PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, GERALDINE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2103, 25 September 1890, Page 3

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, GERALDINE.

The annual congregational meeting of the members of this Church took place on Tuesday evening last. The Eev. A. B- Todd, 8.A., pastor of the church, occupied tbe chair, and there were about 80 parishioners present. The meeting was, opened with devotional exercises.

The report of the session was read by Mr K. Irvine, session clerk. The report detailed what bad taken place during the past year in connection with the resignation of the Rev. G. Barclay and the induction ©f the Eev. A. B. Todd. The session expressed their deep thankfulness far the guidance vouchsafed to them in their choice of a minister; since Mr Todd had come among them the attendance at Geraldine and the outstations had increased in a marked degree, but there was still reom for improvement. The sacrament had been administered twice during the year. There had been 13 new members during the year, three from elsewhere and ten who had joined for the first time. The report expressed deep regrett at the loss the church and district had sustained by the death of the late Mr Angus Macdonald, who for fourteen years had held the position of elder in the church. His loss would be long felt. The division of the district by the Mackenzie County and Pairlie Creek being cut off was a great improvement, as formerly the whole district was too large for one man to look after. The narrowing of the parish had, however, thrown increased responsibility upon the members and increased calls upon them for their support. The session hoped that the members would realize this and would respond in such a manner that no difficulty would be experienced in carrying on the work of the church efficiently. The session wished to record the appreciation of the efforts of Mr J. Aitken, the choirmaster, and the several members of the choir for the part they had taken in this most important part of the church service. The services of Miss Dunlop as organist were deserving of more snbstantial recognition than they at present received. The Sunday School was nnder the charge of Mr C. McKenzie. The parents within reasonable distance were asked to second the efforts of the session in this direction, and make the school worthy of the congregation. , Mr J. Aitken, clerk of committee read the committee's report. It ran upon somewhat similar lines as the above. The hope was expressed that more energy would be shown in collecting so that with their largely decreased expenditure they might be able to meet their liabilities without trouble Systematic giving to the church was strongly urged as being far more satisfactory in its results than spontaneous contributions. The treasurer, Mr N. Dunlop, read the balance-sheet. It showed the receipts to general account for the year to have been £365 10s sd, and the expenditure £216 7s Bd, leaving a credit balance of £76 3s. The building fund was about £4OO overdrawn.

; The statement was considered satisfactory, considering the exceptionally heavy expenditure on buildings during the past year or two, and the reports and balance-sheet were adapted. ' In reply to Mr Aitken, the'chair* 'man said that the changing of the school from the morning to the afternoon was merely an experiment at present, but was working well for both teachers and scholars. The superintendant, however, had most of his Sunday afternoons occupied with preaching appointments, and not being able to fill both positions preferred the latter. It was decided to leave the matter in the bands of the sesßian. Mr Aitken said the time had arrived when more substantial recognition than their mere thanks should be given to their organist. He moved—'•That the congregation now assembled instruct the newly-appointed committee to make to Miss Dunlop the substantial recognition which it is their intention to do, and that at an early date." Mr W". S. Helem seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. A motion by Mr Aitken that the committee consist of nine members as before was lost on a show of hands. Mr W. S. Helem's amendment that the number be thirteen being carried.

A new committee was elected as follows : Messrs J. Aitken, A. McKenzie, B. F. Cochrane, A. Irvine, A. McLean, W. $. Helem, W. Hewson, R, Skinner, W. Beattie, W. Ashby, J. Shaw, J. Campbell, and D. Macdonald.

A proposition by Mr J. Steven, " That it be a recommendation to the new committee te make a strong effort to reduce their indebtedness," was carried on the voices.

The chairman said it was usual for the pastor at the annual meeting to make a statement, but as he had only recently come amongst them be would refrain from doing so at that meeting. The present feeling was one of hope for the future, and they could only pray that the hopes that now inspired them might be very fully realised during the coming year. On the proposition of the chairman hearty rotes of thanks were accorded to the members of session, committee of management, Sabbath school teachers, leader of the psalmody, organist, the members of the choir, and the collectors, for the work they had done during the past year. The meeting was closed with the Benediction.