ST. ANDREW'S CHURCH.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 86, 1 August 1914, Page 3

ST. ANDREW'S CHURCH.

ANNUAL MEETING. Tfce annual'meeting of the St. Andrew's congregation was held on Wednesday evening in the schoolroom. There way a good attendance of members and friends. The Rev. J. Pattison presided at the meeting, and expressed satisfaction at seeing so many present. The various reports of the different branches of the Church's work for the past year were submitted. SESSION REPORT. Mr P. Thomson in the absence of the clerk read the Session Report, which was as follows:—In presenting •V annual report, the Session would egress gratitude to Almighty God for His goodness to the congregation dfring the year. The attendance at the sabbath" services in Stratford and the outfields has been well maintained, in some cases showing a marked increase. During the year fourteen persons united with the Church. The j total membership is now about 118. I Owing to the decision of the Presbytery not to send a- successor to Mr Liliewall, \ho is leaving Toko, that field will fall into the Stratford Charge. When the names, of our members in that district are added to our roll, it will he largely increased. SUNDAY SCHOOL AXD CHOIR. The Session desires to express its appreciation of the service rendered iii the Sunday school by the Superintendent and teachers during the year, and they commend this important work to the prayerful support of the congregation. They recognise the value of the help rendered by the choir in the service of praise. In view of the importance of a strong and efficient choir, they would invite all who can help in the singing to offer their services, and would strongly recommend faithful and regular attendance at the weekly practice. Satisfaction is felt that a Young Women's Bible Class, has been formed under the leadership of Mrs Lawrence, with a large membership. The hope is expressed that the Class may be instrumental in leading many of the young women to decision for Christ and into the membership of the Church. WOMEN'S ORGANISATIONS. The Session express gratification that the Ladies' Guild of the congrei gation has continued to do such splendid work in securing the financial means with which to carry on the various activities of the congregation. They rejoice that the Presbyterian Women's Missionary Union is rendering such service in promoting the missionary .spirit in the Church. A weak place in the Church's life is the mid-week devotional service, which is all too poorly attended, and members of the congregation are exhorted to heartily co-operate in making this service a success. The Session deeply repret the departure of .Mr R. Spence from their midst. The services he renderd as Sunday School Superintendent for three years, and a s Clerk'of Session, especially during the vacancy in the pulpit, were simply invaluable. His work on the L'oard of Managers .too, was of the highest value. , The thanks of the Session and congregation are due to Messrs Lilley, Robinson and Downey for their valuable aid in taking occasional services in the outfields. With their generous assistance it has been possible to continue the work at Ackland Road, and further to undertake to give Toko a fortnightly evening service. CHURCH FINANCE. Mr P. Thomson, the treasurer, presented the financial report which showed that the funds were in a sound and healthy condition. The report for the previous year indicated an income of £3Bl, which was considered a record for St. Andrew's. This year's, report showed an income of £l5B, besides monies raised for debt redemption. The secretary of committee, Mr H. Lawrence, in presenting his report, spoke of the work accomplished by ! the members during the year. Amongst I the things dono were the improvement :' of the Church grounds, and the launching of a scheme foi/ the reduction of the debt on. the Church. The aim was to wipe off a debt of £GOO within the next eight months. He spoke of the fact that the managers bad worked so willingly and so happily together during the .year. THE SUNDAY SCHOOL. Mi- R. McK. Morison's report of the Sunday School indicated thai there were 81 scholars on the roll, ! and that he had been well supported in his work by parents and teachers during the year. The report concluded: "There are great possibilities in store for the future, and wo would prayerfully urge any who can help to come forward and assist in the important work. THE LADIES' GUILD. The Ladies' Guild record for the } o'\v was read by the Chairman, in the absence of Mr Campbell, the secretary. It was shown that the ladies had handed over to the treasurer a sum of £53, a, record of which they wore not ashamed. About £2O was in hand towards the purchase of a piano, winch was urgently needed for the Sunday School. THE P.AV.M.U. * Mrs Steven read the report of the P.W.M.U. There were upwards of twenty members on the roll. The ladies had taken up the "Every Member Campaign," and helped to secure £23 for the special work of the New Zealand Presbyterian Church in China. Ther wore interesting Ihem-

selves this year in the support of missions to the Maoris. WORDS BY THE MINISTER, Tiie Rev. J. Pattisou spoke of the cordial support which had been accorded him during tiie year by the office-bearers of the congregation. Perfect harmony prevailed in all the meetings, and m the conduct of the business of the Church., He rererred appreciatively to the friendly and sympathetic attitude of the members of the nock to himstvt and family. He urged that they should all unite in the effort to reduce the Church debt, and crown the""movement with success. He believed that if they were all united in their prayers and efforts they could do great tilings during the ccning year. Personally he thought in view of the reports brought forward that evening, that the outlook for tiie future was bright indeed. A source of encouragement amongst others was the arrival'of newcomers in the district who were coming forward to their aid. Dr. Steven 'spoke appreciatively of the good work that Mr R. Speuce had done" for (he Church, and- thought that tiie congregation should show its gratitude to him in a practical way. Mr Robinson emphasised the urgency df the office-bearers and members supporting the mid-week service. A resolution was passed by the congregation expressing appreciation of the work of the Minister. Acting on the suggestion of the Chairman, the congregation passed a motion of sympathy with Mr Campbell in iiis illness, and expressed the hope of speedy recovery. ! Miss Milne, of Hawera, enlivened the proceedings of the evening by solos sweetly rendered. , After the business was completed the ladies lianded round refreshments, and the pronouncing of the Benediction brought a very successful meeting to I a close. .'