PUKEKOHE METHODIST CHARGE.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 269, 24 April 1917, Page 4

PUKEKOHE METHODIST CHARGE.

New Pastor Welcomed. On Sunday, April Hth, the Pukeknlie Methodist Sunday School Anniversary was held when the preacher at both morning and evening services was the newly appointed minister, the Rev. J. P. Martin. Throughout the day there were good attendances and at the evening service the church was crowded. At the morning service the reverend gentleman gave a specially interesting address to the children and his sermons were listened to with rapt attention. Special hymns were sung by the children under the conductorship of Mr Mee. On Sunday afternoon Captain Efford, of the Salvation Army, gave a specially interesting address to the children and parents which was much appreciated. A welcome to the Rev. F. T. Martin was given in the Methodist Church on Tuesday evening, the 17th inst., when the prizes were also distributed to the Sunday school scholars. During the evening musical and elocutionary items were creditably given by the children which showed eareful training. Mr J. Pilkington, circuit steward, who occupied the chair, welcomed the Rev. J. F. Martin and assured lnm of the support which would be given him by the church. Mr A. 0. Avery, who had previously known the new pastor, spoke of his geniality and genuineness and felt sure his ministry at all times would be a helpful one to old and young. Rev Martin, in responding to their welcome, apologised for the absence of Mrs Martin owing to illness in the family. He said that while he was in Pukekohe he would treat one and all alike and do his best to make his ministry a success. He appreciated the kindly welcome extended tr him. Mr Pilkington, as Sunday School Superintendent, reporting on the school, said that out of a staff of seven teachers their average attendance was 6.5 while out of 56 scholars the average attendance was 46. He paid a special tribute to the work of Mr Mee, their secretary and librarian, who had also trained the children for their singing. Mr Pilkington spoke of the excellent behaviour of the children throughout the year and thanked the teachers for their loyalty and assistance. Finances were in a satisfactory condition they having a credit balance of £3 9s 4d at the close of the year. " The Rev Martin then distributed the prizes and congratulated the Superintendent and staff on their excellent report and work. At the close refreshments were kindly provided by the ladies and Mr F. Souster favoured the audience with hand bell selections.