Primitive Methodist Sunday School Anniversary.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 2790, 23 January 1878, Page 2

Primitive Methodist Sunday School Anniversary.

The ninth anniversary of the Sunday School in connection with the Primitive Methodist Church was held at the chapel, Mackay street, at 6.30 yesterday evening. There was a large number present, the chapel being completely filled. The following ladies presided at the tables :—■ Mesdames Green, Ingerson, Winter; Haitr, Bateman, Dixon, and Davis ; ' Misses JDpbbs, Williams, Bennett, and Crisp. Alter the good and plentiful tea provided had been done justice to the tables were cleared away. The children formed the choir, and were seated on a raised gallery at ono end of the building, while Mr Ingerson officiated at the harmonium.

Mr Peacock occupied tbe chair, and commenced the proceedings by calling on the choir to sing a hymn, which wm done. Her. J. Nixon then offered up a short prayer. The Chairman delirered a short address on Sunday School work, after which another hymn was sang by the choir. A number of recitations we're then delivered by several' of the Sunday School scholars, in all of which the children were well prepared, and recited their pieces well. The Her. JV Nixon then delivered an interesting address on Primitive Method*

ism, nnd quoted a number of interesting statistics, showing the increase of Primitive Methodism throughout the world during the last 20 years. The connection had been stnrtcd by two laymen, but hud now sprung up' to be a powerful organisation, as it numbered 1200 ministers, 15,000 lay-preachers, 10,000 class leaders, 200,000 members, 6000 churches, while the value of the connectional property was £-2,000,000. There were ,4000 Sabbath Schools, which had 56,000 teachers, and 350,000 scholars. On the average for the last 20 years, one church had ' been opened every week. During the lait four year! the; increase of membership had been 20.000. He then delivered an interesting address to the teachers, encouraging them in their work of love. Mr Ord, one of the teachers, then delivered an address on Sunday ' Schools, urging the members of the congregation to contribute more liberally, to the support of the Sunday School. He referred to the greatness of England, which he traced as the result of ' its religious institutions. Mr Arnold-in his book tried to prove that 'the English were the 10 lost tribes of Israel, and could never be defeated in war; but let them take away religion, and England's. greatness would have gone. He related several interesting anecdotes, evidencing the value of Sunday Schools. Mr Mason aaid with; considerable difficulty he had " sqiiose " himself through the, door,'and thought he would have been left alone. However^ as he bad to speak he would; When he'wai young he used to teach in a Sunday school, and got paid for it. How much did they think he got a qunrter. (A little girl suggested-—" A penny.") No—he received more than that—he got a shilling a quarter. (Laughter.) Mr Mason spoke briefly.on : the good done by Sunday schools. The Bey. 11. S. Bunn then addressed the audience, after which a number of other recitations were given and hymns sung. A collection in aid of the funds of the Sunday school was (taken up, and the benediction having been delivered, the meeting terminated. '