PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3676, 11 August 1927, Page 2

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

ANNUAL MEETING. The annual congregational meeting of the Foxton Presbyterian Church was held last night. The Rev. G. T. Brown, M.A., (moderator) presided over a good attendance. 'Prior to the meeting, the ordination of Mr J. TI. Downes to the eldership was impressively carried out by the moderator, who subsequently addressed the elder and congregation. The session report referred to the departure of the Rev. F. McDonald and the steps taken to fill the vacancy and the appointment of Mr. VY. H. Nicholas. Marked improvement had been noticeable in the attendance at public worship and communion services. The Sundayschool was being conducted with success and appreciative reference was made to those who laboured in this connection. The Session recorded its thanks to the managers, Ladies’ Social Guild, P.W.M.U. and to the moderator for the interest displayed jin the welfare of the charge and concluded with the hope “that with the help of the Great Head of the Church that there may be a continuation of prosperity in His work during the conning year.” The secretary (Mr. John Ross) then read the annual reports of the Sunday school, Ladies’ Social Guild, and local branch of the P.W.M.U. All the reports struck an optimistic note.

The-balance-sheet disclosed that a considerable reduction had been made on the church debt due to voluntary giving. Donations had also been received from St. Andrew’s Church, Palmerston North and St. Paul’s, Wanganui.

The moderator congratulated the congregation upon the improved condition of the charge both spiritually and financially and paid a tribute to the earnest work of the pastor, Mr. W. H. Nicholas. The moderator’s remarks were endorsed by Messrs Hornblow, Barron, Ross and Downes. Mr. Nicholas thanked the congregation for their expressions and expressed his appreciation of their willingness to co-operate with him and for their many acts of kindness. Votes of thanks were accorded to the moderator, Presbytery, and workers in the various church organisations. The following were unanimously elected a management committee: Messrs Jas. Ross, Barron, J. Thomson, A. Stevenson, H. Hornblow, R. N. 'Speirs, Haydock, C. King, and Satherley. Secretary, Mr. John Ross; treasurer, Mr. Downes; auditor, Mr. D. R. Ogilby. At the conclusion of the meeting supper was served in the school room by the ladies.