ST. PETER’S CHURCH

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 130, 2 May 1940, Page 10

ST. PETER’S CHURCH

MEETING OF PARISHIONERS. The annual meeting of. parishioners of St. Peter's Anglican Church, Terrace End, was held on Tuesday, the vicar (Kev. I<\ S. ltamson) presiding over a good attendance. The report of the vicar said that the Sunday School at Milton, tinder the able management of Mr Crocker and helpers, was a flourishing and happy institution. St. Peter’s kindergarten, under Miss Conian, and the Bible class, under Miss Pitt and Mr Giddings, were also doing splendid work. The attendances at junior church services were improving. As in former years the church was very much indebted to the ladies’ guilds, both of which wholeheartedly worked for the church. The organist and the choir had given faithful and willing service and deserved thanks. Mr and Mrs Austin Charles were welcomed to ’ the parish. Mr Charles was choirmaster and Mrs Charles organist at St. Peter’s, Gonville, Wanganui, and Mr Charles had accepted the post of choirmaster here. As in former years, Miss Lancaster had taken the junior choir and she and Mrs McPherson had helped at the organ. To them thanks were due. The mission quota was now £SO and so far £33 had been raised. He had no doubt that the quota would be reached by the end of June. The branch of the Mothers’ Union had about 40 members and was a help to those who attended it. The Scouts were in a good position and Mr Looser was thanked tor his services to the boys. There was also now a pack ot Wolf Cubs under the charge of Miss Gregory, and a company of Gu.des under Miss Hickin, which had only recently started. “1 remember that when I became vicar ot this parish I told you that we needed to build up a parish life,” concluded the report. ‘‘lt is for the good of Palmerston North that there should be at least two centres oi Church of England life. If the centre at this end of the city is to take its proper place, and function as it should function, then we can do all that we can to strengthen our parish life. We now have our own Mothers Union, Scouts, Cubs and Guides, a tennis club and a flourishing _ social club, all except the last new in my time. All our people, young and old, should be able to find what they need in connection with their own church, and all our people have a duty to support and strengthen their own church.” ' Figures presented by the vicar showed that the number of communicants had increased by 246 (Horn 3439 to 3685) Confirmations had increased from 13 to 17. All the other figures had decreased —baptisms from 4. to 37, weddings from 26 to 20, and burials from 38 to 37.

The wardens’ annual report said that the year had been a successful one. The services had been well attended and the vestry washed to record its appreciation of the work of the vicar. The balance-sheet showed that the financial affairs of the church were m a satisfactory position, the general account showing a credit balance. In addition,, to parish requirements, outside appeals had been well supported, as well as the Board of Missions and the Military Affairs Committee. Consideration had been given to the properties of the parish with a view to their consolidation. In conclusion, the vestry thanked all who . had assisted the church in its various activities, as well as those who had supported it financially. On the motion or the vicar, a comprehensive vote of thanks w r as passed to the many helpers who had assisted in church activities.

The balance-sheet showed a credit in the bank of £92 15s sd, receipts amounting to £Bl3 11s 9d. The excess of income over expenditure was £SB 8s 6d and assets amounted to £2580 3s 9d, leaving a balance over liabilities in tlie accumulated fund 1 of £BBI 8s 3d. The vicar nominated Mr G. G. Priest to continue in office as vicar’s warden, and the following other officers were declared elected: People’s .warden, Mr W W. Coutts; vestry, Messrs ItBel fit, A. Charles, A. G. Clark, C. S. Elpick, N. A. Giddings, J. C. Johnson, A R. McKegg, L. N. Bauson, E. !. Simms, G. F. Togg; auditor, Mr W. F. Goddard,

A motion was passed recommending the incoming vestry to make some allowance to the vicar to cover the running and depreciation of his car A vote of thanks was passed to Mr Goddard for lus work as auditor. The meeting concluded with the Benediction after which a social hour was spent, items being given and supper served.