CHURCH NEWS AND NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 18816, 8 May 1920, Page 2

CHURCH NEWS AND NOTES

FROM PULPIT ANDoPEW.

' _ The Caversham Sunday ’ school held a gift sale on Saturday, April 24, to raise some money to supplement the amount sent in support of their cot in the Ko Tong Hospital in Canton villages. The Key. Mr Dutton, in opening the sale, referred to the great need of the missionaries. A plentiful supply of all kinds of goods was donated, and although the sale was only for two hoars (between 7 and ,9) over £l4 was reaiis®d. The teachers are to be congratulated', on their effort, it being an undoubted sue* cess. The superintendent of the St. Andrew's Junior Christian Endeavour has an excellent plan for gaining new members. A social is promised for every twelve who are brought along and attend for three Sundays in succession. This plan was started only a few weeks ago but has been so successful that one social has been given already, and another seven members have been brought towards the next dozen. On Wednesday evening last, the Caversham Presbyterian Choir formed with the Sunday school teachers to suitably acknowledge the splendid services rendered by Min Lorn a Dempster, who for many years has been an ardent church worker. The Rev. Mr Dutton, in presenting Miss Dempster with a silver-mounted oak tray, suitably inscribed, made special reference to the willing, sweet nature of Miss Dempster, and her fine record in church work, and wished her every happiness in her married life. Mr T. K Sidcy, M-P. on behalf of the Sunday school teachers,, heartily endorsed all Mr Dutton’s remarks, and Mr Jas. Forster referred to her fine work and good fellowship in connection with the choir. Mr J. G. Dempster responded on behalf of Miss Dempster, thanking the choir and Snnday school for their splendid gift. Songs and games filled in a very pleasant evening, terminating with a supper. To-morrow the Waikiwi Presbyterian Church is holding its Sunday school anniversary. The anniversary service at 11 a.m. is being conducted by Mr B. C. Galloway, who is always a favourite with the children, and in the evening by the pastor, the Rev. W. J. Robertson. The choir on this occasion will consist of the children of the Sunday school who have been preparing special music under the leadership of the choirmaster, Mr A. J, Service. It is hoped that both services will be largely attended. Students of the Old Testament will be interested to hear that the Rev. Hector Maclean, of Knox Church, has commenced a series of addresses on Sunday evenings on the Book of Job. The final arrangements * in connection with the Knox Church Bazaar are well in hand, and a successful two days should be the result. All the- organisations are working bard and good reports of progress are being made week by week. The opening day is, on Wednesday next at 2.30 pjn. in the Victoria Hall, when the moderator, Rev. J. A. Asher, will officiate at the opening ceremony. Mr Asher, being an exInvercargillite, many of his old friends will have an opportunity of renewing his acquaintance on this occasion. Mr J. L. McG. Watson will open the bazaar the second day. The Chief of the St. Andrew’s Scottish Society can well' fulfil such duties and many Scots will welcome their chief. A very good orchestra and musical programme have been arranged for the two days, and the Dominion Baud will play suitable selections each evening A meeting of the Women’s Vresbyterial Association was held in the Revert Jackson Memorial Hall, Timaru, on April 6. Mrs Stinson (the president) apologised for her absence, and Mrs Fraser, Trinity Church, occupied the chair. Delegates were present frmo Geraldine, St. Andrews and ArundeL Mrs W; Jennings, who has been secretary of the P.A. since its inceptififf* in South Cnnterbuiy 'five years ago, resigned her position, and was cordially thanked for her services. Mrs Steven, 17 York street, Timaru, was unanimously chosen to fill the position. The Rev. A. Don, who was present by invitation, gat'e' an able address on the present crisis in the Mission Field. On the motion of the Rev. Madill, Geraldine, Mr Don - was heartily thanked for his stirring' address. The ladies supplied refreshments, and the meeting was a most interesting one.

Following on the recent amalgamation of the Ellies road and Teviot street churches, the members of the joint congregation met at a social gathering on Thursday evening last to welcome their newly-appointed minister and first pastor of the united church, Rev. P. J. Cossum and his family. There was a good attendance and Mr W. Mitchell, senior circuit steward, occupied the chair. The proceedings opened with the singing of the National Anthem, after which prayer was offered by Rev’ H. Sharp. Then followed a brief miscellaneous programme including two anthems very tastefully rendered by the choir, under the baton of Mr J. Hensley; songs by Mr C. Richards and Mr Porter; duets by Miss Anderson and Miss Cusben, and by Miss Skipworth and Mr Hensley; a recitation by Miss Mitchell, and an organ solo by Mr Lee. The chairman, on behalf of St. Peter’s circuit, in a few well chosen words welcomed Mr and Mrs Cossum and their daughter to St. Peter’s, and expressed the hope that they would have a pleasant and successful term. Addresses of welcome were given on behalf of the various departments of the church. Mr Holland speaking for the trustees, Mr Hensley for the choir, Mrs Garrett for the ladies of the church, Mr Brown for the Sunday school and young people’s societies, while Mr G. Johnston voiced the welcome from the members of the former Teviot street Church. The Rev. H Maclean spoke words of welcome on behalf of the Invercargill Ministers’ Association, the Presbyterian Church and Knox Church, and wished Mr Cossum every blessing and prosperity in his work. The Rev. H. Sharp then addressed the meeting, expressing the cordial greetings and goodwill of the Methodists of the Invercargill central circuit, and his own satisfaction at welcoming another Methodist minister into the town. He urged the congregation to loyally support the new minister who had come amongst them. The Rev. P. J- Cossum, on rising to reply, was received with hearty and prolonged applause. In the course of a brief and interesting address he thanked the speakers who had addressed the meeting for their words of welcome, and then proceeded to indicate some of the lines along which he considered the work of the church should proceed. A progressive policy must be adopted; the church was teeming with young life,' and would have to be cared for. That would mean an enlargement of their premises, including the erection of an up-to-date Sunday school, and _ the Bchane would have to be proceeded with as speedily as possible. To accomplish the task before them they would need to stand together, and to work loyally in the good cause. The ladies of the congregation then dispensed refreshments, after which the ringing of the Doxology and the pronouncing of the Benediction brought to a close a mod successful gathering. i . , Southland Presbyterians are looking forward with keen anticipation to the visit of the Right Rev. J. A. Asher, moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand. Mr Asher loan* hri home in Napier on Mondaynext and will arrive in Invercargill on Tuesday evening His first official act will be the opening’ of the Knox Church ride of work on Wednesday, and after that he will begin v,ip visitation of the churches throughout the province, an exhaustive itinerary having been arranged for him. Country charges especially have been considered m Mr Asher’s movements, and; it is confidwißy expected that congregations within the Presbytery will i euchre mash help and mgpir&iion from the _ * hoped that before Mr Asher leaves Southland he will be able to preach on sum of the Invercargill churches. First Church » interestedvia his coming, for it was there that Mr Asher received his first spiritual impressions and the influences that decided hhn to follow the ministry » * 1116 eaQing. Consequently First CSwirtds. is par* ;

tjcuiariy concerned that the moderator shall preach in hie old kirk. Uuch will depend, however, on the -time at Mr Asher's disposal, bat a strong effort will be made to induce him, when the country itinerary is completed, to give at least one Sabbath to Invercargill. The North Invercargill Presbyterian Sunday school held a jam Sunday recently in aid of the local Presbyterian Children's Homes. The result of the effort was most satisfactory, 170 bottles of jam and preserves being received. This is about one seventh of-the total amount of jam required to supply the Home for one year. The harvest festival was celebrated recently at Centre Btut, Waianiwa, Waikiwi, Thornbury, and Frankton Junction Presbyterian Churches. Large quantities of seasonable produce, fruit, butter, jam, etc., were received at each place and afterwards sent to Cameron. and Gladstone Homes. The staff and committee- arc very grateful for these gifts.