83RD ANNIVERSARY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 May 1939, Page 7

83RD ANNIVERSARY

MASTERTON METHODIST CHURCH GOOD PROGRESS RECORDED ■ DURING YEAR. TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT. The Masterton Methodist Church celebrated its 83rd anniversary with special services on Sunday, followed by the annual social last night, a keen interest being maintained in all the gatherings. The Rev. F. J. Parker presided at last night's gathering, at which the annual report of the church trustees was presented. The report recorded a year of progress under the able pastorship of Mr Parker. "It is with deep regret we record the passing on of Miss A. M. Jones, L.A.8.,” the report states. "Miss Jones was church organist for close on 30 years, and during that period rendered talented and devoted service to the church of her choice. She was a master in her art. Her natural touch and spiritual interpretation of sacred music added charm and fragrance to the church service of song. She was always at her post and at all times was generous in giving of her gift to help on any worthy cause. Her quiet gracious personality won the affections of all church members and adherents, and in her passing we each feel we have lost a dear personal friend; but our loss is tempered with the knowledge that she has-entered into her exceeding Great Reward.” Thanks were expressed to Mr S. H. Ralph, choirmaster, to members- of the choir, and to the Misses Donald, who had trained the junior choir. The members of the Ladies’ Guild had again proved loydl friends of the Trust, and as a result of their efforts, it had benefited to the extent of £6O, which had been a great help. It was. gratifying to note the active interest members of the Y.M.B. Class were taking in church matters. The trustees particularly congratulated those young men who acted as local preachers. “We are pleased .to report that Miss Connie Donald has kindly consented to act as church organist,” the report states. “Your trustees are indeed pleased to advise having as our church organist one of such talented ability and one who has already earned our deep appreciation for much service gratuitously and cheerfully given in the service of the church. This is another gesture which renders us further indebted to a family which has rendered generous and signal service to local Methodism through three generations.” An informative address on church problems was given by Mr G. G. Hancox. Items were contributed by the following: Miss Coleman, elocution; Miss Robinson, Mrs Traynor, vocal solos; Mrs Speight and Miss D. Jamieson, vocal duet; choir glees. . Supper was served at the conclusion of business. The preacher on Sunday was the Rev. Fred. J. Parker, minister of the church, the sermon subjects dealt wifh being "The Modern Church,” a “Saner tuary for Men,” and "Our Aggression for Christ.” At the morning service the junior choir, under the direction of the Misses Donald, led the praise service (besides giving renderings of two anthems, while three of the choir boys gave a special item, all of which brought added inspiration to the service. At the evening service the church choir, under the baton of Mr S. H. Ralph, gave splendid interpretations of two major anthems and Miss Doreen Jamieson sang “How Lovely Are Thy Dwellings,” and Mr L. D. Wales "Lord God of Abraham.”