PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, TEMUKA.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2312, 30 January 1892, Page 3

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, TEMUKA.

The annual congregational meeting of the above church was held on Thursday evening, the attendance being moderate. The Rev. Mr Watters presided. After prayer and praise, Mr Bruce, the secretary, read the minutes of the previous annual meeting, which were confirmed. REPORTS AND BALANCE-SHEET.

The committee’s report, which also traversed the balance-sheet, was to the following effect: — The report showed that during the year £331 9s had been collected. The only source of revenue was voluntary subscriptions, and these showed so marked an increase that had there not been a

number of back debts to contend with the committee would have been able to show ■ v a small credit balance to begin the new year with. The Church began the year with a debit balance of £57 11s 2d, which had been reduced by £26 18s 2d, and their only liability now was a sum of £3l 13s. The report then continued : —“ As you are all aware, the Rev. Mr Dickson left us. last March on a visit to his native country, and you have also heard the sad news of the death of his father and sister before he reached home. Your committee tendered him a letter sympathising with him in his bereavement on receipt of the news, and his work has been satisfactorily carried on by his appointee, Mr Watters. Our annual soiree, usually held

in October, was put off from time to time, expecting the return of Mr Dickson, but seeing that he was not likely to return before the end of our financial year we decided to hold it on the 21st of January last. Unfortunately it rained heavily all that day, and, as the balance-sheet will show, it was anything but a financial success. The ladies of the congregation as usual collected a box of clothing and other useful necessaries, which was duly forwai’ded to the Now Hebrides Mission in August last. On looking back to the past year as a whole we have not much to complain of, and your committee beg to thank the congregation for responding so liberally to their many calls, and trust that your incoming committee will have a still more prosperous term of office, and that you will treat them with your usual confidence and liberality.” Mr Cooper moved the adoption of the report, and the motion was carried. Mr A. Russell then read the report

upon the Sabbath Schools, which was of a satisfactory character, although the Ik “ stolid indifference of the senior IP* scholars ” was deplored. The school had been kept open all the year. The discipline was good and the teachers zealous. The sum of £2 9s 8d had been

collected by the children for the New Mission, and forwarded by the T Rev. Mr Watter. The Band of Hope, under the care of Miss Goodey, was doing excellent work. Thanks were conveyed to donors to the funds. Mr S. Cain had opened a branch school at Seadown, and there were others at Rangitira and Seadown. The Rev. Mrs Watters had been diligent in visiting the sceools whenever possible, and his advice and assistance was gratefully appreciated. The report was approved. The chairman submitted a brief verbal report in connection with the .Church. The attendance was good, but there was a growing tendency on parents’ part to shirk bringing their children to public baptism. He deplored this, as baptism was an ordinance in which the whole congregation were expected to take part, and only in special circumstances was it to be administered privately. There had

been six baptisms aud nine marriages Ruling the year, the latter being far in of other years. There had been f/ibout £9 worth of religious literature circulated during the year, and he trusted the system would be continued. On the motion of Mr Blyth, seconded by Mr Darroch, it was resolved that the reports and balance-sheet be printed. VOTES OF THANKS. Hearty votes of thanks were recorded to the church officers, special mention being made of the treasurer, Mr Blyth, and the secretary, Mr Bruce, to the Sunday School teachers, the superintendent, and to the choir.

COMMITTEE. The election of a committee was then proceeded with. Mr Blyth moved, and it was carried—- “ That the number of committee be limited to ten, in addition to the elders.” Prior to the nominations the secretary read the attendance list, which showed that about half the number elected fast year liad not attended meetings at all.’ ■ Mr Darroch then moved, Mr Russell seconded, arid it was carried Messrs J. Mcpeod, W- McLeod, ,J. Cooper, J. Blyth, and J. Renqett be elected to act' on the committee for tfie ensuing year,” This concluded the business, and the terminated with the Doxology.