WAIKATO WEST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Waipa Post, Volume I, Issue 10, 19 May 1911, Page 3

WAIKATO WEST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

The annual meeting of the above church was held yesterday. In spite of the inclement weatiier there was a very good attendance at the evening meeting, which shows the interest taken by the members in church matters.

In the morning the Session met at the Manse. Amongst other matters, Mr R. Kay submitted the following report: —

WE give thanks to God for his abunddant mercies shown to as du- ing another year. The gracious, _ guid mg, Holy Spirit has been with 11s, inspiring, directing and helping, and in consequence we have to report that a good measure of interest has been manifested in the services of the Sanctuary, and we believe as a result of the faithful sowing of the seed good has been done. We have still to regret that our ideals have not been realised, our objects not attained, but we are thankful to have kept the banner waving, and rejoice that the Evangel has been faithfully and forcetuily declared. The membership of the charge now stands atlls, an increase for the year of 5. We have lost 15 members by transfer, and have received 20, I2 by examination and Bby certificate. J. lie minister has officiated at eight funerais, 23 baptisms and 10 weddings. We are thankful to note that the work of the Sabbath Schools, has been marked with evident blessing during the year. Ohaupo Sunday School has been reopened and has a roll of 40 scholars, while other schools have been commenced, and we have to report that there are over 200 children in our Sunday Schools, now an increase for the year of 60, with a corresponding increase of teachers. We are pleased to note that in some schools the boys outnumber the and in one school every scholar testified that they loved and served the Lord Jesus Christ. We would most earnestly appeal for more interest to be taken in this work by all parents, and particularly ask for more teachers, as they are urgently needed in some of the schools. The Bible reading in the Te Awaminu State School is still carried on by the ministers of the town, who attend every morning at the opening of the school. During the year we have jost the services of Mr R. MoDonald, who had been with us for 18 months, but had to leave to commence his University course. We would place on record our appreciation of the good work he did, and pray God’s blessing to rest upon him, and give him great success in his career. We are deeply indebted to all our workers, and would record our thanks to all in charge of Sabbath, schools, Bib's classes, service of praise, etc. The work done by those in charge of these important branches of the church is beyond all praise, and we rejoice in their love and service for our common Lord and Master. We would especially mention the good work done by a faithful band of lay preachers, who render invaluable help rn sustaining ordinances. They , arc ever ready to take services and make it possible to sustain ordinances when otherwise they would be given up. In. this connection we regret that we are likely to lose the services of our much-esteemed and veteran worker, Mr R. Kay. i his will be a great loss to the charge, but we trust that God’s richest blessing will rest upon our dear friend, whose help and counsel we shall greatly miss. We would remind all office-bearers and members that the present opportunity to win men to Jesus Christ is unique, and should be taken advantage of by all. The harvest is great; the call is for labourers to gather it in. The seed has been sown ; let us look to the Lord of Harvests for an ingathering of precious souls, and by faith and prayer seek to bring about what is much needed —a revival.of pure and undefiled religion. We are glad to report that Mr O. P. Owen has taken up the work of second assistant, and has been well received, and is doing very good work. At the close of the report Mr Kay resigned his position as clerk to the Session on account of his forthcoming departure from the district. It was with considerable regret that this resignation was accepted, several members speaking in very high terms of the untiring efforts of the retiring clerk to further any movement in the interests -of the church. Dr. A. Henderson was elected fo the vacant post. In the afternoon the management met at the church, which meeting was fully attended. It was decided to increase the salaries of the minister (Rev. Woollass) by £SO, and the student on the southern part of the district by £lO.

The Ohaupo Committee were authorised to endeavour to purchase a house and section for northern assistant. Failing this to arrange with Mr Webb. The following Managers’ report was then read: —

TN submitting our annual report, we J- are pleased to be able to state that the income from the various places has

been very well maintained. Ohaupo shows a gratifying increase .o? £24. Te Awamutu, Patcrangi, and Kihi IChi also increases, and on the whole the returns for general purposes is some £3O better than last year. Gross receipts total over £4OO. The returns from some of the places show a slight decrease of revenue, but taking the whole charge, we arc ol the opinion that the returns give evidence of a live interest taken in the services. And if we could establish small committees in each place, who would give careful attention to the collecting ol the Susientation Fund, we have no doubt but that the revenue would be largely increased. It was decided last year to employ a third agent, and with the help of •> generous friend, to whom we are deeply indebted, this was made possible. be effort has been most successful 'he work on the south side of the charge is full of promise, and we think wll develop very considerably in the near future. The demand for services has not yet been overtaken, and there are places still asking for gospel ordinances, but ; w t judge it will be well to consolidate our work, rather than extend it further, at present. We would sincerely thank all our local treasurers for their continued help, and would express our sincere appreciation of

| their good work. 11l order to help them, I we suggest that in those places where no | committee exists, that one be formed as soon as possible, as we are convinced that such committees will be a valuable 1 help in the work. We heartily commend the ladies of Te Awamutu for their successful effort in raising upwards of £ too by their sale of work last December, in aid of the new church fund. We are also indebted to the late Jas. Cotterel, Esq., for a donation of £100" to Te Awamutu congregation. We have received from the executors the sum of £94, and the amount now standing to credit of this fund is £2OO 4s 6d. The committee at Te Awamutu has been successful in securing a site for the new church on very favourable terms. The area of half an acre is situated in Alexandra Street, and will prove to be an exceedingly good position for the new church. It will be seen from the balancesheet that the overdraft at the bank is just over £2O. We are allocating this amount on the various placess in the charge, and would ask for a prompt response in order to clear it off. In conclusion, we express our sincere thanks to all office-bearers and others, who have done such good work during the year. We appeal with confidence to all members and adherents for still continued support, in order to consolidate and extend the Kingdom of Jesus Christ in our district. The call is imperative, the need is great. Necessity is laid upon us to cany the Gospel to all whom we can reach. We require the means in order to do this. May we rely upon your active sympathy, and support. On behalf of the Committee. E. Id. BOWMAN, Secretary and Treasurer.

After the managers’ meeting the visitors and members adjourned to the Town Hall, where the ladies of the congregation had provided refreshment. * At 8 p.m. the annual public meeting was held in the Town Hall. The Rev. Woollass was in the chair, and in introducing the clerks of the session and management to read their reports, expressed great pleasure in being able to look back upon so satisfactory a year, and expressed a hope that at the next annual meeting they would have even greater cause for congratulation. The Treasurer (Mr E. H. Bowman) submitted his balance-sheet by which gross receipts totalling £403 14s were shown. The Revs. Clarke and Lamond both delivered addresses dealing with church matters.

Songs were contributed by Mesdames Henderson, Andrew, and Woollass, Messrs O. P. Owen, and G. Galloway, all of whom were greatly appreciated. A recitation was given by Sister Adey, which was equally well re-

ceived

Supper was provided % bv the ladies, and after the customary votes of thanks had been extended the meeting dispersed.