ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL RE-UNION.

Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 293, 25 August 1888, Page 2

ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL RE-UNION.

On Wednesday last the annual congregational re-union in connection with St. Mark's Church was held in the Public Hall, and as with its predecessor, was an unqualified success. There was a large atttendance, including many friends from surrounding districts, numbering in all about two hundred. A sumptioUs tea was served at half-past six, which included the most tasteful confectionery and numerous dainties, laid out O7i four large tables. We may here mention that the whole repast, the quantity and quality of which was the subject of general remark, was contributed by Mesdames Marshall, Mai scion, Winstone, Emerson, Dobson, Heathcote, and Downes, the latter lady providing entirely for the centre table ; consequently the expenses were light, and the proceeds for Church fund propoitionately large. The ladies are certainly to be congratulated on the result of their efforts. The centre table was presided over by Mrs Downes and Miss Calvert, a visitor from Dunedin. At the table on the right side of the hall Mrs Marshall and Mrs Heathcote presided, and on the left Mrs Dobson and Mrs Emerson, The fourth table was placed across the hall at the upper end, and was in charge of Mrs Marsdon. The tables were laid in a very tasteful manner with flowers, etc. After full justice had been done to the good things provided, preparations were made for the second part of the programme. The Rev. Mr Marshall presided as chairman and addressed those present with reference to the financial position of the Church. He stated that the Church was opened on August 22nd, 1886. No little difficulty had been experienced in building the Church — which cost £4-00 — as it was put up at a time when there was great depression prevailing. Although a large amount of this money had been subscribed, yet some had to be borrowed. This time last year they owed £150 2s, on which they were paying 8 per cent interest. At the present time they owe £90 on the church, and £17 10s on the organ fund ; but as they had cash to the amount of £8 0s lid in the Bank, the actual sura to be subscribed was £99 9s Id. This, Mr Marshall hoped, would soon be forthcoming, and that the people would look upon the Church as their own, and endeavour to place it on a firm footing. The rev. gentleman referred to the great help accorded the Church by Dr and Mrs Wright, and he regretted' that they were not present to hear the good report he had to make. Miss Newby and Mr Burgess were also to be enumerated amongst the Church's benefactors. The folio sving was the concert programme, and each item was rendered in a pleasing manner :—: — Pianoforte duet, Mrs Robson and Miss Wainwright; "Canadian Boat Song," Choir; recitation, "The Maiden Martyr," Miss Rowe ; song, " White Wings." Miss Emma Wainwright; reading, " The Bee Sting." Mr Winstone ; " Song of the Brotherhood," Choir ; song, " Golden Lore," Miss Violet Pavitt ; Pianoforte duet, Misses M. and B. Cox ; recitation, " Boys Wanted," Master Winstone ; " Jubilee Singer's Song," Choir. Mrs Robson played the rianoforte accompaniments in her usual efficient manner. During the progress of the concert Mr Mai shall called upon Rev S.Lawry togive an address, and also made a presentation on behalf of the Royal Humane Society of Australasia to Mr Smithyman of the Society's certificate of merit, awarded for the rescue of a lad named George Comes from drowning about six months ago ; (the circumstances in connection with which were fully reported in our columns at the time). In calling upon Mi Lawry for his address he remarked that it was most pleasing to see others who were not of his communion meeting on good terms. Mr Lawry complied with the invitation. He-said he could reciprocate Mr Marshall's good feelings towards other churches and that it was u pleasure to him to take part in these social reunions. He referred at some length to the duties of the Church, the most pressing of which was Christian nurture, more particularly with regard to the young. He thought the Church that paid the most attention to the nurture of children would be the means of winning the future generation. With regard to the Educational system, he thought they should not shrink from any modification if the system needed it, but there was not sufficient unanimity of opinion as to what was wanted. It was the work of the Church to look after the young, and if it does its duty in the future it will have to see that the children get more religious instruction than at present. Mr E. Y. Cox also addressed the audience with reference to the building of a parsonage. Mr Cox reminded his hearers that they were very fortunate in having such a man as Mr Marshall settled amongst them and therefore they should endeavour to make him comfortable. What he proposed to do was to enlist the services of the ladies of the parish to collect money, the cards for which he would supply, and also add ten per cent to any amount they collected, not exceeding £100. A hearty vote of thanksVas accorded the ladies ami others/who had promoted and assisted in the entertainment, and the proceedings then terminated with the singing of the National Anthem.

The liustees in, the assigned estate of T. 13. W. Yatc, notify by advertisement 1 hat •11 claims against the estate must be sent in to Mr Thus. Wells, Cambridge, not later than September 3rd.