ST. THOMAS’ CHURCH, SANSON.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9421, 17 April 1909, Page 5

ST. THOMAS’ CHURCH, SANSON.

The annual meeting of parishioners was held last night, the Rev. E. I. Sola in the chair. The balance-sheet showed that the total receipts for the year, including a credit balance from last year of £2B 17s 5d was £77 13s 7d, and there was a credit balance of £45 10s. The Rev, K. I. Sola, after thanking the officers and helpers in the church, proceeded to say that the position of the church was very unsatisfactory owing to the very small congregations. The position was causing him grave anxiety and not a few sad momenta. The small attendance at the meeting, too, indicated a lack of keenness in the church life of the district. - It had been said that the cause of the lack of interest was due formerly to there not being a minister, but as h® had been here nearly six months and there was no Imp-ovemenfe, that could not have been the cause. It had been said that it was the duty of the minister to go around to people’s houses and ask them to come to church. He did not think so, however. Too much was left to the parson. More should be done by the laity. If each member of the congregation would bring one to the services there would be a great improvement. Ho said they should help him both by work and prayer. Mr S. George was appointed the Yioar’s churchwarden, and Mr Mason the people’s warden. Messrs G. Williams, E. W. Morse, J. H. Perrett, L Ellerm, J. A. Q. Wilson and Walters were elected a vestry. Mr Fred Anderson was elected auditor. ' At the conclusion, the Rev. Sola said he hoped they would meet under more satisfactory conditions next year. If net he would have to consider whether he should remain. Mr Morse suggested that [the Bishop should be asked to visit the parish. It was a long time since he came. , . Mr Sola said the Bishop had been absent in England during the past year and was not in good health. Mr George suggested that a monthly evening service should be held. The Rev Sola said he would endeavour to arrange one. He thanked the ladies for decorating the church. It was most artistically done. A vestry meeting was afterwards held, The church section was rented to E. Morse at £3 10s per year.