PARISHIONERS’ MEETINGS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2035, 19 April 1890, Page 2

PARISHIONERS’ MEETINGS.

ST, SAVIOURS CHURCH, TEMUKA. The annual meeting of parishioners of St. Saviour’s Church, Temuka, was held on Thursday evening. There was a good attendance, the Rev. T. A. Hamilton presiding. After prayers, the minutes of the previous annual meeting were read and confirmed. The incumbent then read his annual report, which was to the following effect:— “Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, — In reviewing the work of the Church during the past year, the seventh which I have bsen permitted to labor amongst yon, I have to thank you all for the unvarying kindness which I have at all times experienced at your handstand here I beg to record my thankful acknowledgements of the services of all who have assisted in our mutual work as laborers in the Lord's vineyard. The members of the Church in every parish are really membars of one large family, and have need of one another’s kindness and sympathy. “ Brother clasps the hand of brother, Stepping fearless through the night.” We miss familiar faces from year to year of workers, who from time to time remove to other parishes, or who are separated from us by the summons to join the family of God in heaven. By the removal of Mr 0. J. Rayner and bis family loChrialchurchthejpariah has sustained the loss of some of our Church’s best workers, ■ind I personally have felt seriously the loss of Mr Rayner’s services as clergyman’s churchwarden, he having filled that capacity for several years, Mr L. T. Rayner and Miss Rayner were amongst the most regular of our Sunday School teachers. The former rendered great service in his capacity as organist to the Sunday School. Since Mr Rayner’a departure the whole of the work usually divided by the churchwardens has entirely devolved upon the parishioners’ churchwarden—Mr R. Pinckney whose energy and ability has enabled him to carry on all the financial work of the parish most successfully. Bis devotion and self-sacrifice to the work of the church are well known. His voluntary duties as lay reader and Sunday School superintendent have been performed in a most efficient and faithful manner, and he has also collected the stipend and kept the Ohurch books in a manner which is beyond all praise, and his services ought to be gratefully acknowledged by the parishioners as they are moat cordially by myself.” He then proceeded to the annual statistics : With the assistance of the lay readers, Mr H. J. Gladstone, Mr R. Pinckney, and Sir William Blunden, the services of the Church had been regularly maintained at the parish church and at Winchester. The only outlying services now maintained were at Rangitata Island, 'Rangitata South, and Waabdyke. The attendances had been fairly good, averaging 120 at St, Saviour’s and 47 at St. John’s. The highest attendance on any occasion was 235 at the former and 86 at the latter. The highest attendance at Holy Communion at Temuka was 52, and at Winchester 16, Holy Communion was celebrated twice during the year at Rangitata, and privately on various occasions to sick persons and their relatives. Wednesdaj evening services had been regularly bald, the average attendance being 25. Daily morning services were also held during Advent and Lent, the attendance ranging from 6 to 16, and evening services were held throughout Holy Week. Services were also held on Good Friday at II a.ro. and 7.30 p.ra. There hud been 55 baptisms, 6 maniagea, and 15 burials during the year, and°23 persons had been confirmed. Of the church organisations the first dea’t with was the Parish Magazine, which now numbered 10Q subscribers, to whom it had been issued monthly with a leaflet and a’lnanac. ‘The subscription was 2s per annum. Printed lists of services wore contained therein, and notes of intetest for the month. Thanks were given to Meadamee Austin, Dunford, Davey, and the Misses Sweet, Ooppin, and Mehrtens for services in distributing the same, The Bible Class in the State school had been regularly kept up for the past seven years. The senior class numbered 48, and was conducted by himself. The -junior numbered 130, taught by to whom his warmest thanks were due. The prizes earned in connection therewith were by the courtesy of the school committee presented at the annual prize giving. He tendered hearty thanks to Mrs John Hayhurst, and Messrs Rayner, Pinckney Caihro, and Dana for handsome books presented by them. The Sunday schools were In excellent working order, and were well attended. They were under the superintendence of Mr R, Pinckney at Temuka, and Mr R. Smith at Winchester. At t'hb latter place the numper on (he roll was 68, with an average attendance of 58. There were 9 teachers. At Temuka the roll number was 160, with 18 teachers. ) To provide for any exigencies Sir Wm] I

' ' ' — 1 ■ *' -w, Blundcn had been appointed additional lay reader, and had since assisted occasionally at tbe sevaial services. The year had been rendered of importance by the resignation of their beloved and aged Bishop, who had resigned his pastoral stuff after a long and active service in the church. His last, appearance among them was on May 5, 1889, on the occasion of a confirmation service. Hu place would be filled by the Ven. Archdeacon Julius, of Badarat, whose consecration was fixed for the Ist May. His presence would soon be needed among them, as it would be necessary to consecrate the chancel of Winchester church, and to open the schoolroom presented by Mr H. J. Gladstone. Arrangements were being' made for a Confirmation in Temuka at the suno date. He trusted churchmen would work together,and accord him a fitting welcome The incumbent then briefly referred to the efforts made in the direction of obtaining a new church, the anxiety attached to which, and the loss of time and labor involved, had been a great discouragemerit to him. He had bid before the parishioners year after year the need of a parish room, which was a necessary part of parochial machinery. In it missionary meetings, Sunday School, temperance meetings, etc., could be held, and it would be the home and centre of the activities of a Christian life. He regretted that they seemed as far off as ever from obtaining it, Fifty years previously all the work of the parish was undertaken by the clergyman, but now the “ priest-

hood of the laity ” was fully recognised, and the clergymen, therefore, desired to take their congregations into partnership in their work. The Church to which they belonged was a mutual help society, the members of which should bear one another’s burdens ; the rich minister to ihe poor, the strong to the weak, etc. Everywhere it was acknowledged that “ union is strength,” and unions were formed for every conceivable good purpose —for prevention of crime and in protecting innocence, etc. Every guild, society, or union had to meet at intervals for prayer or consultation on their labors for Christ. He urged them to remember how Ho sought strength for His work by retirement for prayer, and though their tasks were small, and they were apt to faint uoder their burdens, he reminded them that “they tbit wait on the Lord shall renew their strength.” In conclusion ho made an earnest and eloquent appeal to work faithfully, hopefully, lovingly walking in their Saviour’s footsteps they would become fellow-workers with tbe saints, travelling from time to etoruity 11 With the Gross of Jeaua

Going on before.” There would doubtless be trials as well as blessings, failures as well as successes ; but their aim should be to do the will of God, ever feeling that He alone was their strength, so Chat at the last, when the little tale of years was past, they might reach His presence, and there realise tbs fuller meanings of eternal life. Mr Robt. Pinckney then read the churchwardens’ report, of which the following is a synopsis The churchwardens regretted that they could not present so favorable a report as usual but found selace iu the fact that the church was now free of debt and had a balance in hand of £199 Hd. The event of the year had been the unsuccessful effort to erect a new church, the circumstances in connection therewith being so fresh in the memory of the body of the parishioners as to need no comment. Although the result was to be regretted, there was no cause for discouragement, The parish could utilise the present church for the time being, and in the meantime accumulate a building fund, the nucleus of which already existed. The expense incurred in obtaining plans, etc., was not altogether wasted, as they would be available when required. For several years past the pariah had been paying the sum of £3O per annum into a building society for the purpose of accumulating the sum extinguish its outstanding liabilities. Last year it was announced that this fund amounted to £lB5. Shortly after last annual meeting the vestry were concerned to find that the society could no longer carry on its operations profitably and was about to go into liquidation. Steps were then taken which resulted in

the sum of 4,185 4s lOd being recovered, there being only a slight loss of interest. Froin this £3O was taken to pay off the remainder of the debt (£l7O haying been repaid last year from the proceeds of the bazaar). This left £155 4i lOd, £155 of which was deposited in the savings bank. Prom this the sura of £34 ]oi for cost of plans, etc., had been withdrawn. The sum of £1 11s 7<i had been added foe Interest, and therefore left £122 Is 7d at deposit. .Particular attention was drawn to the serious falling off in revenue from all sources. The stipend fund commenced with a credit balance of £5 16s 3d, but failed to attain the necessary amount by £ls IBs Id. The receipts from Winchester were only £37 2s, as against £59 13s 9 1, £SO per annum being always expected. i he offertories, with the exceptionof those for special purposes which were much of the same amount, compared unfavorably with former years, only totalling for Temuka £75 7s 81, as against £IOO 17s 41, and for outlying districts £8 16s Id, as against £ls 4a 61. The latter was partly accounted for by the discontinuance of services at Waitohi, Milford, and Rangiiira, and also for the fact that the financial year was about a month less than the preceding one. Such an important shrinkage was revealed that the earnest consideration and increased liberality on the put of the congregation was demanded. The various social gatherings held during the winter netted the sura of £l7 7a, yet unappropriated. The holding of a bazaar at Easter had now grown into an established custom, and was looked forward to as the principal annuar'parish festival. Entered into in the informal, sociable, and general manner as they were in the parish they formed the most pleasant of gatherings, and afforded everyone, jrrespeo fve qf denominations, an opportunity of aiding a good cause. Warm thanks were tendered to all the hn>y hands and kind heaits who had given thefr lime, money, assistanga, and presence, ipd had thus made tbo hi,2iar a suoosss. The financial result was very satisfactory, the substantial sum of £ro being about the amount realised, the churchwarden and yestry desired to thank Mr Kayuar for all his faithful work in the parish, and to place oa record the earhelt regret experienced by them at his departure froin Ternuka,’which ‘had left a vacancy not easily to be'filled! Cemented by the faithful ministrations of their esteemed incumbent, the workers in

the various spheres bad acted most harmoniously together. The vestry, on behalf of the parish, gladly recorded early thanks to Mrs H. Smith, and Messrs Deßenzy, Sraallbridge, and Hearn for collecting, and to Mr Ash well for auditing, and to all who in pulpit, choir, and Sunday School, and elsewhere, had assisted iu maintaining the services, and in any way promoted the good work for Her Tiord and Master that the Church was endeavoring to carry on in the parish of Temuka. The balance-sheet shewed that the gross receipts to the general account for the year amounted to £4lO 18s 4d. This included a balance in hand of £4 18s 8d and £6 15s lOd on account of Sunday School. The general offertories amounted to £B4 3s 9d and the special offertories to £2O 9s. The pew rents realised £9. There had been collected on account of the Sunday school £ll Is 6J, and £lO 7s 8d had been received aa balance of the net proceeds of the bazaar of 1889, and £77 ns part of the proceeds of 1890 bazaar. The principal items of expenditure were payments to the stipend fund, £29 2a 8d ; salaries, etc., £33 7s 8d ; payment on account Building Society’s loan, £37 8s 8d ; to diocesan treasurer, £l2 17s 5d ; insurance, £6 18a 5d ; rents of Oddfellows’ Hall and Bangitata school, £8 18s ; architects’ fees, etc., £34 10s ; Sunday school prizes, etc., £l6 Is lid ; incidentals, advertising, repairs, etc,, absorbed £22 7a Bd, leaving a balance to credit of £2OB 15s lid, allocated as follows;—Cash in Savings Bank, £122 ls-7d ; cash in Bank of New Zealand, £77 7a 4d ; cash on account of Sunday school, £9 7s. The stipend account showed a balance from last year of £5 16s 81; subscriptions received, £220 13s 6d; offertories from ouilying districts, £8 16s Id, leaving a balance to be taken from general account of £l6 18s Id. The expenditure was to diocesan treasurer, £250: by interest, £1 3s lid,”

In moving the adoption of the reports and balance-sheet Mr J. Talbot congratulated the parishioners upon their successful nature, attributable chiefly to the excellent management of their churchwarden. All would see that the greatest economy had been practised* and with the best results. The reports were very full and interesting, and the balance-sheet an agreeable one. He begged to move their adoption. Mr Pilbrow had pleasure in seconding . the motion, which was put and carried unanimously. The Sunday School report was then read to the following effect:— “The superintendent, Mr R. Pinckhad., pleasure in recording a continual increase in the attendance, which now numbered 160. There were 6 male and 12 female teachers, and instruction was given in the system of standards drawn up by the incumbent, a method producing good results. During the year a Diocesan examination had been held by the Rev, T. b’lavell, at which all the children presented had passed. jNo general examination had taken place dur ing the year, but prizes had been awarded for marks earned during the year. Thanks were accorded to Mrs Hayhurat, Miss Rayner, Rev. T.Hamilton, and Messrs Rayner, Oathro, and Dann for special prizes given, and to all who contributed to the annual prize and school treat funds. A similar

compliment was paid to Mr A. M. Clark and to Messrs William, James, and Walker, W. Benbow, and Aspinall and Co, ; to the former for the use of his grounds, and to the latter for loan of conveyances for the scholars attending the treat. During the year several changes had taken place in the teaching staff, the Misses A. Lee, M. Pilbrow, F. Rayner, and A. Timson, and Mr L, T. Rayner having left the district. For their services hearty thanks ware returned, as well as to all the teachers who had assisted during the year. The chairman said that before proceeding to the election of officers he bad much pleasure in stating that the discipline of the Sunday School was exceptionally good. The children were very intelligent, and answered well. Strangers had remarked this frequently, and the Eev, Canon Boddington had pronounced it the best school he had examined, The : election of officers was then proceeded with, the incumbent nominatingMr Cathro as his churchwarden, Mr .Talbot, in moving the re election of Mr' B';. Pinckney as parishioners’ churchwarden, eulogised that gentleman. forr the manner in which he had carried out his duties. They could not get a better man.—Mr Langridge seconded the motion, and endorsed Mr ' Talbot’s remarks,—The motion was .carried unanimously.—Mr Pinck- ‘ ney briefly thanked those present for r their unanimous appreciation of his services. As hitherto, he should endeavor to do his best for the parish. Messrs Talbot, Langridge, Dann, J. H. Walker, R. Comer, G-. Mason, E. Whitehead, E. Pilbrow, E. Chapman, and A. Nicholas were elected vestrymen. Mr Talbot then moved a hearty vote of thanks to the incumbent for his faithful ministrations during the year. All present would admit that the success attending their Church was dueto his zealous efforts. His kindness and zeal could not be surpassed, and it was a source of the utmost regret that his efforts in the direction of a new church had proved so disappointing. He trusted, however, that this feeling would wear away, and that Mrs Hamilton (who was'associated with all his good work) and himself would continue to go on beloved and esteemed by all. They were peculiarly suited to the parish, their parochial visitations were welcomed by all. The whole congregation were indebted to Mr Hamilton for his faithful services to the Church. He also desired to record the thanks of the congregation to Mr R. Pinckney. He could not speak too flighly p£ his services. Since he had taken charge of their financial matters everything had gone smooth 1 /. He had thrown heart and jul into it,

and to his efforts were due their present successful state. His accounts were admirably kept, and he was punctuality itself in his attendance upon his various duties. The motion was seconded by Mr Langridge and carried enthusiastically. The chairman having returned thanks for himself endorsed Mr Talbot’s complimentary expressions towards Mr Pinckney, He also desired to record his appreciation of the efficiency of the musical portion of the services, through the efforts of the organist, Mr Proudlock. The duties of the verger were also faithfully carried out.

Votes of thanks were then accorded to the lay readers, choir, Sunday school teachers, organist, verger, and all who had assisted in promoting the services of the church.

The meeting terminated with the Benediction.

ST. JOHN’S, WINCHESTER. The following is the report presented by the churchwardens (Messrs W. De Renzy and A. W. Enaor) to the annual meeting of parishioners at Winchester on Tuesday night:—

“In submitting the annual report the churchwardens of the Winchester district have much pleasure in stating that the year’s work has been one of great progress, and also that the financial results are very satisfactory. The kindness of Mr H. J. Gladstone in offering to build a vestry at his own cost, caused the initiaRation of the scheme of completing the church by the addition of vestry, chancel, and porch, according to the original designs. The porch was the gift of the Hon. Spencer Lyttelton, and the chancel was subscribed for by the parishioners and friends of other denominations, assisted by a donation from the “Ladies Church Work Society,” The work was cirried out by Mr Wm. Young, under the supervision of Mr T. Cane, the architect of the church. The edifice is now finished, and only needs extra seating accommodation for the congregation and the choir to be complete in every respect. The building has been repainted outside and the inside walls retinted, the whole of the interior woodwork being thoroughly oiled. All this extra work created a heavy demand on the church funds and upon the resources of the parishioners generally. We have to thaiik all who have so liberally responded to the call made upon them, and thus aiding in carrying on the work originated by Mr Gladstone, The heartiest thanks of the congregation are due to Mr Gladstone for his great interest in the welfare of the church, aa evinced in not only building the vestry, but also in erecting a detached belfry, and finally a school and parish room. The church precincts have been greatly enlarged and beautified by the kindness of Mr D. L. In wood in presenting an adjoining section to the church authorities. The grounds have bean properly fenced, and will be laid down afresh io grass at the proper season of the year. Thanks are due to Mr Aspinall, Temuka, and Messrs Ross and Sims, Timaru, for conveyancing work, free of cost., i.e., in only charging the necessary stamp duties, in connection with the above. The services have been regularly maintained by the incumbent and the lay-reader. During the time the church was clesed the State school was placed at the disposal of the congregation by the kindness of the school committee, Eightynine services were held during the year, showing an average attendance of 47, as against 41J in 1889. There were eleven celebrations of Holy Communion, with an average attendance of Ilf. The largest attendance at any time was the occasion of the harvest thanksgiving, there being 86 present. The Communion wine has been kindly supplied by Mr J. A, Young, free of cost. It will be seen that no note is made in the balance-sheet of subscriptions to the stipend fund. These have been Qu’y collected, and will be accounted for in the annual balance-sheet of the parish church. We desire, on behalf of the congregation, to record our warmest thanks to the Rev. T. A. Hamilton for his indefatigable zeal and energy in promoting the welfare of the church and its members. To the earnestness both of himself and the lay-reader may be attributed the increase in the attendance at Divine worship and in the number of communicants. We desire to state that the services of the organiste, Miss Qimson, are thoroughly appreciated by tne congregation, and it is desirable that suitable recognition should bo made of the same. In conclusion, we beg to thank the members of the choir, the superintendent of the Sunday School and the teachers for their services during the year, and alto the caretaker for the satisfactory performance of his duties.”