PUKEKOHE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 7, Issue 407, 6 September 1918, Page 4

PUKEKOHE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

The annual congregational meeting of the Pukekohe Charge was held in St. James' Church on Wednesday, August 21st. The congregation, though not large, was representative and keen interest was displayed in the proceedings. Tho Rev S. Nixon submitted the Session Report which showed that the services had been well maintained and that the average attendance at public worship had increased. There had been 27 baptisms during the year, at 19 of which the sacrament had been dispensed at public worship. The various Sunday | Schools and Bible Classes had been well maintained with satisfactory results. In connection with the Charge there were four Sunday Schools and four Bible Classes carried on by a noble band of 22 teachers and with a total membership of 262. The Session wished io put on record its sincere appreciation of the labour of those who so unselfishly gave their time and tallents to work amongst the young. The Session voiced the thanks of the congregation for the aid so willingly given in carrying on the Sunday services, especially the valuable help given by Mr ifi. Allan, who had responded to the call of duty almost every Sunday in the year. Their thanks were due also to various organists and choirs who had voluntary given their services. In closing, reference was made to the continuance of tho war and the consequent sadness and gloom resting upon the homes of many of our people. In reading the Secretary's report, Mr Morrison, in a sucint and precise manner, reviewed the chief events of congregational activity during the year and reported progress in every branch of church work. Special mention was made of the Ladies' Guild, and the success of the Spring Flower Show, He also mentioned the installation of electric light and hot water service in tho Manse and the installing of electric light in the church. It was gratifying to know that these improvements, at the cost of £65, had been carried out that the money was forthcoming. H a result of the Jubilee Servioes H sum of £75 had been paid off fl Manse debt thus reducing the mcS gage by one half. The report noH with pleasure that because of successful year the Committee ifl undertaken an additional annfl expenditure of £37, of which £25 per annum formed an increH in the Minister's stipend. The Treasurer read his re]jH which was most encouraging, shcH ing an increase in almost every S partment. There had been a dec* ed improvement in Church collectiM and on tho year's work the sheet showed a credit balance of

In his remarks the Eev S. said that it was something grateful for that in spite of the calls upon the public purse patriotic purposes the had made good the year, and all branches of Church work women had proved generous, and energetic. Looking back the year three outstanding evinff caught the eye, namely, the Sunday school Anniversary in October, the great Bible Class Rally in the month of March last, and the Jubilee Celebrations of the opening of the Church. These three occurences were of lasting good, and proved to the consolidating of congregational work and the uplifting of the spiritual life. Mr Nixon gratefully acknowledged the unbounded kindnesses extended to himself and his family, especially during his illness at the beginning of the year. lie outlined plans for future work and progress and exhorted all members to be loyal and faithtul in all christian duty and work.

An enthusiastic and happy meeting was brought to a close with the duxology, followed by the benediction.