CARTERTON METHODIST CHURCH.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 3019, 16 October 1908, Page 7

CARTERTON METHODIST CHURCH.

ANNUAL REPORT. ±he following is the 37th annual report of the Carterton Methodist Church: — To the Members and Adherents —I have the honour to place before you the report and balance shfitet of the Carterton Methodist Church for the year ending September 30th, 1908. Gas installation.—Since the last report was furnished gas light has been installed in the Church, and the improvement effected thereby is evident to all. The cost was partially liquidated b.v special donations', but the liability incurred has not yet been fully met. Puichase of a section.—During the year the Trustees decided to acquire a J-acre section of land conveniently adjjining the present Church property at a cost of £IOO. The Church Building an d •Loan Fund advanced the money required, and this is repayable in halfyearly instalments of £5 without interest. Though the terms are easy, some provision must be made to meet this financial obligation. Additional Trustees. — Owing to the fact that some of the experienced and valuable members of the Trust have gone to other parts of the Dominion, and some have gone to their eternal reward, it was found necessary to enlarge the Trust, and the following gentlemen have been legally /added —Messrs J. Callister, H. Hart, J. Preddy, G. Butler, E. Jones, J. A. Stev.ns, and H. G. Andrews* Proposed ftew Parsoiage—lt is intended to erect at no distant date an eight-roomed house as a residence for the Minister, at a cost of about £BOO. The Building and Loan Fund ■will advance half the cost without interest as soon as the other half haa been raised by the Circuit. Towards this amount the Committee has just £2OO promised, part of which has been already paid. The Trustees regret that the scheme is no further advanced, and hope to bring the matter to a successful issue before the next annual meeting. Church Work.—The Tiustees observe with satisfaction that the various organisations connected with the church have been well maintained during the year. The Rev. W. J. Elliott, the present Superintendent of the Circuit, has been in charge about seventeen months, and has had a somewhat difficult task owing to the frequent changes among the colleagues under his command. No le.-3 than thirteen families who were in touch with the Church have left the district during the past two years. It is a matter for congratulation that satisfactory progress has been made against all difficulties. fhe local church membership is about 75, but the participators in the Communion Services are not in proportion, and there is urgent need of self-examina-tion in relation to this important ordinance. The Sunday Schojl.—The Sunday School is making substantial progress under the superintendence t»f Mr D. T. King and his efficient staff o± teacher The scholars on the roll number 98, the teachers number 9, and there are 200 volumes in the library. C.E. Society. >, —There are 26 member;? cor..r ctcd j with the Christian Endeavour Society, and the meetings have been very profitable. The Junior Society, under the leadership of Mr T. W. Foster, is growing, and now numbers 24. Band of Hope.— There are 87 i members on the Band of Hope roll, and during the session just closing the ratings have been largely at- j tended, and the interest strongly eus- | tawed." Choir.—During the t year the Cr;UJ'<;U £hoit\ vilkW the | ha-fership of Mf Goldsmith} | ■Gitfed commendable help in i\'n serv- j ice of praise, and the organist, Miss Pepper, h=js also shown conspicuous fiJelity in thfe performance of her duties. To j:I1 who have served the Church in any office, or in any way, the Trustees express their profound appreciation. Sources of Income. — In conclusion, the Trustees would respectfully draw the attention of the congregation to the necessity of a larger income in order to meet current and special expenditure. At present the only sources of income are the seat rents and the proceeds of the Anniversary. While a number of seats are reserved as free, there are still some available for letting, and the Trustees cast themselves upon the liberality of the con gregation. Signed on behalf of the Trust, J. S PEPPER, Hon. Secretary.