Primitive Methodist Sunday School Anniversary Soiree.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3736, 15 December 1880, Page 2

Primitive Methodist Sunday School Anniversary Soiree.

The anniversary soiree of this school was held at the Church, Mackay street, last evening. There was a very good attendance, and all could not at first be seated. An excellent repast was partaken of, presided over by the ladies of the school.

After tea the tables were cleared, and a public meeting held. The proceedings commenced by the singing of a hymn, "Praise the Saviour's name." Mr Adamson (Chairman) then engaged in prayer, and another hymn was sung, " Strike, O strike for Victory." The Chairman said that anniversaries reminded him of the past and past scenes —past successes and past failures. Past failures gave them a lesson, for by them they learned how to avoid them in the future. Past successes roused their enthusiasm, and encouraged them to persevere. Each anniversary brought fresh faces, and no doubt those present also missed some they had seen at the last one. Anniversaries reminded them of a work they had to accomplish, and encouraged them to do it well. They also noted the flight of time—they were all a year older now than when they met at the last anniversary, and that time could never be recalled, and should remind us that we had all to appear before the Great Maker. He would not trespass further on their time, but would call on the worthy secretary (Mr Harry Taylor) to read the annual report and balance sheet, which showed that an increase in the number of scholars had taken place during the year, 130 being now on the books. The yoang men's class was under the charge of the Superintendent (Rev. T. W. Adamson), and the young ladies' class under the charge of Mrs Green. The receipts for the year had been £48 14s 9d, and the expenditure £37 12s 3d, leaving a balance in hand of £11 2s 6d, irrespective of the proceeds of Sunday's services and the present meeting.

. The Bev. Mr Laishley then moved the adoption of the report, and said he was glad to hear that the young men's class was under the charge of Mr Adamson, who he was sure would do his best. He encouraged them to be patient, he had no doubt but that success would follow their efforts sooner or later. This was especially shown in Sunday School work. He had himself been a Sunday School teacher, and knew how hard it was. He wished them every success. Mr Jaynes had great pleasure in seconding such a good report, but was sorry he did not notice that they had success spiritually. He thought the young had a part to perform as well as the older people. The scholars in a Sunday School were looked upon as the hope of a church, for they were told that the fathers shall be the sons. The church was safe as long as they could keep up the Sunday School. Hymn, "We are Coming," and a recitation by A. Bennett, " Boys' Bights."

The Eer. Mr Watkin gave one of his amusing speeches on Boys' Bights. Boys had rights, and they also had duties. They had a right to help at home, and obey their parents, they had also a right and ability to learn, which they should improve, learn what they could, and make their mark in the world. A great field was open to them—they were fit for any profession, and if they did their duty they would be looked up to when they reached manhood.

After another hymn, "Bally for the right, Boys," and two recitations from two of the scholars, the Rev. Mr Davies was called upon, and said he thought the time Mr Laishley had spoken of when all Christians would join and form one church was still a great way off, but for his part he was very well satisfied with the present state of affairs. Mr Watkin had said that that the best way of correcting boys was to thrash them. He did not believe in this sort of correction! but thought more moral suasion should be used. He then further enlarged on Mr Watkin's sub* ject. : ■■.■■■ . '■:■■■■;■,- '■:■;

After another hymn and two more recitations, the Rev. & J. Neill said he was much pleased at the practice of children giving recitations at soirees. He thought that the practice of committing poetry to memory was a source of grqat good in many ways. Another hymn, a recitation, and a rote of thanks, proposed by Mr Kay, to the organist, the choir, the ladies who had presided at the tables, and the speakers, which was earned by acclamation fol-

lowed, and another hymn and the pro* nuociation of the benediction brought a most enjoyable evening's entertainment to a close. .