MORNINGTON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17691, 31 July 1919, Page 5

MORNINGTON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

ANNUAL MEETING.

Til© thirty-ninth annual meeting of the congregation worshipping at the ivlorniugtoa JfresDyterian (Jnurcn, held last evening, was largely attended, and the liev. \V. '1 rotter, wno presided, gave a briet address, in tho course oi whioli he referred to the signing oi the armistice, and the return 01 some of their boys, whom he was glad to boo at Uiat meeting, iio hoped the,young men \voßld raJly round the church, and that one result of tho war would 'be to cause right to prevail, not only in their own country, but throughout the world. The church managers had under consideration the form that a memorial should take to commemorate those who had fallen in the war. i\lr Irotter referred to the valuable services rendered by the church officers, and also to tho large number of useful articles made by tho ladies of the congregation and forwarded to the soldiers who had gone to tho front. He spoke in appreciation of the good work done in the Bible classes, the literary society, and other branches of the church's activities. Serious consideration had been given to the question, of Church unity, and ho was glad to say the Church Session was unanimously m favour of that union The- congregation would soon be supplied with ballot papers, bo that by their voting they could express the mind of the church on this important question.

Mr W. Henderson (session clerk) read the sessions report, and moved its adoption. Una document expressed gratitude because peace had been declared with victory and honour. Sympathetic reference was made to tho maimed and suffaring who had returned from the wax, and to those who had suffered bereavement from the influenza epidemic Tho report showed that the average attendance at opmmunion services had increased during tho year from 180 to li*>. Mr Robert lait, ono of then- oldesrs— a man of high 'Christian character,—had died in September last. Three of the church managers—Messrs Symes, A. Gerrie and R. J. Caldorw—bad left tho pariah! During the year abc had joined the membership by profession, and 24 by cerUieato. while six had been removed by certificate and seven by death, and there had been 11 baptisms. Appreciative reference was mode to tho services of Mr Easton as organist, the chair, Sunday school teachers, and the members of tho Ladies' Association.

In speaking in support of tho adoption of tho report, Mr S. Thomson referred in warmly appreciative terms of tho good -work done by their minister and Mrs Trotter Ihedr minister's sermons wore thoughtful discourses, and were very helpful to him (Mr Thomson), and, ho was sure, to other members of the congregation.—(Applause.) - Tho motion 'was carried, and Mr Trotter thanked his hearers for their expression of appreciation.

Mr J. H Mercer (treasurer) moved the adoption of the balance sheet and ex,°t the items - I* showed that £462 7s 6d had been contributed to the ordinary revenue, £66 7s 8d by speoial collections, other sources of revenue making a total of £563 16s 9d. The expenditure loft a small debit balance. The gathering- was pleasantly diversified by tho choir singing anthems- and part songs, by a violin solo by Mr J. Wallace and songs by Mr F. Haig. Refreshments were handed round at the closo of the meeting.