FOXTON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 2930, 1 September 1925, Page 2

FOXTON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

A SUCCESSFUL YEAR

The annual meeting of the Foxton Presbyterian Church was held last night. Previous to the meeting of the congregation the members of the Presbyterian Commission consisting of Rev. T. Miller, M.A., Rev. J. C. Mill, and Mr Climie met the managers of the Church in a brief conference. -

The amnia! meeting was presided over by Rev. Frank MacDonald and there was a good a tendance. Mr. MacDonald said this was really tire lirst annual meeting of the Foxton charge because since last year the outlying districts had been attached to another charge and the position had been proved to be in the interests not only of Buxton, hut of the country districts also.

Good progress, (said the report) had been made during the year. The average number of 'communicants was 40 as against 10 three years ago, the membership of communicants being SO. The Sunday School, also had a very successful year under tiie superin tendency of Mrs. .1. Ross, but more teachers were urgently required. The Sunday School at the beach was also doing good work under Mrs Larsen and Miss ClovVr. The Bible Class had several setbacks during the year but now had a membership of 24, which really should Ife 20, as two of its members were called to higher -erviee suddenly and tragically just over a week ago. The Busy Be'es had a membership of 40 and a very lively hive they were. The 1v.0.5. Club formed at the beginning of the winter was a great hvlp to the social life of the young people and now had a membership of 58. The first Sunday in July an afternoon service was commenced at- the beach and good progress was being made as the population increased, but probably an evening service would by much more successful. The Ladies Guild reported good meetings and successful efforts in aid ->f the iinanees. The session warmly commended the earnest prayerful labours of the women of* the

church, « ; The report concluded: “The congregation give thanks to God for the renewed health and strength of our Minister and his wife and trust that tie will continue to bless them so that they may b‘e able to carry on their work."

The report was adopted and cutes of thanks and appreciation were tendered to the superintendent, teachers and officials of the various organisations. The balance sheet showed that the donations had increased by about £l3B over last year. The following management couiinitte were elected. Messrs Newton, Kennedy, Barron, Sat h#rle.v, Hay-.r* dock, Me Mu nay, .fas. Ross, Downes. McLaren H. Hornblow and Parkes.

The members of tire commission then presented their report. Rev. Thus. Miller expressed pleasure at being present as lie had a certain a mount to do with Mr MaeDonad’s coming to Eoxton. He congratulated the congregation on ihe progress that had been made since Mr MacDonald had taken charge, both spiritually and in every other way. The repori of the commission Mated that it wished t° pay tribute to the excellent work of the Minister and the help he had received from Mrs MacDonald. 1 lie fact that the number of communicants had doubled showed that the spiritual welfare was looked after. It was also pleasing to know that the congregation had given so freely, ;ind ii was remarkable that £OO had been contributed in one special offering, il was also satisfactorv to know that the church was working in co-operation with other churches by having weekly united prayer meetings. Alter concluding the report, Revs. Miller and Mid, and Mr Climie cave short addresses. A vote of thanks was passed to iite commission for their words of sympathy and inspiration. (In the motion of Air Barron a vote of thanks mid appreciation was tendered Air and Airs MacDonald in iheir splendid work during the year. Mr A Lae Donald brieily returned thanks and the Doxology concluded the gathering. Those present then adjourned to the Sunday School where supper was partaken of.