Primitive Methodist Soiree.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 3858, 11 May 1881, Page 2

Primitive Methodist Soiree.

A highly successful tea meeting in connection with tbe Primitive Methodist Church took place last evening in tbe Karaka schoolroom. There was a large attendance, and all enjoyed the excellent tea provided by Messrs Holler son and Son. After tea an adjournment to the Church was made, where the public meeting took place, the Rev. T. W. Adamson presiding.

The Chairman, after a few introductory remarks, read the report of the Church trustees, which was to the effect that for a long time past, the Church had been too small for the congregation, and badly required enlarging, but the question how to do it proved a ?ery knotty one. A most sensible step was taken by asking the ladies to get up a bazaar and gift stall, which they entered into most readily, and the result was that they realised the surprising amount of £50. Another means adopted for raising the wind was by opening a monthly subscription list, and sums, varying from one to three shillings per month have been guaranteed by several, and thus a sub Btantial sum will be raised during the year. The honour of collecting the donations had been conferred on the pastor, who was pleased to say that he had met with a most kindly and liberal reception from the congregation. The trustees desired to tender their hearty thanks to the ladies who assisted in getting up the bazaar; to Mr Charles Christie, who has always been notable for taking the most laborious part of the work; to the Congregational Church for the use of their building for week services during the time their own was being renovated ; to the Naval Band for their services on the night of the bazaar; and to all who have rendered.assistance in any other way. They hope that the alteration to the building have accomplished the desired purpose, viz., better aceomodation, more light, better ventilation and more comfort, and that the efforts of the congregation will not slacken until every penny of the debt is paid off. After reading the report the rev. gentleman proceeded to glance at the financial position of the Church. The ladies' bazaar had raised £54 13s; donations (given and promised), £40 ss; excursion to Miranda, £3 6s ; collections at the opening services, £12 2s 3d. The proceeds of the tea meeting that evening were expected to be about £10, and that would leave them with a debt of £110.

After the singing of a hymn,

The Chairman gave some interesting particulars established concerning the Methodist connection. There . were 180,000 members, 1100 ministers, 360,000 Sunday scholars, and had Church property worth £2,531,328. After addresses by the Keys. E. Laishley, 8. J. Neill, W. J. Watkin, and T. L. JJavies, a collection was taken up in aid of the building fund, which produced £8. Votes of thanks were then accorded to the clergymen, the choir, and the ladies who had provided the tea, and the proceedings concluded with the benediction.