ST. MARY’S CHURCH.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, 8 May 1925, Page 11

ST. MARY’S CHURCH.

ANNUAL MEETING 'OF PARISHIONERS.

The annual meeting of parishioners of St. Mary’s Church was held in the Bank Street schoolroom last evening, when there was a large attendance, presided . over by tlio acting-Vicar (Rev:> K. ■D. Andrcws-Baxter); 1 The chairman, on behalf of the Vicar • (who is on a trip to England), asked for special support, from the parishioners during the seven months’ absence of the Archdeacon, : whose guidance find wisdom inipafish. matters was greatly . missed: ■y'Tbe.'...churchwardens had done great’ work in assisting the clergy,, and tha ; members of councils of ' the ’ -other U Anglican churches had assisted' materially. Tho . church Wla# '.also/ greatly indobted to the lay readers. He stated that the palish .would not., be clear of debt for some years, but it was hoped that; a new parish hall would bo . built: The guilds, especially ' tho Missionary Guild, were doing immense work, and a lot of money had been:-sent to aid missionary work. The Sunday School teachers were doing important work, as were the Bible Classes, under Sister Janet, supported by the. Rev. Mr Osmers. He thought the monthly church service for children wps also proving very successful. Tho choirs were also., in a very good position, and ho appealed for new boys to join up with St. Mary’s. Mr R. W. Simpson, . parishioners' churchwarden, spoke in regard to finance, commenting on the very satisfactory progress during the year. The parish had spent; £656 on missionary, work, which was very creditable. He mentioned the progress made on former years when the staff could not be ‘increased, but tho lyirgo debt was now cleared. The “duplex envelope” system was proving very successful, there being 350 subscribers . to the scheme, which had only been instituted seven months ago. He hoped that a now hall would be built, and stated that St. Prisqa’s Guild had adopted a scheme to raise money, and he hoped that others would help in erecting a hall well worthy of the parish. It had bo9n mentioned that a new organ w,as required, but this was impossible for the present, but the present organ might he enlarged. The vestry had appointed Messrs r Turnbull and Rule as architects, to make periodical examinations of St. Mary’s, as a few pounds spent now might save hundreds later on. Tho clergy had accomplished excellent work, and he hoped that when •Archdeacon Julius returned he would find that the church liad progressed considerably. The speaker then referred in complimentary terms to his brother churchwarden, to the vestry, and the verger. - : ■ i - , ~ The churchwardens’ report and the balance sheet, which have already been published were adopted. : The election of officers resulted as follows: —Vicar’s warden, Mr C. G. Bryan-King, parishioners’ warden, Mr R W. Simpson; vestrymen, Messrs G. S. Hammond, W. D. Revell, H. J. Mathers, G. A. Bridges, Falliser, b. Andrews, A. Oborn, H. Moftatt, V>. J. King, a;and S. -Murray-: auditors, Messrs HUH. Fraser and \V. J. GottoMrW. D. Revell moved-—“ That the books of the freewill offering scheme (envelopes ... and subscriptions). •be audited annually.” Mr H. J. Mathers moved as an amendment: —“That the books or the freewill offering scheme (envelopes ana h?*, audifc(^\--atouall^ s 'together with the stipend" fund. T Mi- Revell altered his motion accordingly, and it was carried. Mr C. G. Bryan-King moved That this meeting places oh record its appreelation of the valued, cervices rendered to the parish by the various tions and church workers.”—Carried. Mr A.'C. Murray moved a vote ot appreciation to tho auditors for their services. —Carried. Mr R. W. Simpson movedlhat this meeting of parishioners of bt. Mary’s place on record the valuable services rendered for so many years to tho parish by Mr M. J. Knubley m the capacity of churchwarden and vestryman.” Mr Bryan-King also eulogised the work of Mr Knubley. Mr Knubley, in reply, , said although severing his connection with the vestry, he would be only too pleased to assist at any time in the work ot the Ch At Ct tlie close of tho meeting supper was dispensed by tho ladies. i __