WESLEYAN SUNDAY SCHOOL ANNIVERSARY.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2339, 15 September 1880, Page 2

WESLEYAN SUNDAY SCHOOL ANNIVERSARY.

Anniversary services in connection with the Wesleyan Sunday School were hold in the Wesleyan Church on Sunday. The Rev W. Hamnbcr, of Christchurch, [(reached ou each occasion to crowded congregations, the seat accommodation in the evening being in.snlliciciit for the assemblage. In the afternoon an address was delivered to the children. Hymns appropriate to the occasion were sung under the leadership of Air Gilchrist, assisted by Miss Hczzant, and Messrs Hlakcly, Jvimber, and Jones. The church was superbly decorated with shrubs and lloral devices.

Last evening a soiree an; 1 entertainment was held in the Schoolroom, l>ank street. About 25(J visitors assembled, and the tables were presided over by the following ladies of the congregation : Mesdaiues fix ley, Bargefrede, Targ’iis, Whitaker, and the Misses Ellis (two) and Whitaker. Full justice was done to the viands provided. An adjournment to the church followed the removal of the cloths, and the building was tilled by a full and attentive audience, among whom we noticed

several members of the Congregational Church. His Worship the Mayor presided, and addressed the meeting in a few well-chosen remarks. The secretary (Mr JO 11 is) then read the report, which showed that there were 258 children on (he roll of the school with an average attendance of lot, and a stall; of 20 teachers, (treat stress was laid upon the necessity of a closer intercourse between scholars and teachers, and the desirability of the latter visiting the children at their homes. The Jinancial result of the anniversary sermons on the preceding (Sunday and the soiree showed that some ;fh's7 Ids was added to the monies at the disposal of the Church committee. The Jlevs. (Simmonds. llallowes, and Dnmbell delivered addi ■esses, which were received with marks of approval by the congregation. The Jiev. W. Baumhor (of Christchurch) delivered a very stirring anniversary address, especially addressed to the children, on the necessity of religions decision in early life. The musical portion of the programme was eflicieiilly conducted by .Miss Ball, who accompanied the choir very nicely on the harmonium. This young lady was also assisted by several instrumentalists. The scholars rendered a very full programme of hymns in a very fair manner. Hearty voles of thanks to the Mayor, visiting clergymen, and the ladies who provided the substantial portion of the entertainment brought the proceedings to a close. The llev. .Mr Simnionds having pronounced the benediction, a very satisfactory gathering separated.