ST. ANDREW'S CHURCH.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXV, Issue 178, 30 July 1903, Page 4

ST. ANDREW'S CHURCH.

ANNUAL MEETING.

The annual meeting of the congregation of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Gbnrch was held on Wednesday evening. the Riv. 8. S. Osborne presiding. Owing to the absence of Mr Doile through illness, Mr Ewing acted as Secretory pro-tem. The Session report for the past year was read by the chairman as clerk of the Session. It stated that the services had been well attended.' Messrs Smi'.h and Leslie had been ordained elders, and stress was laid on the fact that ou'.y two children had been baptised io the church, the others receiviog the ceremony at home, bat it was urged that public baptism should be the rale not tbo exception. Feeling reference was made to the death of Mrs Northcroft, and other losses were also mentioned. The growth of the church at Ingleirocd was referred to with thankful :ios«, that church now numbering 70 members. Mr Osborne added that unless a Minister felt his work was prospering he could not carry on h : s work as he oaght. When he cam?, there were 69 names on the roll of communicants though the average attendance was only 30. Now, after nine years, the number was practically doubled and, considering the fluctuations and ohanges in New Plymouth, the progress must be considered satisfactory. Some 39 new members had been received, while 40 had left. In other places the fluctuations ware only absut half of those at New Plymouth, and this made a minister's work more difficult. He invited suggestions for the advancement of the work of the session, but none were forthcoming. The report of the Committee _of Management was then read, stating eight meetings had been held. The purchase of the Manse for £I3OO was completed in November, and after being redecorated was occupied by the minister in Decembe*. Details were given as to the raising of the necessary money .and thanks accorded to the lady collectors. Reference was made to the ■lterations in the church, giving more ■eating accommodation. The financial statement showed receipts at £IBO4 15?, including the sum of £1407 12s Id transferred from the Manse Fund. Expenditure amounted to £IB2O 7s lOd, including £I3OO and other items for the Manse Fund, and leaving an overdraft of £ls 12s. A statement of assets and liabilities was read showing a substantial surplus of assets over liabilities. The Manse Fund account was also real, as well as a statement showing rccaipts on account of reduction of the amount borrowed from the Oentury Fund. Mr Ewing expressed the gratification of the committee at the sum raised by subscriptions, and said he would ba very pleased if other members of the congregation would promise subscription?. Mr Handy, in moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheets, said he was agreeably disappointed at the large amount of money collected for the Manse. He greatly regretted that his knowledge of the congregation was so ■mill that he failed to do his duty as an eider as he ought. Mr Bauchope, in seconding the motion, stated that the assets had been valued at a low rental.

Mr MacDiarn id, as treasurer, congra'ulated the congregation on the excellent state of the finances, especially as to the Manse (and, in respect of which Mrs Copland and Mrs Paul were deserving of the heartiest praise. Considering the heavy expenditure daring the year the financial result was most satisfactory. The Rev. S. S. Osborne was glad he could congratulate the congregation on its libei ality, and he felt proud to be the minister of a congregation that responded so generoasly and heartily. He referred to the large amount of money raised by direct gift and not by means of bazaars. He knew there were several who had made sacrifices to farther the work of the church, and he rejoiced that this spirit should exist. The report And balance-sheets were adopted. Tlia Sabbath School report and balance-sheet was read by Mr MacDi&rmid, who urged that the gifts of the congregation to the school should be larger—only £2 4s 6d being given last year.—Adopted. The retiring members of the Committee, Messrs Doile, Smart, and Way, were re-elected, and Messrs Bauchopa and A. J. W. Johnson were eleeted in place of Me c arß MscDiarmid andfirasch, resigred, Mei-sta Ewing and Campbell biing the remaining members. Mr David Qilmour was appointed auditor, but, should he be unable to act, it was left to the Session to appoint an auditor.

The appointment of two representatives on the Council of the Churches was left to the Session.

Mrs White and Mr Smith were appointed to represent the Church on the British and Foreign Bible Society. Hearty votes of thanks were accorded to the Committee, the choir, Saobath scho il teachers, and the lady collectors (especially to Mrs Paul), and to Mrs Copland for acting as Church correspondent, t) i iho motion of Mr Handy, it was dec-lied to print the reports aQd balancesheets presented at that meeting.

A vote of thanks was accorded to tbe Chairman, and the meeting was closed with the Doxology and Benediction.