ALL SAINTS’CHURCH.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2575, 3 May 1923, Page 2

ALL SAINTS’CHURCH.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF PARISHIONERS.

Tiie above meeting was held in All Saints’ school-room on Monday evening last. A fair number of people attended. Before proceeding with the usual business of the meeting, the Vicar (the Rev. IV. H. Walton) stated that it had become necessary to elect another Synodsman in place of Mr Alf. Fraser, who had represented this parish for many years end who was unable to attend Synod. Mr Frank Robinson had beeu nominated and as his was the only nomination, lie declared him duly elected. Mr Robinson had already attended one meeting of Synod and he (the Vicar) felt that people of Foxton had every reason to congratulate themselves in their representation. The Vicar announced that Mr Tver had again consented to act as his Churchwarden for the ensuing year. In his report for the last year, which ended on the 31st March, the Vicar stated that the attendances had been well maintained. He had, however, found great difficulty with the Sunday school through inability to find workers. In an endeavour to deal with the situation he had inaugurated a special Bible class which he himself conducted in the Church at 10 o’clock every Sunday morning. These classes were attended by 25 to 30 young people. The country services had been well attended and quite, justified their existence. He was arranging 1o conduct services in addition to the usual bi-weekly service at Orona

Downs and Marotiri, at Mouton, in order to allow those who lived too far away from Marotiri to attend at the latter place. One great handicap in conducting these services was the need of a lay reader. A lay reader would enable him occasionally to hold evening services in these districts and he knew how greatly evening services would be appreciated.

He touched briefly upon finance, pointing to salient features in the balance-sheet. The envelope system had been now started. If had not attained its full development but the offertories were already showing an increase in consequence. He had to thank Mr Harold Frankland, who had now left Foxton, for his work ns envelope secretary. He desired also to express his thanks to the Vestry for their loyal work and support. The meetings had been held once a month instead of quarterly, and they had met alternately at one another’s houses, a system which tendered considerably to greater .-oeinhilty as well as comfort. The choir, too, were to ho thanked for their work. They had, with the assistance of other church choristers and singers, produced Stainer’s “Crucifixion” and the “Holy City,” both of which works had been well appreciated. Volunteers were needed and lie hoped they would he forthcoming. He mentioned that the -Jubilee of All Saints’ Church was rapidly drawing near. Thera seemed some little doubt as to the exact date hut he hoped that something would he organised to celebrate it.

Tn thanking all his helpers, he referred to the great work in the past of Mrs A. S. Easton and Mrs Barber senr.. both of whom were for the time being prevented from active work through illness. He knew, however, how keen was their interest .still in all pertaining to the church and lie hoped they would both be speedily restored to health and strength. The meeting then proceeded to elect officers. Mr A. S. Easton was appointed churchwarden for the 40th time and his election was received with applause. The Vicar spoke in high terms of the wonderful services performed over this long period by Mr Easton and Mr Tver added a few words in appreciation.

The following were elected ves trvmen:- —Messrs Frank Robinson Christie, Nyo, Rowley, Poole, Bar her, Symons. ’.Jewell, Betty am Trueman.

Mr E. S. Jackson was elected auditor and a vote of thanks was passed thanking him for auditing the past year's accounts. The balance-sheet was read and adopted. It showed that the debit balance bad been somewhat increased during I lie period due mainly to greater expense incurred in such, items as rates, repairs, etc. Offerlories amounted to practically the same as last year, namely £lB7. Subscription (£108) showed a slight increase on I lie previous iigures. The Ladies Ouild had raised £147 and a special effort at Moutoa had raised £7 8s (id.

Fitting reference was made by the Vicar to the loss the Church had sustained by the deaths of Mr W. Bock and Mr C. Spiers, and a motion of sympathy with the relatives was put to the meeting and carried in silence.

A committee consisting of Messrs Trueman, -Jewell, and Christie, was formed to organise a special effort with the object of clearing off the debit balance.