TRINITY CHURCH.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2219, 28 April 1880, Page 3

TRINITY CHURCH.

A- meeting of the members and adherents of Trinity Presbyterian Church was, held last evening, the object being to consider financial affairs. The Rev. W. Gillies presided, and explained the position of the Church. A debt of £2OOO remained on the Church, and a similar amount on the manse, and the "interest constituted a serious drain on the ordinary revenue. £6OO had been promised in subscriptions when the manse was commenced, but this owing to the depression, had not been realised. The elders were of opinion that if, by a special effort the debt could be reduced by £IOOO things could be.made more pleasant, and at the last meeting of the Committee a subscription list was opened and £3OO was promised by those present. It had been decided to call the congregation together for the purpose of submitting some special proposal, and this was the object for which they were now convened. The Secretary (L. G. lie id) stated that the total amount of their indebtedness was £4013, £2OOO owing on the. Church and £2OIB on the manse, and. 10 per cent interest on this amount was a very heavy charge. Their present income was altogether insufficient to meet the expenses of the Church. He submitted that if twelve members of the congregation could raise £3OO, the remaining portion of over 700 ought to have no difficulty in subscribing the balance. If £IOOO were paid off it would lessen their liability £IOO per annum. It was resolved to take immediate steps to raise £IOOO, and £423 having at once been subscribed by the meeting, a Committee of ladies and gentlemen was appointed to canvass for the balance.