ST. MATTHEW’S PARISH

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 April 1938, Page 9

ST. MATTHEW’S PARISH

GOOD PROGRESS IN PAST YEAR. CHURCHWARDENS’ ANNUAL. REPORT. The report of the Churchwardens of St. Matthew’s Parish, Messrs R. E. Maunsell and J. Ninnes, for the year ended March 31, states:— “Finance. —We are in the happy position of being able to report that our parish is now absolutely free of debt. We began the year with a mortgage of £9OO on the Parish Hall towards which £149 was in hand, and £l7O debit on parish accounts. The total net parish debt was thus £921. The whole of this debt has been repaid. In addition, £lOO has been raised to start the new junior Sunday School, etc, building fund, £lOO has been set aside as a reserve fund, and, after maintaining all our activities, we finish the year with a credit balance of £42. This happy result is largely due to the magnificent response to the debt extinction campaign which resulted in £784 being given freely. The campaign, which was held in response to the Bishop’s request to all parishes to put their finances. in order, was launched at a special vestry meeting, and owes much to the enthusiasm and work of Mr P. G. Ramsay, ably assisted by every member of the vestry. Kuripuni has, as usual, had no difficulty in contributing its assessment of £lOO.

“Offertories—A very pleasing feature is the substantial increase in the ordinary offerings. The increase amounts to £55 for the year, a reflection of the increasing number of people attending the services. Offertories for extra-parochial objects show a good increase also. “Parish Buildings.—Substantial repairs have been carried out during the year, and the money for these has all been found. The interior of the Parish Hall has been repainted and the Taueru Church has been repaired and painted. The painting at Taueru was a gift which is appreciated greatly; A welcome gift to the church was a beautifully carved oak altar book-rest given in memory of the late Mr E. C. Griffin. FREE-WILL OFFERINGS. “The Future—The vestry feel that now that our parish is so happily free of debt, it must be kept so. To this end, they recommend that the system of weekly free-will offerings be extended. Such an extension would be of great assistance in maintaining the splendid position our parish has reached. We look forward also to seeing an increase in the number of annual subscribers. “Thanks.—The vestry desire to place on record their appreciation of the magnificent support given during the year. Many had a share in the wiping out of the parish debts. The Ladies’ Guild, Girls’ Club, and all other parish organisations have strengthened our parish. The choir, under Mr Wm. C. Mann, and with Mr A. Miller Hope at the organ, has rendered splendid and appreciated service, as have also the organists at all centres. We are fortunate in our .auditors, professional men, who give their services gladly. Our verger continues to give faithful service. This has been a busy year for our hon. secretary and our hon. treasurer, and we thank them both for all that they have done.

“The position disclosed in the balance sheets is one which will delight parishioners, and we are grateful to all, in every part of the parish, who have helped in any way to place our church in the sound position in which it finds itself today.

“We cannot conclude without making special reference to our Vicar and Mrs Rich. Although without assistance for some months, the work of the parish was carried on during that period in a wonderful manner. The Vicar carried on cheerfully, but it was a very severe strain, and the possibility of a breakdown in his health was causing some concern to the vestry, and it was a great relief to all concerned when we were successful in securing the services of the Rev T. V. Pearson as assistant, and Mr V. Joblin as studentassistant. We welcome them both to the staff of the parish and wish them every happiness in their work. “We feel confident that the wonderful response of the parishioners to all calls made on them during the year and the knowledge that the whole parish extended such practical sympathy and support to him in his work, has proved a real tonic to Mr Rich, and we trust he will be with us for many years to carry on the spiritual work of the parish, so dear to his heart, without having the hindrance of financial worries. The success of our parish organisations are in no small measure due to the energy and assistance extended by Mrs Rich at all times, and we do express appreciation of such help so freely given.”