METHODIST CHURCH

Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 November 1939, Page 7

METHODIST CHURCH

EIGHTY-THIRD ANNIVERSARY OF SUNDAY SCHOOL l AST EVENING'S CELEBRATION. INCREASE IN MEMBERSHIP. The eighty-third anniversary services of the Masterion Methodist Sunday School were continued last evening when a good attendance of parents and friends joined with the children in r happy service. A notable feature ol the evening was the handing over by the minister, the Rev. F. J. Parker, of the sum of £lO to the superintendent of the J. H. Conly. This sum was the gift to the school of an anonymous donor who last anniversary offered this donation if the school could increase its roll by 25 per cent during the year. The actual increase was 32 per cent.

This year the offer had been renewed at £3O for a 50 per cent increase, or £l5 for a 25 per cent increase. Mr Conly suitably acknowledged the gifi and the challenge for the year ahead. An interesting feature of the proceedings was the reading of greetings from former teachers now'unable if attend through reasons of health oi distance.

Mr Parker, in his remarks as chairman. eulogised the work of the school its staff and its scholars: also the singing and other items presented by the children during the anniversary celebrations. Mr Conly thanked Mr and Mrs Parker. the staff and scholars for their cooperation and for help given to the school, Miss L. Ninnes, Miss V. Jackson, Miss R. Elliott, Miss L. Cocker, Mr Bert Savage and many others. Reference was made to the excellent work put into the training of the children by Miss Ivie Donald, conductor, assisted by Miss Constance Donald and Miss Gwen Greig. At the conclusion of the demonstration they were presented with floral tributes by representatives of the school.

A very happy programme was presented, those taking part being: Ngaire Marsh and Vonnie Foster. Joy Perrin and Nancy Lindsay, Bill Winter and Pat Marriott. Daniel Davey and Owen Prior, Melva McPherson and Ngaire Marsh fall giving duets); Ivor Perrin. Daniel Davey and Kingsley Parker (trio); scripture recitations by Graeme Lyttle. Robin Richardson, Melva McPherson and Eileen Wiltshire: besides a selection of choruses by the whole children’s choir.

ANNUAL REPORT. Mr Arch Wellington, the capable secretary and treasurer, presented the annual report:—The year had been filled with activity and interest. The roll was as follows: — S.S. scholars, 202; B.C. members, 76; teachers and officers, 22. This showed a net increase of 50 scholars or 32 per cent. The average attendance for the year had been 71 per Xnt. as against 67 per cent last year. Mr Wellington outlined the membership campaign which was based on a rally day, the division of the scholars into Hustlers and Rustlers, and the award of a badge to scholars bringing a new pupil. “Missionaries,” i.e., those who brought three or more new pupils, were Melvin Kjar, Owen Prior. Edna Goudge, Norma Evernden, Rhys Davies and Trevor Davies. Eleven children gained certificates in the Wellington S.S. Union examinations, notably Betty Conly. who with 97 per cent, tied for first place in her grade.

The cradle roll had a membership of 45, the Young Worshippers' League 80, the Girls’ Life Brigade 21, and the Junior Choir 80. The annual picnic, £ sale of work, and a competitions evening had been features of the year: the girls’of the No. 1 class, led by Mrs Shoosmith, had sewn garments for missions throughout the year. Referring to the late Mr C. E. Daniell, the report gave thanks to God for his life of service and the foundations he established in the school. During the year Mr A. E. Bate had been appointed one of the three youth directors of the Methodist Church of New Zealand; other losses had been Mr and Mi's Gordon Milne, Mr A. Handyside. Mr C. Greenwood, and Miss Joyce Jones. Those joining the staff were Miss Greta Cody. Messrs Arthur Grigg and Alan Daysh in the Bible Classes, and in the school, Mr C. D. Shoosmith. Mr Ed. Cody. Misses Marion Prout. June Wiltshire, Glen Daysh. Valmae Davies, and, as an assistant to Miss Church, Miss Elaine Prior. The year closed with a credit balance of 15s sd. Thanks were extended to the Press for its help.

PRIZE-LIST. The prize-list was as follows:— Wellington S.S. Scripture examinations: Book prize. Betty Conly: Ist class certificates. Owen Prior. Millie Knowles. Ivor Perrin. Robert Shoosmith; 2nd class certificates. Kathleen Wiltshire. Margaret' Lyttle, Ngaire Orsborn, Eileen Wiltshire; pass certificates. Muriel McCormack. Norma Evernden.

Class prizes. No. 4 boys. Robin Richardson, Donald Shroder. Pat Marryatt. Edmund Hoar, Derek Daniell. No. 3 boys.—Owen Prior. Jack Bailey. Roy Wellington. No. 2 boys: Ivor Perrin. Maurice Walker. Leslie Ranston. Walter Knowles. No. 1 boys: Rob Shoosmith. Graeme Lvttle. Stuart Jackson. No. 5 girls: Margaret Prout. Audrey Daysh, Melva Seed. No. 4 girls: Norma Evenden. Margaret Lyttle. Betty Lindsay. No. 3 girls: Betty Conly. May Wellington. Esme Stains. No. 2 girls: Marie Lindsey. Margaret Hunt. Joan Hunt. Kathleen Knowles.

No. 1 girls: Melva McPherson. Millie Knowles. Elizabeth Daniell. Dux: Eileen Wiltshire.