ST. LUKE'S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, REMUERA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XX, Issue 6712, 23 May 1883, Page 6

ST. LUKE'S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, REMUERA.

The annual soiree in connection with St. Luke's Presbyterian Church, Remuera, was held last evening, and although the weather was most unfavourable,-, and there was a counter-attractisn in the shape of a ball to His Excellency the Governor at the Remuera Hall,« the attendance ■ was so large that the church was.' crowded. . The tables were amply served, the following ladies presiding : —Mesdatnes Alderton, Bright, Kilgour, McIseil,;.;Hales, Hardy,: : Tait, Somerville, Ross, . and .-Clarke. After, ample justice had been ,i. done , to the 5 good things provided,' the tables were cleared away, and the public meeting commenced. The Rev. G.. B. . Monro . presided, and on the dats with bim were the Revs. T." McKenzie Eraser (St. David's),. V> T . S. Potter (Alex-andra-street" Primitive . Wesleyan Church), R. F. Macnicol (St. James's), J. S. Hill (Anglican), .A, McCallum (North Shore), and others. The proceedings commenced with the singing of the'. 0:d Hundredth,' after which the Chairman read apologies for the unavoidable absence of the Revs. Messrs. Gulliver, Oliver, Somerville, and Runciman. The Chairman then proceeded to say that it was customary for the Chairman on an occasion of this sort to say something regarding the Christian work which had been carried on during the past year, but as this had been done at the annual meeting, and ' the report and statement of accounts had been published, it was unnecessary to detain the meeting with details. The anniversary services last Sunday were well attended, and he had heard that they were received with profit to the hearers, and that was what they wished. Their anniversary this year was more satisfactory than last year, and those present who did not belong to their denomination would be glad to learn that they were makiDg progress. . During the , time he had charge of the congregation 200 had been added to the roll, including 88 new members, and of these 2S had been added from the Sabbath-school;»:;This he looked on as most satisfactory.,.. Their Sabbath-school was in.-a .most:satisfactory state. They had lately] started a mutual- improvement society. They had at present only twenty... members,-s ..but- he wished those present could hear the eloquence of those members. ■■ ■■ He had great faith in those societies, for they made the youDg read and think, and taught them to speak. The choir then sang,the anthem,.."l shall see him, but not now," under the conductorship of Mr. Chas. Hesketh, and it was a fine musical performance. The Rev. R. P. Macnicol said he had only come to show by his presence the interest which he took in this congregation. Three years ago he was present on a similar occasion, and the attendance was as large now as it was theD, although on that occasion there were a number of visiting ministers present. He congratulated their pastor and tbe congregation ,on their steady, prosperity. . They all wished to see an increase in membership, but he pointed out that although there might not . be the increase in membership which th"v could wish, yet congregational prosperity might be going on truly and satisfactorily. These facts had to be considered when they asked what was the social influence of a congregation. He believed this congregation had been blessed with this higher_ kind of success. He concluded by exhorting the congregation on the value of their opportunities as colonists, and recommended to them the necessity for erecting a manse in connection with their handsome ...church.—The Rev. Mr. Potter was the next speaker. . The other ministers present, also briefly addressed the meeting.— During the intervals the choir, under the leadership of Mr. Charles Hesketh, sang a number of anthems . and other selections. They were sung with great care and finish. The feature of the musical performance, which throughout, was a very fine treat, was the solo and chorus " Kyrie Eleison." Mrs. Cooper, n4e Miss Vaughan, took the solo, and sang it with splendid effect; and the chorus showed that careful training and musical skill were applied. The anthem "Cast thy Burden," and others, exhibited similar carefulness and judicious harmony.— At the conclusion the usual votes of thanks were accorded, and the meeting closed with the Doxology.