PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Putaruru Press, Volume IV, Issue 147, 26 August 1926, Page 1

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

TIRAU ANNUAL MEETING. Good Progress Made. The first annual congregational meeting in connection with the Tirau Presbyterian Church was held last Thursday evening, when the Moderator, Rev. A. C. Hampton, presided over a large attendance. In its annual report, read by the hon. secretary, Mr. W. Macky, the committee of management said the past year had been a most important one insofar as the Presbyterian Church in the district was concerned. Early in the year it was decided that a portion of the Matamata district

bo formed into a home mission station, with Tirau as its centre, and arrangements were made for the appointment of an agent and the cuildir.™ of a new church. A contract was let for the latter at £755 12s 6d and the church was opened for public worship on Sunday, December 27, the service being conducted by the Superintendent of Home Missions, assisted by Rev. A. C. Hampton, of Matamata. Thanks were extended to all those who assisted with funds towards the erection of the church. Early in February Mr. W. T. Brabyn commenced his ministry at Tirau, and in the few months he has been in charge he has covered a huge area in carrying out pioneer work and establishing new preaching stations, continued the report. This has meant much hard travelling, in which Mr. Brabyn has spared neither himself nor his car. Preaching stations have been established at Tirau, Arapuni, I-lora-hora, Pairere, Puketurua, Putaruru, ‘ Tapapa, Tokoroa and Waiomou, also, as occasion permits, at Mokai, Selwyn and the Salvation Army Boys’ Home. Of these, the only one to have services previously was Tirau. The treasurer’s statement showed that the general fund had a debit balance of £39 11s 4d, but in this connection it was to be noted that no home mission grant had been received or sustentation money allowed for. The sustentation fund was being worked up and the committee appealed to the congregation to give this its fullest support. The building fund account showed a credit of £67 6s lid, so that, after allowing for the loan of £250, the nett liability on the church was £lB2 13s lid. Regarding the church activities at Tirau particularly, the report stated that a mixed Bible Class, Ladies’ Guild, and Choir had been formed. A

Ladies’ Guild had also been formed at Putaruru. The statistics for the year were : Baptisms 27, marriages 5, deaths 3. The report concluded with expressions of thanks to the organist, Mrs. Stewart, Rev. Hampton, and others. The treasurer’s report was read by Mr. M. Coubrough and the 'Ladies’ l Guild report by Mrs. Spedding, the latter reporting a membership of 25. After the adoption of the reports and balance-sheet the chairman commended one and all for the great advance made during the year, and he exhorted them to continued service. Short appreciative remarks were spoken by Mr. Hamilton, representing the Putaruru end of the district, and Mr. Brabyn expressed his thanks for all the help he had received and many | acts of kindness shown. I A much- appreciated musical pro- | gramme was then given, solos being | rendered by Mrs. Corcoran and Mr. i Brabyn, and orchestral selections by J the Stewart family. Three anthems I were given by the choir, followed by j several gramophone selections. A collection in aid of the choir funds was liberally responded to, and after an abundance of refreshments had been handed round a very pleasant gathering concluded with the National Anthem.