ST. PAUL'S CHURCH.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 882, 12 February 1879, Page 2

ST. PAUL'S CHURCH.

The annual meeting of members of St. Paul's Presbyterian Church was held last evening. There was only a moderate attendance, and the pastor, the Bev. A. B. Todd, occupied the chair. The meeting having been opened with devotional exercises, the minutes of the previous annual meeting were read and confirmed. The Chairman, after explaining the objects for which the meeting was held, read the Session's report, which is too long for insertion in our columns. The following extracts will prove of interest : The Sabbath School has made satisfactory progress during the year. The number of scholars on the roll is 394, and the average attendance 261. The teachers number 29. They have faithfully discharged their duty, under the active superintendence of Mr. D. Booth, and have seen cheering tokens of good done. The children have been very frequently addressed by pastor, teachers, and others, on various subjects. The library books and various religious publications have been regularly distributed, and gladly welcomed. It is gratifying to notice that the Sabbath School mission-boxes show an increase since last year of -L4, which may be regarded as an evidence of increasing interest in the cause of missions. The Session have under consideration the establishment of a branch Sabbath School in High Ward, to meet the requirements of those residing in that quarter. The same might be fostered as a preaching station, and ultimately developed into a second congregation, to meet the wants of an increasing population. The Young Men's Association has increased in numbers, and has proved itself to be an important means of promoting the welfare of its members. The psalmody of the congregation has received a duo measure of attention, and arrangements will be made for still more improving this : important part of divine service. It is i gratifying to notice that the contributions i for missionary purposes show an increase '■ over last year. The mission cause is 1 Christ's, and a living church will ever cheerfully respond to His command, ; '' Preach the Gospel to every creatvre." ! In the absence of Mr. Falconer, who was suffering from indisposition, Mr. : Milligan read the Treasurer's balance 1 sheet, and Mr. Hedley (Secretary) read the following report: — 1 The managers, in presenting the annual report have pleasure in stating that the funds of the church are in a very satisfac--1 tory condition. The total receipts from ' all sources amount to L 1737 17s 3d. This ' includes a balance from last year of L5lO 18s ; rents of church property and fencing re-paid, LlO3 4s Cd ; leaving Llllß 14s 9d, the net amount contributed by the congregation. The total expenditure has i been LIGG2 19s 3d, LSOO of which was i paid to the mortgagee, leaving a balance i of receipts over expenditure of L 74 18s sterling. The contributions to the Sustentation s Fund are L 273 4a 9d. This, as you are ' aware, is a common fund to which all the 1 congregations of the Church are expected ', to contribute in proportion to their numf ber and means. The ordinary collections > are L 343 Os lOd.

The managers are pleased to note the improvement in the seat rents, which this year amount to LOGO, as against L3Ol 3s 3d for last year. The following special collections have also boon made, viz.—(1) Congregational benevolent fund, Lb 13s 5d ; (2) Church extension, LS 7s lOd ; (3) Aged and infirm ministers fund, LlO Os 7d ; (4) rTew Hebrides bursary, L2l 2s 7d; (u) Missions, L352s ; (0) Dayspring, Lls. Total, Lflo (is 5d sterling. The debt now remaining on the church is L 2500, to reduce which a special effort is being made, as the second grant of LIOOO from the Synod fund is now available, provided we could comply with Synod regulation which requires us to raise £ for £. The managers do not expect to raise the full amount at this time, but they earnestly appeal to every member and adherent to give their hearty co-operation, so that if possible LSCO may be raised. This would entitle va to LSOO of our second grant, and at once reduce the debt to LISOO, a sum which the ordinary income of the church and balance of Synod grant would gradually reduce. The question of raising the Minister's stipend was considered at the beginning of the year, when it was agreed to increase the supplement so as to make the salary LSOO ; and the managers are happy to say that although this has been done tho funds of the church have proportionally increased. Allan Hedley, Secretary. The Managers' report and balancesheet were adopted. The Rev. Chairman, before the election of officers was proceeded with, proposed a vote of thanks to the retiring Managers and officers of the church, and specially mentioned the names of the Treasurers (Messrs. Falconer and J. Hood), the Secretary (Mr. Hedley), and Mr. Watson, who had undertaken tho task of letting the seats during the year. The motion was carred unanimously, and ordered to be recorded on the minutes. The following gentlemen were elected Managers for the current year .-—Messrs. J. Mainland, B. Mollison, Herdman, Hedloy, T. Meek, Hewat, G. Dalgleish, Stevenson, and J. Hassell. The Chairman having referred to the progress made by the church during the present year, the meeting terminated with the Benediction.