ST. MATTHEW'S CHURCH.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXV, Issue 10713, 24 April 1913, Page 5

ST. MATTHEW'S CHURCH.

ANNUAL MEETING OF PARISHIONERS. The annual meeting of parishioners of St. Matthew's Church, Masterton, was heifd last evening, the Rev. H. Watson presiding over a good attendance of-members. In .moving the adoption of the annua] report and balance-sheet, Mr J. H. Black-man said he regretted to have to draw attention to the decrease in the offertories during the past year, which caused the year to end with a deficit. As there would be a good deal of expense to meet in the coming year, he hoped the offertories would show a considerable improvement. In referring to tlie new church, Mr Blackman said the building was nearing completion, and the vestrymen were well satisfied that the contractor was carrying out tlie work faithfully and well. Mar J. Brown seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. The Rev. Watson, in referring to the past year's work, said he would like to place on record his thanks to the outgoing officers of the church, who had done so much bard and valuable work during the year, which had been one of great activity, if not of progress. In connection with the new church buiMing, tlie greatest thanks were due to the vestrymen. Special thanks were duo to Mi- J. B. Henry for so arranging the finances tliat the new church will be opened for sei-vices free from liabilities. He thanked tlie Rev. H. Williams for the good work done during his absence, and also the Rev. Hampton, who was of great assistance to the church. He regretted to draw attention to the fact that the attendances at the regular services had decreased during the past year. It was hard to account for this, and he hoped, when the newchurch was opened, that a steady increase would be maintained. The following officers were elected : _Vicar',s warden, Mr E. H. Waddington; people's warden, Mr J. H. Blackman; vestry, Messrs J. B. Henrv, J. de Castro, A. Hyde, J. Dyer, H. F. Green, A. E. Wiruzenberg, R. E. Jones, E. P. Mountfbrt, E. Hale, and Hand Newton; synodsmen, Messrs E. P. Mountfort and J. W. Blackman. It was decided that it be an instruction to the vestry to call a meeting for the purpose of giving parishioners an opportunity of deciding whether the pews in the new church lie free to all churchgoers, or whether pew fees be charged. It was decided that it be a recommendation to the vestry to arrange for the opening of the new church on some suitable date, after the arrival of the church organ. A hearty vote of thanks, which was carried by acclamation, was accorded the secretary, Mr Dyer.