ST. PAUL’S CHURCH

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 44, 20 January 1938, Page 10

ST. PAUL’S CHURCH

QUARTERLY MEETING. There was a fair attendance of officers and members of the St. Paul’s Methodist Church at the quarterly meeting, held on Wednesday. Rev. M. A. McDowell presided."’ The chairman said he had extended an invitation to officers of the Aokautre society to be present at St. Paul s quarterly meetings, and he was hopeful that some of them would attend a§ convenient. Apologies for absence were received from Messrs G. H. Bennett, >E. G- Bennett, H. Cunninghame, E. Lock, Mesdames I. H Dixon, C. J. East, and Miss Clarke. Sympathetic reference was made to the tragic death in Australia of Mr Alexander Gooch, who was well known, especially to Sunday school teachers and Bible class leaders and members Amongst these, and members of the church generally, there was very great regret at his early demise. A motion of sympathy and condolence was accorded Mrs Gooch ,in her bereavement.

Expressions of sympathy are to be sent Mrs Hassal and Mrs Hopcroft, both of whom have suffered bereavement. * Mr Basil Horn, who is likely to be in hospital for some months, and Rev. A. Ashcroft, who has been unwell, are to receive letters conveying kind regards. The roll showed membership totals as follow: St. Paul’s senior members 241, Aokautere 14; junior members, St. Paul’s 46, Aokautere 13. Amongst new members received during the quarter are Mr and Mrs Hartnell, from Gore. The financial statement for the quarter was presented by Mr O. Bettany, in place of Mr E. G. Bennett, who was absent through illness. The report was considered satisfactory, Mr Bettany being accorded thanks. Reports from headquarters showed that the efforts _in support of home and foreign missions were greatly appreciated. In both cases increases Mr H. G. Bycroft, for the car committee, reported that as the minister had himself supplied the desired car, it was now only necessary to vote running expenses. The committee recommended that the sum of per annum for upkeep be allowed. This was approved, the position to be reviewed within six months. ELECTION OF STEWARDS. Russian had decided to spend £220.wrote explaining his absence and stating that, through illness, he would be unable to accept office for a further torm. He suggested . that Mr O. Bettany, who was in every way qualified and willing, should be elected to the position. There being no other nomination Mr Bettany was unanimously elected. , On the motion of the chairman Mr H. G Bycroft was re-elected. Both retiring stewards were cordially thanked for past services. Preparations for the bi-centenary celebrations and special efforts, said the chairman, were well in hand. Jne committee set up had outlined the specific aims and objects that the Church should seek to attain. There was to be no financial object, the end in view being' that great spiritual blessing should come to the Church. Personal effort was to be stressed and every department was expected to co-operate. As an aim for the Youth Department it was hoped to increase the roll of the Sunday school to 200 during the year. A historical play was also a feature of the agenda Following the visit of Rev. C. Irving Benson, 8.A., of Melbourne preparatory services during the month of May were outlined and it was hoped that every member would lend a hand in the great work ahead. Messrs A. Tregurtha and H. Green are to be asked to represent the church at the next annual conference in Wellington. . . Mr J H. Hancock was thanked for a brief report of Synod proceedings Rev M. A. McDowell intimated that, he desired to take the second week of his annual vacation as from February 7. Leave of.absence was approved.