PRIMITIVE METHODIST ANNIVERSARY MEETING.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 4871, 1 November 1876, Page 3

PRIMITIVE METHODIST ANNIVERSARY MEETING.

The annual tea meeting of the Primitive Methodist Church was held yesterday in the "Webb-street Church. Tea was "laid on the tables at 5.30. There was a numerous attendance; in fact, the building was crowded to the doors, a very large number of children being present. The refreshments were ample, and were done justice to by those present. A public meeting was held subsequently, and the church was equally well attended as it had been at tea. Mr. Wm. Lukes occupied the chair. The Chaieman introduced the proceedings formally, and called upon the hon. secretary, Mr. Hobbs, to read the report. The report was as follows The trustees of the Webb-street Primitive Methodist Church, in presenting their eighth annual report, desire with gratitude to acknowledge the goodness of Almighty God during thepaat year; and would now call on all their Christian friends to join in thanks and praise to His holy name, for that measure of prosperity which has attended their efforts. The general attendance at the public services has been very good, sometimes to overflowing; so that the need of the present building being enlarged, or a more commodious one being erected, has been apparent to all. The interest In the proclamation of the word of, divine truth, also, has not abated. In many cases the falling tear has had to he brushed off, while the rapt attention of the listeners has encouraged the hope that the good seed sown might e’re long spring up and bear fruit. This in itself hss been pleasing; but there have been signs of further good. Some few have expressed a desire to flee from the wrath to come. These are directed to “Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world,” and two or three have laid hold on the hope set before them in the Gospel, and are now rejoicing in the God of their safvation. Praise the Lord. Then, again, another sign of good is evident In the Sabbath-school. There is a spirit of inquiry, especially among the girls. It Is very encouraging to the teachers also to And that some who were brought into Christ's fold about eighteen months since, stand fast in the liberty wherewith they were made free. O may the nnmber be greatly Increased. Although It is the anniversary, ana a time of rejoicing, yet it is not nnmlxed with sorrow. A sad event has happened lately (by permission of the all-wise God), that will not only be recorded in the history of the Church, but which has been indelibly imprinted on the memories of all who love the Lord Jeans Christ In this district. "We refer to the death of the Eev. E. Ward. A Christian man when he dies Is missed in the home and social circles chiefly; but our beloved minister is miss’d everywhere! everywhere ! We miss him here to-night. Let u* console ourselves with this thought: that our loss Is his gain. 0 that wo may follow him, ag be followed Christ. As our late friend hss bad an abundant entrance administered to Mm to the heavenly mansion, let ns remember the admonitions he often gave to us, to “meet him on the heavenly shore, O may it bo our desire to get near enough to Jesna to see onr brother there, and like him ” cast our crowns at Jesus’ feet,” and crown Him Lord of all.' Amen. Vour trustees also express their full conviction, that however complete the machinery, however satisfactory the workings of a Church, without the moving power—without

the Holy Spirit be given—the preaching of the Word and Sabbath-school tuition will be in vain. O let ns all join in earnest supplication that the Lord may speedily shower his blessings down upon his people.. May the Holy Ghost descend to quicken and to purify. May the work of God revive, and sinners be converted in the coming year. Amen. It was thought last year very desirable to lessen the debt on the church if possible. The last anniversary proving a success, advantage was taken of it, so .that with its profits, the church fund collections, and the seat rents for the year, it was thought quite practicable ; accordingly £SO was paid off the debt, leaving £2OO standing yet. Then there were the current expenses of the year to be met. This the ladies took in hand—they went to work in right good earnest —and have raised nearly £2l. This, with a little help from Messrs. Hitchens and Co. by way of song, has so far met the-lighting and cleaning the church, the interest on the debt, the insurance, etc., that it leaves the church in debt to the treasurer 4s. lOd. only. The friends will perceive that though there is much cause for thankfulness for past success, yet there is need of fresh exertions. There is also much need of prayer that the old, the young, that all who are now without hope and without God in the world may be won to the Saviour, This is your trustees’ most earnest desire. May the Lord bless the means used. Amen. The report was unanimously adopted. The service of song illustrative of the exodus of Israel was excellently performed by the choir. In conclusion, Mr. Nixon addressed the meeting, a vote of thanks to the chairman terminating proceedings.