KNOX CHURCH.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 3202, 31 May 1909, Page 5

KNOX CHURCH.

REPORT OF THE PRESBYTERY 1 '-- J«ffll™

At Knox'Church.yesterday morn-

!' ing, Rev. A. -~I». .Thompson, B.A. I B.DJ stated that heMiad received I the report of the Commission from ■ the .presbytery in connection with their recent; visit to' the Church. I'he Corrimission bad asked the various questions prescribed by the Book of Order, and they had intimated tint tithe replies received were of an exceedingly gratifying nature. The , finding was then read as follows:—-' "Jhe Presbytery, rejoices to ascertain, after careful inquiry into the spiritual affairs,of the congregation, that notwithstanding the bereave- > merit that have fallen to the lot of their brother, Rev. A. T. Thompson, and the many extra calls upon-his time; and strength from surrounding i charges, the work of God has progressed steadily in the congregation. In addition to ; the; heavy work he himself engages in, he is ably and heartily supported by a large body of elders, ; managers, Sunday School teachers, Bible Class leaders; and a faithful band of women, workers. BiblS"Class"work -is being- -prosecuted" with : a diligence amounting to enthusiasm, there being no fewer than seven young people's Bible Classes connected with the charge. It was elicited in this connection that the holding of the 1908 Summer School in Masterion has had a quickening effect on the spiritual life of the people. The Sunday Schools, which are also seven in number, are ably'officered and efficiently taught by consecrated men and women. The Presbytery notes with satisfaction j thatthe shorter catechism is tauaht in Several '6f 'the * classes,' ''• as also I that three elders are Sunday School superintendents. ; The elders, faithfully visitin their, districts, and.- in dddition ty 'this' Several of their number assist in conducting Sunday services. The average attendance! at the Lord's Supper' is satisfactory, and the'meUberehip of the Church has largely} increased, • and it is recorded with joy that the .increase is largely from ;the ranks of. the, young. T ne attendance at worship on the Sabbath is good also/ there' being an average of 3,50; persons from, 150 families throughout the cnarge. The outfield work is now carried on acceptably by a student, arid is gradually extending particularly towards* the East Coast. The Minister is now more at liberty to work the centre of the charge. The whole work of the congregation is well organised.. The Presbytery is glad to know that the finances are buoyant, and that all the schemes of the Church are liberally supported. Especially is the congregation to be congratulated, on recent enlargement ,of the Church, and the installation of a pipe organ; also on the prospect of the liability incurred in this matter being speedily reduced. Not the least reason for felicitation is the fact that the congregation is seriously considering the matter of supporting a missionary in the foreign field. The Presbytery recommends that baptism be administered in public as | much as possible, and that a communiorr service be held where practicable in the outfields. ' '•-'■-" ; Finally, the Presbytery, .jgives thanks to God for evident working in' this, charge, and jcommends Minister, office-bearers and people to the word of ■■■■,■:■■■■■■..■■■■.)■..'■ ■■....'... . JAMES M'CAW, ! Convenor. May,'sfl|,;49Oo.f ':,} ';,"/ [ *"■ The Presbytery received the report with great satisfaction and 'adopted the same.i W. SHIRER, ■■*■>>•* • •-, ; : ~>Clerk.-; May ,11th, J90.9.