ST. DAVID’S CHURCH

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 223, 20 August 1937, Page 2

ST. DAVID’S CHURCH

ANNUAL MEETING

YEAR OF PROGRESS

The twentv-second annual meeting of St. David’s Presbyterian Church congregation was held m-tlio church. The minister, Rev. J. S. Pate, presided over n good congregation ot members and adherents, which uaa truly representative ot all the organisations of the Church. The session report gave thanks to God for another year ot service rendered by St. David’s congregation. Jt expressed its gratification at the increased interest and increased attendances at the services on the Loru a Day. Jt also noted the advance made ill reducing the mortgage on the Church property, this being, in the session’s estimation, a good sign even ol spiritual progress. The quarterly Communion services had been well attended, hoch morning and evening. Jhe session recorded its thanks and appi eeiatiou of the services of the choir throughout the year, realising that a. good choir helps the service of praise and makes l'or bright and helpful services. The session also commended the work of the Ladies’ Social Guild during the past year, and it specially thanked them for their work in visiting the sick of the congregation This had been greatly appreciated by those visited. The ladies were also to be commended for their new branch ot work in giving a welcome to strangers ami visitors to the church. The Girls. Auxiliary came in lor special common dation lor their most successful year s work. , . The session’s commendation covered all the organisations of the Church loi their labours during the year. It exhorted every member and adherent to try to be present at least .at one service on the Sunday. In tins way the minister and tne whole church would benefit and bo encouraged The treasurer, Mr it. B. Hopknk, submitted the balance-sheet, and m his remarks referred to a most successful year’s finance. Money had been available for all commitments, and moreover, lor the first time loi many years, the mortgage had been reduced by £25. It had been a jeai free from financial worry, lhe inauguration of a penny retiring co - lection for debt-reduction had been a great success. Mr iiopkirk remarked that the board' of managers were greatly indebted to the Ladies’ Guild for their practical help year by year. in speaking to the balance-sheet, Mr J. Davidson congratulated both minister and congregation for the wonderful work of the past year. .. tie specially commended the Ladies Guild lor their practical financial help. Mr J. Blackwood, secretary, ; also thanked the congregation for its-loy-alty and asked lor increased support for the weekly envelope system, tuus ensuring a regular reveinie. On the motion of Mr Hopkirk a special'vote of thanks was accorded to Mr Blackwood for his work in connection with the finance of the church. The Lad.es’ Guild report was read by Mrs A. E. Ashby. This showed a most successful year, which had enabled them to donate £4O to the church • funds, £9 to pay off the; balance owing on the church gas heaters, and also to devote £lO to the purchase of carpets to make the guild room look more homely. Tiio guild, the report stated, was a happy one and all worked together in a most harmonious manner. - ■: : The B.W.M.U. report was read by Mrs G. Gleiidmning and showed a good year’s, work. The Girls’ Auxiliary report was read by Miss K. Aden. This showed an average attendance of six, and yet the wondeiiul sum of £l9 lmd been raised- The chairman specially commended the auxiliary fortheir work, and appealed lor more members. The Sunday school report, presented by Miss E. Allan, showed the usual work had been carried on among the children. The young men’s Bible class report was submitted by Mr Don. falconer and the young women’s by Miss Laverv. Both showed tliat good work was being done. Mr J. V. Murray reported on behalf of the choir. There were 18 members, and they were very' regular at the practices, and were a very happy choir, lue organists were Miss E Allen and Mrs J. S. Murray, a.ul they were specially thanked for their devotion to duty. Mention was also. made of Mr S. McLeod’s sen ices as relieving organist. Mention was made of the services of the choir conductor,’ Mr Murray, who, it was stated, “is the right man in the right place,” having the necessary qualities to hold a choir together as well as a fine musical ability. At the conclusion of the reports, Mr Fate outlined the various calls that were made on his servietl, many of these outside of congregational work altogether. He appealed to the congregation lor loyalty in attendance at the services on the Lord’s Day. A musical programme was afterwards submitted and was contributed to by Mrs K. Jones, Mrs McLachlan, and Mrs Heggie. Votes of thanks were given to all who had contributed to the programme and to the ladies for the supper arrangements. ibe meeting was then closed bv the Benediction. The congregation retired to the nuild room, where supper was enjoved and also happy fellowship. Thus elided a most enjoyable annual meeting.