PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, GERALDINE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2258, 24 September 1891, Page 3

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, GERALDINE.

The annual congregational meeting in connection with the above church was held on Tuesday evening last, the Rev. A. B. Todd presiding. REPORTS. The Rev. A. B. Todd read the session report, which showed inter ali that there had been a gratifying attendance at the ordinary of the congregation. Services at out stations as well as Geraldine had been well attended. The session had been increased by the election of four additional elders, the full number now being six. The four new elders were, Alexander McKenzie, David Shaw, Thomas Mon Lon, and George Steven. The parish had been divided into six districts, and an elder appointed for each. The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper was dispensed four times, the average attendance being 67. At the beginning of the year the number on the Communion roll was 86. To this 30 had been added, 19 by examination, and 11 by certificate, while 11 were removed, 2by death. This left 105 on the present roll. Twenty children had been baptised. Mention was made of the weekly prayer meeting, which was fairly well attended; and also of the Sabbath School at Woodbury, conducted by the Misses Webb. The service of praise was referred to, and the various changes during the year noted. Mention was made of the visit of Mr and Mrs Watt, thO Missionaries of the New the outcome of which was that a box; of articles useful for them in their work was sent by the ladies. The session was thankful for the spiritual prosperity of the congregation, and hoped it would continue in the future: Mr Colin McKenzie, read the Sabbath School report, which mentioned that the number of children on the roll last year was 69 and this year 90; showing an increase of 21. There were nine teachers. The international series of lessons had been adopted and was found to work very well. The thanks of the teachers was given to several gentlemen who addressed the school during the year, and to the Pastor for the interest he had shown in the school., The teachers met once a month for the conducting of business, and a sermon was preached quarterly specially for the young. The managers were thanked for their financial aid to the school. Mr N. Dunlop, treasurer, read the managers’ report, which showed'a very satisfactory increase in the funds. The balance-sheet showed a credit balance of £2O odd. The reports were adopted, and considerable discussion took place on various items mentioned in the managers’ report, and it was decided to have the report and balance-sheet printed for circulation among members. REDUCTION OF DEBT. The Rev. Mr Todd said that over £IOO had been subscribed in the course of the year for the reduction of the church debt. After discussion it was resolved, on the motion of Mr Aitken seconded by Mr Cochrane —“ That a gift auction be held in the month of April next, for the reduction of the debt.” The matter was remitted to the managers to carry out. VOTES OF THANKS. Votes of thanks were passed to the teachers of the Sabbath School, the office bearers, the ladies who provided the soiree, and specially mentioning the treasurer, Mr Dunlop, for the creditable manner in which he had performed his duties during the year. THE MANAGERS. The following were elected as managers for the ensuing year Messrs John All An, Andrew Archibald, William Ashby, W. S. Helem, William Hewson, Adam Irvine, Alexander McLean, Alexander Rose, and James Shaw. The meeting then closed with the singof a hymn and the pronouncing of the benediction.