PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XIII, Issue 4121, 26 May 1892, Page 3

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Twenty-fifthMbath School

Adversary.

The annual sooial mseting of the Church Babbath School Hwas held iu tbo Masterton Church on Tuesday evening. The Rev Robert Wood occupied the chair, and on the platform wure the Revs Patter-. Bon (Wellington), Murray (Oar torton), and Dukes. 'lhe building was orowded,' every seat being 'filled. _ Alter prai6oand prayer, the chair-. '■ man called for the annual reports. Mr Adolph feist read a clear and full statement of the work of the school; The average attendance had been slightly under 100. The teaching Btaff numbered 14. The finances were in a satisfactory condition'. £l2 had been given to missions (inoluding £G from Mrs Wood's Bible class), £5 given to aid erection of porch, all the expenses of literature, pioi io, etc., had been met, and there waß a balance in hand of £2. The Secretary moved that tbo report be adopted, This was seconded by Mr Wm, Alexander, and carried. The superintendent, Mr James MoGregor, spoke of the work of the

year, and mentioned that their sobool \j- had now been in existence for twenty, years, He addressed some suitable words of counsel to the young people present, and at the olose of his remarks was heartily applauded. The Chairman subsequently mentioned that in Addition to the Masterton school there were other three Sunday schools in the outfields connected with them, A t the Taratahi Mr Duncan MoGregor hud many years conducted with great success a sohool, and at Dreyerton and Woodlands schools were carried on in a istisfactory way, A choir of children under the leadership of Mr Holdaway sang a hymn, after whioh Miss Payton and Miss Oameron played a piano duet which was heartily applauded. The chairman then said he had a very pleasing duty to perform. For twenty-five years the school had been in existence, and all these years it had been ably presided over by Mr James MoGregor, It was felt that euohan occasion as this should i:ct pass without some expression to Mr MoGregor of gratitude, esteem, and , encouragement from pupils and fiends of the sohool, This feeling Tad embodied itself in the testimonial whioh he had beforo him. In baud-* ing the present to Mr McGregor he said that the soholars, teachers and friends of the sohool had taken this method of showing their hearty appreciation of his twenty-five years faithful services, their respect for the Christian manliness of lub character, and their earnest prayer that he might be able to carry on for another quarter of a century this supremely important work. It was his (the ohairman'e) privilege to add that Mrs McGregor was not forgotten on this occasion. Several artioles now to be handed over were an expression of esteem for her devotion to the work of the church and school. Mr Wood then handed to Mr McGregor the presentation, which consisted of a massive silveri-plated tray with suitable inscription, a tea and coffeo service and several other articles, Mr McGregor in reply said he had considerable difficulty in .expressing himself, partly for the reason that he felt that in the church every man woman should do their duty and 3»iat in doing their duty they got their reward. The present was altogether unexpected, He very heartily thanked them for their gifts. Messrs D. McGregor and Dougall Hang a duet " The Minute Gun at Sea,"

Mr Holdaway, in a short address, as representing the teaohing staff, spoke in warm termsof Mr McGregor as a man, and of his capacity as a Superintendent of Sunday School. The Chirman.said he tod another pleasant duty to perform in which, however, there was' mingled a measure of pain. They were losing the services of their exc«llent Secretary, Mr Adolph Feist, who was removing to Wellington, The teachers wished to express their appreciation of Mr Feist's services and their i<ood wishes for his future, and they had done so in a testimonial he handed over to Mr Feist, The Chairman here handed to Mr Feist two large . jriumea-" Farrier's Life of Christ" lad a Bible dictionary, Mr Feist suitably acknowledged the presentation,

Mrs Wood and Miss Prentioe sang, "The Swallow's Departure." The Rev, James Patterson congratulated the congregation on the signs of prosperity among them and spoke of his long acquaintance with Mr Mpjjregpr ahjl'p.f Iris, respect for him. fie gave an addre'sppn the secreji of: p 'successful Sabbath Sphool, MrPpatrick sang "Consider the ! Lilies/' An interval then took place during j were handed round. A hymn was next sung, but owing to the lateness of the hour the second part of the programme was shortened. Several pieces of. music, were rendered, The Eeverends Pukes and Murray : exoimed themselves from delivering'the addresses they intended but expressod themselves in words of kindly congratulation aud encouragement. ,A piano solo by Jliss Jfayton was at her request ipted owinjj to the i»i» hoiit. The m'eeu'ng concluded with the benedicI'Pfc Ir ':■•■■■■■ •" ; ; " ■":"'• Purmg the evening, in the absence of Miss Feist)i Mr Lee played the j accompaniments on the organ and AIJSB Prentice and Miss Williams on ffiffif'''*' •''"'" '"•■' , "