work is not yet completed, but we believe that the men, once having placed their hands to the plough, will not cease till the last furrow is reached. To Mr 11. Osborne, for carting soil, and to all the willing workers, we extend our heartiest thanks. Scripture tells us that “Hast doth borrnpl. liu«l has caused our iron gab's to become most corrupt. By Lunds Jrom a recent social, timber has been procured, and one of ottr member'. Mr Morznan, has undertaken to construct new gates as a gift to I he church. For this work ive sincerely thank him. Whilst we have been attending' to these smaller and greater matters, we have mainly concentrated attention upon two large efforts —the clearing of the balance of debt’from our church property by the date of this anniversary. It was at first thought that the money for this purpose might be rai -ed by a sale of work. Then, inspired by the suggestion of someone, we had faith to believe that tho hearts of our people, touched by the Devine Spirit, would lead them to give freely to this fund. In less than four weeks., and with scarcely one personal appeal for aid, our people have responded to the invitation of our minister, given, on behalf of the Trustees, and the sum asked tor (.€OS) has been raised. We praise God to-night that the debt on our church has been cleared, and that the Trustees have been able to keep their pledged word that the amount would be paid: by this year. Me thank our people for their splendid response in these days of financial strain. We tire delighted that some have given of their abundance. Me are greatful to some whom we feel gave at much Sacrifice. The second matter upon which the Trust ha-’ turned its attention lias been the providing of a building for a Sunday school and social hall. The Trustees knew of such a building, but were confronted by two difficulties —lack of funds, and headquarters pc emission to move the- building. Both the N.Z. Methodist Church Building and Loan Fund have granted us permission to move the building required, and have also advanced sufficient money for the purpose. We expect at an early dale to have, standing upon our section, side by side with our church, a creditable Sunday school and social ball. Wo believe that our people render service to their church as rendering service unto the Lord, but we as Trustees desire to extend our best thanks to all who have in any way assisted the work of tlje Church. To our present organists (,morning, Mr Mormon,; evening. Miss Evans) we extend our best thanks for their able service. Me would not forget ■past organists —Miss Honore. who we regret was compelled to retire through ill-health;, to Mr fhoniber, who, as a well-trained Methodist, organist, is, we believe, ably tiding our Anglican friends at present byplaying their organ in the service of worship. To Mr Mormon, again, as flutist, and Mrs Chalk, as violinist, to Mr H. Osborne as our able conductor of the choir. The time and interest given willingly by him is evidenced in the quality of the choir's singing. To each member of the choir,, who, at sacrifice of time and convenience in all classes of weather, meet to practice, or are in regular attendance at Sabbath worship. To Mr Huntley, as church steward, ever faithful, first to arrive, last to leave, for Ills service as superintendant, and for the service of his teaching staff in our Sabbath school. Wc wish them all joy in their all-important work amid the young. If at times at all discouraged, we would remind them “that bread cast upon the waters will return even after many days.” 'To the ladies who have voluntarily cleaned our church week by week. To the Ladies Guild for splendid financial assistance given the Trustees. To two members of the congregation for providing new pulpit lights. To the local preachers who give of their best that during the absence of our minister in another part of tho circuit, our work may be carried on here. Last, but not least, we would not forget the local Press, with its ever interested and courteous editor, Mr Homblow, we much appreciate the aid and ad-

vertising, and comprehensive reports of our church's activities. As we glance back over the past year’s work we confidently believe wo behold evidences of the power of God in our midst. We earnestl/urge our people to keep a deep consciousness of the Devine Spirit in the daily and Church life. —Mr Walker.