Grahamstown Wesleyan Sunday School Anniversary Soiree.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3682, 13 October 1880, Page 2

Grahamstown Wesleyan Sunday School Anniversary Soiree.

The Grahamstown Wesleyan Sunday School held their annniversary soiree in the schoolroom adjoining the church last evening. There was a very good attendance. An excellent tea was provided, which was presided over by the ladies of the Church.

After the tables were cleared, a public meeting was held in the Church, the Her. W. J. Watkin being Chairman.

The proceedings commenced with a hymn by the choir, " The Anniversary Song," after which the Chairman engaged in prayer. The Choir then gave another hymn, " Home at Last."

The Chairman said that though he occupied the Chair on the occasion he wished someone else had been chosen for the duty. He apologised for the absence of the Revs. Laishley and T. L. Davie9, who were unable to be present. He said the business of the anniversary had already been partly fulfilled, .and the remainder would, be done that night. Antiquity had a great charm about it, but he could not say this school had charms on that score, as it had only been founded since she breaking out of the goldfield. The Thames was a great place for children, and therefore a great place for schools; both day and Sunday schools, being numerous. Human laws could not be constructed to please everyone, but he could say that the teachings of the Sunday school bad the support of the present generation; therefore teachers should take heart, and go on in faith, □ever wearying, for their reward was sure to come, though perhaps not at once. The Secretary (Mr Mitchell) then read the report as follows :; —

Through the watchful providence of our heavenly. Father, we have passed through another year, and, as we remember its history, would again render its tribute of thankfulness for the blessings conferred upon us, and the measure of success granted to this school during the eleventh year of our existence. While our report may not be to you and us everything that could be desired, and while a more complete realisation of oar hopes has not yet been attained, we are conscious that ourdmperfect efforts will not altogether fail in helping to convey and impress the truth of the Gospel of Christ on the hearts of those committed to our care. During the year we have Lad to regret the resignation of our Superintendent (Mr Hicks), whose circumstances would hot permit him to remain in that * office which he had filled so satisfactorily ; also the causes— by removal or otherwise ffhich have led some of our teachers and scholars to sever their connection with us. Yet in this.we can but remember that none of our number have been taken by death; we are still among those that live, and commemorate with praise to God our anniversary day. The number of scholars on our books are 232, of which 119 are boys and 113 are girls, a decrease of 31 for the year. The average attendance is— morning, boys 29; girls 28; total, 67. Afternoon —average attendance, boys 82; girls 79; total, 162. This is an increase of 6 on last) year's attendance, which speaks m improvement on those that remain. Fully one quarter of our number are composed of infant classes. The number of teachers is 15 male, and 9 female; total, 24. Average attendance being—morning, male, 4; female, 1; total, 5. Afternoonmale. 12 ; female, 7; total, 19. Mr Thomas James' young men's class, and Mrs Richards' senior girls' class both continue to be well attended, and number each 14. During the year 68 new books have been added to the library, making the number 554. Number of readers—boys, 104; girls, 71; total, 175. Office-bearers are—Messrs. Edwin House, Superintendent; William Corin, Treasurer; F. A. Mitchell, Secretary; William Coad, Assistant ;,Trebilcock, Librarian; F..Radford, Assistant. Mr Mitchell also read the balancesheet which showed that during the year the receipts had been £26 7s 7d, which left a deficiency £9 9s 6d, which, however, the proceeds of the present soiree would more than cover. " In the Festival Fund there was a deficiency of £2 13* 3d, but in the Special Fund for renovating the schoolroom, a balance of £6 4s 5d was still on hand. . Hymn, choir, "We praise Thee O God."

Mr G. A. Battle then moved, the adoption of the report; saying there was much cause for congratulation to the Superintendent and teachers for the zeal they had shown, and the success which had attended their efforts financially, though tbere was not so much success in Sunday School work as he would like to have seen. The Her. Mr Taylor then came forward and] addressed the meeting. He said they had been told by the Chairman that progress was the thing aimed at, and so it was, not so much intellectually as spiritually. The essential elements of success were—punctuality and attendance, watchfulness, prayerfulness', and last,

but not least, simplicity. Teachers should* be careful to measure rightly the mental capacity of their scholars, and give their instruction accord* ingly. They should go straight to their point, and dispel all the prejudices of their scholars, and should use simple phrases, as scholars did not like their teachers to use words which were either above or below their standard of comprehension. He then gave two or three amusing illustrations of the manner of some people, who used words far abore the standards of their hearers comprehension. Too much simplicity in language could not be, and teachers should in teaching narrate anecdotes which would drive home the truth into the scholars hearts. Simplicity attracted the attention of the children, and illustrative anecdotes very much helped the .teacher. He encouraged teachers to^persevere in their labours. Hymn, choir, "Angels are waiting."

The Rev. S. J. Neill spoke next. After expressing his pleasure at being present, he complimented the teachers on the success which had attended their efforts during the past year, and gave a very instructive and humorous speech, illustrating his discourse by several amusing anecdotes. He also gave a great deal of good advice to teachers as to the manner of instructing their scholars. Hymn, choir, " Vesper." The Rev. T. W. Adamson said that though the previous speakers had touched on some of his points, ho would follow out what he had proposed to say. His subject would be "The physical, moral, and mental training of thel rising genera* tion." God had given man a part to perform in the training of the young, and he must do it, and God would do the rest. A Sunday School teacher must have faith, for many obstacles would be met with in his path, which would take a great deal of labour to remove. He should not want too much of his own way, but should ask God to direct him. Indifference in the work was another stumbling-block. A teacher should give time to the study of his lesson, and make it as interesting as possible to his scholars. Hymn, choir, "The Sweet Voice." Mr Buttle then moved votes of thanks to the Rev. Mr Taylor and the other speakers, the ladies who had presided at the tables, the choir, especially mention* ing Mr Harry Meachem, who presided at

the harmonium.—Mr Mitchell seconded the motion, wuich was carried by acclamation.

The proceedings terminated by the singing of the doxology and pronunciation of the benediction by the Chairman.