ST. PAUL'S CHURCH.

Oamaru Mail, Volume II, Issue 557, 13 February 1878, Page 2

ST. PAUL'S CHURCH.

The annual meeting of the members of this Church was held last evening at the Church, The Rev. A. B. Todd occupied the chair. The meeting having been opened with devotional exercises, the minutes of the last annual meeting were read and confirmed,

The following reports were read by the Secretary, together with the balance sheet:—

REPORT OF SESSION. " Another year has run its course, and again we are called to give a brief account of Christian work done in connection with the congregation. In reviewing the past, we have reason to praise and thank the Lord for the iqpry tokens of his goodness, and humbly to acknowledge our unworthiness of all the mercies we have received.

" The past year, like its predecessors, has been attended with many changes. There has been more than the usual fluctuations in the membership of the church in the removal of some to other parts, and in the addition of others in their stead.

" The attendance on the public means of grace has been gratifying, and warrants the hope that the worshippers have been instructed and edified. While we have been engaged Sabbath after Sabbath in the public worship of God, many around have been spending the day in idleness and pleasure. AVe therefore affectionately ask all who love the Lord and the souls of their fellow men to lend assistance in the work of bringing such persons to the house of prayer. In doing this, every Christian comes to the help of the Lord against the mighty. " The Session has had nineteen meetings during the past year for ordinary business. We are pleased to think that our number will be increased by four elders, recently elected by the congregation, who are to be set apart on Sabbath day. The Lord's Supper lias been dispensed quarterly—in March, June, September, and December—and that with spiritual profit to not a few. On these occasions 19 were admitted by certificates and as young communicants ; 14 received certificates of removal to other places, and 49 were baptised during the year. We affectionately urge upon parents who have by baptism consecrated their children to the Lord to be diligent and faithful in training them. Notwithstanding apparent exceptions, the rule still holds good—- ' Train up a child in the way lie should go ; and when he is old he will not depart from it.'

" The prayer meeting is held every Tuesday evening, and affords an opportunity of spending a profitable hour together. Though the attendance has kept up very well, yet there is room for more.

" The Sabbath School continues to make satisfactory progress. The number of scholars on the roll is 290, and the average attendance 228. The number of teachers is 28. We regret the loss of Mr. Flett, who for the last ten years faithfully discharged the duties of Superintendent, who recently returned to his native land. In his place Mr. Daniel Booth was elected by the votes of the teachers of the school. In addition to the usual lessons, special addresses have been delivered by the pastor, teachers, and others, from time to time. Religious publications are distributed monthly among the children ; and the library books, which have been largely increased, seem to be very much appreciated. From the missionary boxes about LIS have been collected, which indicates a pleasing interest in the missionary cause. The children, while receiving instruction from the Word of God, are also being trained to give for Christ and the extension of his kingdom. " The minister's Bible-class has been well attended by the youth of the congregation. The chief subjects which engaged our attention during the year were the parables and miracles of our Lord. Young men and women are especially invited to attend this class.

"The psalmody of the congregation has received some measure of attention during the year. Mr. Daniel Booth, precentor, conducts a class for sacred music for several months in the year, which is meant, not only for the choir, but the others who may wish to attend. " The mission funds are a little less this year, which is doubtless owing to many other calls upon your liberality, such as the Tndian Famine Eelief Fund, which was collected about the same time. A living church will ever be a missionary church, and such it is to be hoped we shall ever be, and thus help forward the golden age, when righteousness and peace shall flourish under Messiah's reign. " The Young Men's Association lias proved a great boon to many. It has increased in numbers, and lias been a. means of improvement to all who joined it. Wo earnestly recommend all the young men of the congregation to ally themselves witli this interesting and improving institution. "In closing this report, wo remind you that the day of precious privilege is fast passing away. Therefore, work while it is to-day, for the night coineth whpn no man can work,

(< AjjyfANriEu. B, Tonu, ' - Moderator. " David Fleming, " S. Clerk, P.D." IiEPORT OF MANAUEIIS For year ending 31st December, 1877 : " The managers have much pleasure in submitting the following report for the past year for the approval of the congregation. " Since last annual meeting they have received from the Synod Fund the sum of LSOO. Of fhis LSO was for manse repairs, and L 750 for building fund. This, with L 250 received last year, makps up the first LIOQQ voted by the Synod—of which sum LSOO has been paid to the mortgagee. The remainder now lies at interest, to be applied in a similar way so soon as sufficient notice has been given to pay off. Another LIOOO has been voted by the Synod, but this may not be available for two or three years, as other congregations have prior claims to ours. " The managers would therefore suggest to their successprs in office th,e affr yisability of making another appeal to the members of the congregation with a view of still further reducing the debt by another LSOO. This ought not to be a hard matter, as the canvassing lists show amounts still due for L 233 ss. Bd., and several neiy members have come to fche district, who, if aslied, would ' probably subscribe, besides others that may have been overlooked by the canvassers. " The total receipts for the past year were L 2185 2s. B£d. This includes LBOO received from the Synod Fund ; L 254 19s, Id, J?ank denosit and cash Ijalanro from last year ; |sß for rent of 'sections ; and 14 6s. IOAd. received on account oif fencing and sundries ; leaving L 1047 16s". 9d. the net amount raised by the congregation on behalf of the various funds, viz., Susfcentatiqn Fund, L,247 13s. fjd. ; Building Fund, £92 18s, ; ordinary col-

lections, L 312 3s. 4d. ; seat rents, L3Ol 3a. 3d. Special collections are as follow: Church extension, L 7 ss. 6d. ; missions, } L 29 16s. ; Day Spring L 10; New Hebrides missions, L 4 17s. 6d. ; infirm ministers fund, L 9 6s. 4d. ; Hospital collection, L2l 10s. 7d. ; Church benevolent Fund, L 8 sb. ; Monthly Record, L2 17s. 9d.

'' As the seat rents, ordinary collections, and rents of sections are the only revenue the managers have for paying minister's supplement, interest on loan, precentor's and beadle's salaries, and incidental expenses, they trust the congregation will give the objects the consideration they require, so as to enable the now managers to bring the financial year on which we have now entered to an equally successful close. " Alexander B. Toihi, " Moderator. " Allan Hedlky, " Secretary." The manager's report and the balancosheet were adopted. Votes of thanks were accorded to the retiring Managers ; the Secretary, Mr. Hedloy; the Congregational Treasurer, Mr. Falconer; the Sustentation Treasurer, Mr. Hood ; the Collectors for the Sustentation and Mission Funds, and all engaged in Christian work. The election of Managers for the ensiling year took place, with the following result :—Messrs. Mainland, Meek, Hedley, Herdman, Watson, Evans, Hewat, Allan, and Mollison. After some little discussion with reference to the necessity for improving church psalmody, the meeting was closed with the benediction.