ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST’S CHURCH, WINCHESTER.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2186, 9 April 1891, Page 2

ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST’S CHURCH, WINCHESTER.

The annual meeting of parishioners of the district of Winchester was held in the Sunday schoolroom on Tuesday evening, 7lh April. The proceedings were very hearty and enthusiastic, and partook of a social character, a beautiful tea being laid on the tables at 6.30 p.m. The room was well filled. At 7.30 the order was giveu to “ clear up decks,” and the formal business of the evening was commenced, the incumbent offering up prayer. The minutes of vhe last annual meeting having been read and confirmed, the outgoing churchwardens presented the balance-sheet ?nd their report. The former showed receipts to the amount of £7l Is 6d, exclusive of contributions to the stipend fund. The expenditure was £7O Is Id, leaving a credit balance of £1 Oa sd, the only liability being £9 for the school harmonium recently acquired. The following is the report•

A review of the past year’s work discloses work of a satisfactory and encouraging nature. Although no special work has been undertaken, there has been an increased interest taken by members of the congregation in all matter connected with the welfare of the church. A marked increase is observable in the attendance at Divine worship, in the number of communicants, and also in the amount of the offartoiies. Last year the average attendance was 47, average number of communicants Hi. and the average offirtory (L 3d ; this year they are 50, and 7s 6d respectively. The highest attendance upon any occasion was 169, when the church was consecrated, when there were 27 communicants, and 90 ot. Easter Sunday, when 33communicated. Regular services have been maintained by the incumbent and the hyreader (Mr H. J. Gladstone). During the year the following clergymen have visited us, viz., the Revs. E. A, Scott, Mackenzie Gibson, T. J. Smyth, H. H. S, Hamilton, and James Preston. Sir Win, Blunden and Messrs R. Pinckney and Alfred Go* have also officiated on various occasions. On June Bth, 1890, we received our first visit from the new bishop. The chancel was duly consecrated, on condition that a proper set of communion plate would be provided without delay. Owing to lack of funds this injunction has not yet been complied with ; possibly some member of the congregation may Lei disposed to make a gift of a set as a thank-offering to Almighty God, and for the due celebration of the Holy Eucharist, that all may be done “ decently, and in order.” On Monday, 9th June, His Lordship form illy opened the new Sunday School, the kind gift of Mr H. J. Gladstone, and subsequently distributed the Sunday School prizes and also presented Miss Gimson with a handsome watch on behalf of the congregation, in recognition of her valuable services as organist The Sunday School Superintendent, Mr Robt. Smith, left us about this time to visit the Old Country, and has recently been heartily welcomed on his safe return. We feel sure that the Sunday School, and also the Church at large, will benefit very much by the knowledge and experience which he has gained of religious work in England. Mr Win. Stewart has filled the post of Acting-Superintendent most efficiently in Mr Smith’s absence. In the month of June a ‘ Recreation and Amuserinent’ Society was formed, with a large membership, and fortnightly gatherings of a very enjoyable nature were held, combining social, literary, and other features, and providing rational amusement, as well as instruction, for the youth of the community. The hearty thanks of the congregation are due to all who have kindly assisted the society from time to time. The fabrics of the church and school are in excellent condition, and, thanks to the kindness of Mr H. J. Gladstone, the church grounds have been laid out afresh and trees planted, adding greatly to the beauty and order of the precincts. A cupboard for the Sunday School library and other books has been kindly presented by Mr Gladstone, and a similar one has also been procured by the Recreation Society for holding books, games, etc. Half the cost of the latter was defrayed by Mr Robert Smith, Since last Easter various gifts have been presented to the Church, viz., seating for the new Sunday school by Mr R. Smith, lectern for the chancel by the same donor, and a fair of bookmarkers for the large Bible by an anonymous donor, Mr J. A. Young has again kindly provided the communion wine during the year. A harmonium has been acquired for the Sunday school at a cost of £9, but (his stands as the only liability. The heartiest thanks of the congregation are due to the Rev. T, A. Hamilton for his devoted ministrations and untiring efforts for the welfare of the district; and also to the organist and choir, aotiug-superintendem of the Sunday school and the Sunday school teachers, and all members and friends who have accorded their kind support in various ways. In oncluson, we beg to note with satisfaction the careful performance of their duties by the caretaker and bellringer. W, DbUenzy, 0, W. Gimson, Churchwardens. On the motion of Mr Robert Smith, seconded by Mr Gladstone, the balance-sheet and report were adopted, and a hearty vote of thanks accorded to the churchwardens for their services.

The following were then elected church officers for the current year— Mr Robert Smith, clergyman’s churchwarden; Mr C. W, Gimson, parish, ioners’ churchwarden ; Messrs £l. J. Gladstone, Deßenay, J. Twigg, W. Stewart, 0. Taylor, Klee, Donnithorne, H. E. Smith, F. Shallard and Wm. Philp, vestrymen. Mr R. Smith took the opportunity of thanking Mr Gladstone for the Sunday School. He (Mr Smith) had started for England at the time of the opening of th«* school, and though he felt sure that Mr Gladstone did not desire any further thanks, yet he could not help expressing his own feelings on the matter, and felt sure that Winchester would always be grateful for the gift. Mr Gladstone briefly replied, thanking Mr Smith for the kindly way in which be had alluded to him, and said that he would always feel it a pleasure

to work for the Church and do whatever lay in his power for the good of the district.

Mr E. Smith then moved a formal vote of thanks to all who had taken an active part in Church work, especially the outgoing Church officers, Sunday School teachers, choir, organist, &c. This was seconded by Mr Twigg, and carried unanimously. The incumbent mentioned that Mr W. Stewart’t work as acting-super-intendent ot the Sunday School deserved special thanks, as he had handed over the Sunday School in excellent order.

Mr Deßeozy moved—“ That it be a recommendation to the incoming vestry that the cost of the harmonium be made a first charge on the funds, and that it is desirable to have a gift auction of produce shortly.” This was seconded by Mr Gladstone, and carried unanimously. The incumbent stated that there would be no raffling, but “ straight out giving and buying ” for the good ot the Church.

Mr Deßenzy offered a fat pig, and Mr Gladstone half a dozen fat sheep. Ihese gifts will doubtless shortly be supplemented; as a vestry meeting is to be convened for Tuesday, the 14th inst., when active steps will be taken to canvass the district. The incumbent alluded to the Small charge for the tea being complained of, but explained that the intention was to mako the tea as free as possible, so that none of the parishioners mignt be debarred from attending the annual meeting, and the small charge made was merely to cover the necessary expenses. It was, however* relief to find that people wanted to pay more, and next time the charge would be in due proportion to the depths of their purses, &c. Anxiety was felt that the Church should reap a a substantial benefit. He was thankful that such good feeling existed, and heartily thanked all for their kindness and goodwill, and for the hearty response made on all occasions to appeals on the Church’s behalf.

Tbe formal proceedings then terminated, and the room was arranged for a social evening, A number of glees were admirably rendered during the evening by the glee party from Temuka, under the leadership of Mr Rutland. Duets were also sung by Mrs M. Langridge and tbe Rev. T. A. Hamilton, and by Miss Sweet and Miss Woodfield. Mrs Wethy played the accompaniments. Owing to tbe splendid accoustfc properties o£ tbe school the glees and songs were heard to great advantage, and were enthusiastically received. A very happy evening was spent, the gathering dispersing about eleven o’clock. The thanks of the congregation are due to the ladies who so kindly provided the tea.