MASTERTON CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9592, 11 September 1909, Page 3

MASTERTON CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.

ANNUAL REPORT.

I The following is the first annual report for the year ended August 31st, in connection with the Masterton Congregational Church: | The Church Building.—The church building wa.3 dedicated by a com • mission from Wellington, represent- | ing the Congregational Union of New Zealand, on Thursday, September I lOt 1 !, ][)08, the Rev. D. Hird, Chairman of the Congregational Union, pre sidir.f?. On the evening ofjthe same day a pubiic meeting was held to welcome the Rev. A. Hodge and family who had just arrived from Dunedin. At this meeting £SO was raised to reduce the debt which still stands at £175. The church was opened for public worship on the following Sunday by the Rev. J. Keed Glasson preaching in the morning and the Rev. A. Hodge in the evening. "I Induction of the Minister and Formation of Church Fellowship.— The Rev A. Hodge was formally inducted into the pastorate of the Church on Wednesday, October 28th, 1908, the Rev. J. ti. Glasson presiding, and the Rev. W. A. „ Evans addressed the congregation, while the Rev. A. Al. Aspland addressed the Minister; after which the Rev. A. Hodge formed the Church fellowship, receiving thirty members. Church Fellowship.—The number of ' members received fellowship altogether during the year is G4; 47 being admitted on confession of faith and 14 by certificate. Names removed during the year numbered 7, leaving 1 now 54 on the roll. By resolution of the church it was de cided that all members admitted during the first year should be known as "Foundation Members." Members have been decidedly loyal; and the average attendance at communion has been very i„high, sometimes reaching fully 95 per cent Church meetings and the various departments of our church work have received proper attention. On Wednesday evening services have been held regularly, and taking into account the unfavourable weather of the last few months, have been moderately well attended. It is hoped that members will come more generally to appreciate the value of mid week service.

The Deaconate.—A Deaconate of six has been appointed by the church. The Deacons have been very attenive to all their duties. We wish here to express our sympathy with our brother, Mr ri. A. Whelch, whose continued ill-health has kept him so much confined to his house during the winter. Mr Whelch is a well tried friend, and we pray that he may be fully restored to health. The Sunday School was started with twenty scholars, and now numbers about fifty There is a good staff of teachers and officers, and more are ofFering themselves At present we are feeling the reed of a good energetic superintendent. The work-of supervising meanwhile is falling upon the Minister. L'he Choir.—AH through the year wc have maintained a choir which though not large has been faithful. There is room for more male voices, and we shall be glad to get help in that direction. The musical part of our services, under the able direction of Mr Morsehead, the organist, has been well sustained.

Social and Literary Institute. — For the benefit of the young people, a Literary and Social Institute has been formed, which holds i'ta meetings every Monday evening. Provision is thus made for instruction as vvJl as social enjoyment.

Improvements.—A number of im ■ provements have been made in and about the church property. The grounds have been cleared and substantially and ornamentally fenced. The approach to the church has been concreted by the self denying labours of one of the members. The cost of fencing about £35. wi.s cheertully contributed. Arr.ony the free gifts ef members and fi iend3 there are matting, linoleum, Bible, cushion for pulpit, and chair, the pulpit itself, the gas fittings, and the notice board at the entrance of i the church.

Maintenance. —The lady members having considered the matter of hold ing a bazaar this year dceided, in stead, to try to raise the necessary funds withcut such an effort. Volunteers were forthcoming who undertook to col It ct what would be re quired. It is earnestly hoped that this course will be found to answc 1 , is we believe that this voluntary support of a thankful people will be more conducive to the higher i.terests of the church than the cu - torn of providing entertainments Jn return for payment is found to be. Services. —ln June last a"wiek was de\oted to consecration services, which were conduct d by the Rev. J. R. Glasson and tie Rev. A. Hodge. The servies weie of a very htlpful character, closing with an impressive communion service. It is our hope to this an annual event and we believe that by so doing the interest r aioubed will be constantly deepened. Conclusion. —In conclusion we recognise that we have much to do in the near future if we are going to respond to the calls made upon us as a part of the great Church of our Lord Jesus Christ. Vve have rot yet even touched the question of Foreign Missions, but as we are so soon now to receive a visit from the new organising secretary for Australasia we shall hope them to make a start in this direction. We have not overlooked the matter of Home Missions, having promised to contribute £lO during the present j year, so that so far we have obeyed J the injunction to begin at Jerus--1 alem, I We wirfh once more to express our ] deep sense of gratitude our Lord I and Master who has so signally marked His appreciation of our efforts in keeping us loyally together, and by adding to our num • btrs from time to time those who i have been led to confess thir faith lin Jesus Christ and have become j earnest and even anxious to be cf ( service, j The church by a special resolution ; places on record its gratitude ,to the , friends iri Wellington, the Colonial j Missionary Society, and the local } congregation for the generous £sui.port received during the year. ■ A. HENDRY, i __ _ _ Secietary.