METHODIST SUNDAY SCHOOL

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10473, 9 November 1911, Page 6

METHODIST SUNDAY SCHOOL

FIFTY-FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT,

Tlio following report was read at the anniversary meeting in connection with the Masterton Methodist Sunday School: —

Sabbath school teacliing, like other work, calling for persistent personal effort and solf-denial, is apt to become wearisome, hence we value the occasion of anniversary meetings to meet with those who value moral and spiritual work in cliild life, but yet who seldom themselves enter a Sunday school. We beliove our friends are friends interested in our work, hence wo would desire to lay all facts and figures, relating to our School before you. Yet this is not so simple as may at first appear; in reality,•the results of such work cannot be tabulated. Matters of the heart and soul generally clo-:ely aifect only two, persons —in this ease the teacher and the child. A teacher's faith is often tested; a child's faith in its teacher is often great, and by worthy teachers is felt as a great responsibility. We have such teachers in our school, who so apply themselves, as to make all lovers of child lifo debtors to them. The school work is divided into four sections, the senior having two young women's classes and one young men's class. In each of these we have students who give promise of developing characters that will influence for good their future lives. Children from ten to fifteen years of age are formed into six clas-es; children from eight to ten into a primary class, and children under eight year of age are taught in the infant class, where most interesting and effective work is done. With 249 scholars on the, roll we have an average attendance of 204, or 82 per cent. Although our roll shows a loss, the average attendance of the school is as high as in past years. The' staff consists of eighteen teachers and five officers, with an average attendance of 21.. During the year pur Treasurer left the district, and Miss W. Daniell was appointed to fill the vacancy.

I The Infant Department in charge of [ Mr Manuel], with four assistants, lias now a membership of 86, with an averago attendance of 56. During the year 24 were promoted to higher classes. In connection with this department, a "Cradle Roll" is kept of prospective members. Since the institution of the Cradle Roll in our school, 206 names have been placed,thereon. Through removals from -district, promotions to Infant Class, deaths, etc., the actual membership now stands at 95. Thirtytwo names have been added during the 'year, And ten members have l>een pro- » moted to the class. By means of this roll and Miss E. King's dilligent work an connection Avith it, parents are kept in touch Avith school AAork. In the Young Women's Bible Class changes haA r e taken place since my last report, and the membership is now 23. The members are looking forward to a successful year. Junior Young Women's Bible Class. —This class has noAV 20 on the roll, and 12 young \v»men have joined the membership of the Church during the year. This speaks Avell for the spiritual Avork l>eing done in the class. Junior Young Men's Class. —This class has now 21 on the roll, Avith an average attendance of 20. Nearly all 'of these are koav members of the I Church. The young men are at prosent arranging a garden party, to be ! held on November 16th, at the residence of Mr James Elliott.'' The proceeds are to reduce the liability still owing on their room, for Avhich the class is solely responsible. Sympathisers and friends are invited to be prc- ; sent in good numbers. ".■•■■ The Junior Christian EndeaA'our Society has now a membership of 55. Under the Committee, the Misses L. Church, A. iSerpell, and Moore, and i. Mr'O. Jarrett, splendid Avork has been done, £8 16s 2d being contributed during the past year to Missions. The Library Avith 641 volumes is hoav | used by 76 scholars, Avith an average of |25 books changed each, Sunday—lo4 3 during the year. The success of the may be mostly attributed to I the librarian,{Miss Ethel Church, avlio I takes a keen interest in her Avork. It ! »•» necessary to add more books) Also, «s explained in the circular posted to parents, Ave are asking for funds to provide the scholars with new books. It is-several years since any neAv books haA'-e )>een purchased. We have decided to use the neAA' Methodist Sunday School Hymnal, which is just being published. We are assured that' both scholars and parents Avill appreciate the new .book. •

Of the scholars who took part in the

Scripture tablet examination, nine gained certificates, and three first prizes.

The annual picnic was held on NewYear's Day at Mr Macara's farm at Akura, when a most pleasant day was spent. Tho income for the day showed a, credit balance of £3 8s lOd.

Anniversary, 1910. —The meetings were well-attended, and all seemed to enjoy the services. Tho collections amounted to £22. Wo tender our thanks to Messrs Ralph and Inns, the orchestra, Bible classes, and all those who assisted with the work of the anniversary, and also Miss I. Daniel! and Mr Wilson, who trained the children for their recitations.

Then, in conclusion, we would ask the parents and guardians who are anxious about the spiritual welfare of their children, to assist them in preparing their lessons, and to help us by their prayers and sympathy in this important work. Wo thank our Heavenly Father for his continued blessings on us as a school, and wo trust that the coming year will be crowned with succo;s.—Robert -T. Mclver. Hon. Secretary.