PUKEKOHE PRESBYTERIAN CHARGE.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 194, 25 July 1916, Page 2

PUKEKOHE PRESBYTERIAN CHARGE.

Annual Meeting.

The annual congregational meeting of tbe Pukekohs Presbyteripn Charge was held in St. James' Church on Thursday las*. In spite ot counter attractions there was a good attendance. Tbe session report, in reviewing the work of the year, expressed satisfaction that their minister, who had been laid aside from active work for four months, was completely restored to health, and had been able to prosecute his Übours with renewed energy and vigour.

Tbe session cleik said they were pleased to note a deepening of tbe spiritual lite throughout the charge. The usual services were carried out duiisg the year, and the various Sunday schools had been well attended, and good work had been done. A new Sunday school bad been opened at Tuke Tuke with very satisfactory results. At tbe end of December tbe Charge bad been divided, and now consists of only four preaching place l . During tbe year the sacrament of baptism bad been administered to 32 c'uldrer>. Tbe i creas d a.tendance ot cburcb mem! ers at comaumon services was a source of gratification; and the considerable ice ease on the roll of membership was the high st testimony to tbe spiritual work accomplished. Tbe liberal response to the church's appel on behalf of missions was evidence of a deeper interest in this tbe greateat of all Church work. Another sigii of the bcaltby condition was Hi: hcreared atttndance at tbe ordinary duta of worship. This was fpecially gratifying as it extended t) all tbe churches witbin the charge There waa a spirit ot harmony and peace among the people that augured well for the future of the chaige. Tbe report of the general secretary was full of encouragement and hope. He mentioned the good work done by tbe various commutes of the charge. Special ment'on waa made of the splendid manner in wh'ch tbe Indies had worked during the year, and how valuable their help had been to the church. The increased attendance at public worst ip was evidence ot an awakening to a deeper sense of man's responsibility to God and his fellow man. The Kill of Honour now ontained 56 names—a splendid testimony to tin loyalty and patriotism of the young m;n of our church. Four of these young men have made the supreme sacrfice on behalf ot King and country, while qiite a number hive been wounded in action.

The general treasurer's report was satisfacto y. It shewed that in spite ut the large demands made upon all class-rs of the cimmumty owing to the war, the congregation had paid all its liabilities and had ended the >var with a small credit balance. There had passed through the treasurer's hands, on behalf ot missions and patriotic purposes, a sum of money amounting In nearly £IOO,

In speaking to the a loption of these reports Mr E. Allen referred to the financial strain all churches were experiencing because of the calamity ot war. Be bad been Bgreeably surprised listening to these report*, for a congregation to see its wa/ through its financial responsibilities in these days was something to be proud of. He declared that this had been the most successful year the charge had ever experienced. ihe Kev, S. Nixon, in a brief but inspiring address, acknowledged bis indebtedness to those men who bad so well and so faithfully takeo the their part in supplying the pulpits. ' He made special mention of the splendid help rendered to the charge in this respect by Mr E. Allan, and tendered to him on behalf ot the members their very best thanks. Mr Nixon also thanked those who had worked so nobly during his arj-enc2 from the congregation. He reminded them of trie two splendid Bible Classes that hid been established in connectiou with b't. James', and expressed the hope tbat be tore their n.\t annual meeting there would be erected a suitable hall for Sunday Schcol anil Milile Class Hoik. He called lor more o'Hce bearers and more Sunday School teachers. In referring to the good year they hud experience'.! he exhorted all present to look forward to the coming year with new courage and greater faith—to be constant in prayer in season and out ot season.