ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 222, 19 August 1937, Page 11

ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH

ANNUAL MEETING. ENCOURAGING REPORTS. There was an excellent attendance of members of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church at the 6lst annual general meeting of the congregation, held in the Church Hall last evening. The minister (Rev. J. Hubbard, M.A., 8.D.) presided and associated with him was Air AV. B. Tennent, session clerk. The proceed ings opened with the singing of the “Old Hundredth,” Mr A. J. Graham presiding at the piano, followed by prayer. Air Hubbard expressed pleasure at the large attendance at eo important a meeting. The reports of the session, deacons' court and various departments (already published in the “Standard 1 ') were adopted. Speaking to the reports, Air Tennent said that of the session was probably the healthiest ever presented. In every department activity was excellent, one in five of the congregation (or 11G members) occupying executive positions. The high spiritual plane was indicated by the fact that the attendances at Communion uere 84 per cent, of the membership roll. As superintendent of the Sunday school, Mr Tennent paid a warm tribute to the loyalty and enthusiasm of the Sunday school and Bible classes. Aliss Agnes Chapman had completed a splendid service as loader of the senior girls’ Bible class for fifteen years. An inspiring lead had been consistently given by Air Hubbard, who jiad met all difficulties with calm confidence. He was a sincere friend, guide and pastor, than whom none better could be found in New Zealand. Air Tennent referred to the insufficient support accorded the P.W.AI.U. and the need for greater fellowship in the congregation. A congregation that did not face up to its missionary obligations was not fulfilling its purpose; the amount tendered in the past year had averaged only 3s 6d per member. The session had been concerned to increase the spirit of fellowship; in future two elders would be oil duty at each service for the sole purpose of welcoming new members. FINANCIAL POSITION.

Speaking to the report of the deacons’ court, Air R. C. Donald (trea surer) recalled that the renovations to the church and the erection of new buildings had entailed an expenditure of over £SOOO, but this had been largely met. It was pleasing to note an increase of £93 ill the Sunday offerings to £6GG 10s lid. A total of £2241 10s Gd had been received during the year for debt reduction purposes, including £950 under the Balsillie bequest and £719 Is 8d from the golden offering, which included an individual donation of £2OO. During the new year the load ,would not be so heavy, enabling a reduction in the interest from £2OO to £l5O to be made. An income of £32 a week would be required, aggregating £IG6S. Air Donald concluded by paying a tribute to all who had assisted him during the year. Air J. C. Young, (lie chairnian ot the finance committee, seconding the motion for the adoption of the deacons’ court report, appealed for the linking up of any unattached Presbyterians in the city. Mrs A. L. Alouat. the president of the P.W.AI.U., congratulated the ses 2 sion on presenting so successful a report. During the year an additional £l2O would be required to meet the presbytery's mission allocation, and the speaker appealed to the congregation to assist toward meeting their obligations. TRIBUTE TO MINISTER.

Mr Graham paid a very high tribute to the ministry of Mr Hubbard, whose zeal, he said, had provided a dynamicinfluence for the latent forces within the bounds of St. Andrew’s. He had proved himself a valiant ambassador for Christ and a constant font of consolation. Throughout lie had had the support of “the very gracious lady ot the manse,” who was kindness personified. Both were loved and honoured lor * their work, for what they were, an d for their fine Christian example. On Mr Graham’s call, the congregation accorded Mr Hubbard an enthusiastic indication of appreciation. _ Returning thanks, Mr Hubbard expressed pleasure at the splendid cooperation and tolerance displayed by tho members of the church, and optimism for the coming year. \ vote of thanks was aceorued the lion, auditor (Mr D. I<\ Smillie) and all others who liad assisted during the year. , Pleasure was derived from vocal ami instrumental items presented by Mrs Wilfred Andrews (Wellington) and Mr G. M. Whitelock. solos; and Mrs R. S. Law, Mrs I. Rickard and Miss ,T. Patou, instrumental trio. Miss E. Eyre nlayed the accompaniments for the solo' items. The artists were warmly thanked on the motion ot Mr H. F. Wilson. At the conclusion of the evening supper was served by the ladies of the church.