PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXV, Issue 202, 11 September 1903, Page 4

PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH.

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING AND kOOIAL. At the congregational gathering in connection with the above Ohurch whioh took place on Thursday evening, there was a large attendance, the pastor, the Rev J. Nixon presiding. The Chairman, in the absence of Mr G. E. Bellringer, read the report, whioh stated that there were no trust debts, it being a rare thing in Methodism to have churches without debts, The income from the' parsonage property, amounted to X 95 a year. This money was being set aside for a new building in which to worship God. The roll of membership of the church bad increased, 16 new names having b:en added. The Bible Claes on Sunday afternoons, conducted by Mr 0. E. i Bellringer, bad been fairly attended. ACE. Society had recently been ,Ki'iated, but it was too soon to speak abuut its work. The week night services bad been maintained this year better than last, but were fur from what they should be in tbe matter of attendance. The same applied to the Sunday sorvioes. On a review of the year there was much to be gratifi d with, much to urge to greater efforts for Christ, lbs following ladies contributed to the success of the social -.—Mesdames Petty, Connetr, J. Bellringer, Joe Ward, Stanners, McKeown, Mitchell, Moon, Nicol, Hand ley, Sole, Percy Bellringer, Leylacd, G. Ward, Rodgers, Brokenshire, Busby, Scott, Jenkinson, F. Bellringer, Howell, O. E. Bellringer, Tuke, H, Ward, C. Ward, Russell, Felix Bellringer, LaflaD, Bar, Rich, Geenhoefer,R, Bellringer, Nixon, and Miss Bassett. The first speaker, the Rev. Woolley (Baptist), put everybody in good humour. He spoke of his love for Primitive Methodism, and urged them to greater efforts in the cause of Christ. He referred to the great battle going on in England at present on behalf of freedom, and claimed that the Baptists had always been to the front in all battles for liberty. . The Rev. S. S. Osborne said he did not care for endowed churches. The endowments proved often a curse and not a blessing. He hoped the Primitive Methodists would always be true to their mission. The Rev. Lewis, in the course of an impressive speech, said he could never cell the difference between Primitive Methodists and Wesleyans. The Rev. Southern, after expressing his pleasure at being present, and complimenting the Church on its progress, delivered an earnest address on the work of the Church. Songs were given by Misses Ambury and Connett, quartettes by Misses Nixon and Messrs H. Nixon and Jenkinson, and Misses Nixon and Messrs H. Nixon and Searle. Mr Rogers ably presided at the organ. A special feature of the programme was an excellent violin solo by Master Eric Ward. The proceedings, which were characterised with great heartiness, were closed with votes of thanks to all who assisted at this enjoyable gathering.