ST. ANDREW’S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2273, 19 August 1908, Page 2

ST. ANDREW’S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

ANNUAL MEETING.

’ The annual meeting of fcit. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church was held in tlic church lust night. The Rev. Win.. Grant occupied the chair, and there was a large attendance of members. Prior to tho public meeting tea was jirovided in the schoolroom by the ladies of the congregation, three large tables being filled to overflowing, and the good things provided were highly enjoyed by those present. - .... Tho meeting was opened with the singing of the One Hundredth Psalm by the congregation, and prayer by the Rev. Win. Grant. In his address the chairman said ■ that he thought that, with the coining of another annual meeting they had every reason to thank God and -take courage. Ho was glad to have the opportunity of thanking all the workers for their assistance, and he was also pleased to say that all tho church organisations, although not perfect, were in a flourishing condition. Ho regretted not being able to do more general visiting, but accounted for this fact by the large number of sick connected with the parish, and it was to these that he deemed his first duty was. It would be a magnificent thing if those present would go more heartily forward in the work they liad in hand, and ho asked for their sympathy and encouragement. The chairman also referred to the satisfactory condition of the reports and balance-sheet, and commented on the excellence of organisation, but said that something more was required, the presence ana power of the . spirit of God, permeating the entire congregation, before they could look for the highest measure of success. In conclusion, ho thanked the congregation for tho support extended to him, and in the future ho hoped that people would be attracted, not alone to tlio church, but also to the great Head of the Church; their Lord- and .Saviour, Jesus Christ.

The session report was received, and special mention was made by the chairman to filie excellent services of the choir.

Mr. A. T. Hookey .said he was glad to have the opportunity of publicly thanking the members of the choir - for their support. It was inspiriting and a cause of thankfulness to him that mention had been made of the services of the choir in the session report. On the motion of Air. Yardley, seconded by Air. Andrew Graham, the general report and balance-sheet were adopted. The report-stated that the past year had been the most successful in the history, of. the church, and referred to the excellence of the efforts of the different branches of the work. The number of members, on the communion roll was stated to- be 278. The balance-sheet showed that the new year would be started with a credit balance of £S, and with tho sum of £Bo9' in the building fund. In moving . the adoption of the Sunday School report and the Christian Endeavor Society report, Mr. C. Rosie particularly referred to the self-denial of the teachers in com-. ing constantly to the Sunday School, even when other teachers in the day school were having'holidays. ‘Mr. A. Graham seconded the motion, and the report was adopted. ;i Some discussion took place oh the proposed envelope system of church--®, finance, and .after - the system had been explained by the chairman, Mr. H. Adair and Mr. AJoodie, it was decided, on the motion of Air. F. Charles Perry, seconded by Air, Mai- " colm AlcLeod, that the system bo adopted. Alessrs Warren and Tattersfteld also spoke in favor of the envelope system 111 referring to the building fund, the chairman said that the position was one upon which they might well congratulate themselves, as with over £BOO in hand they had promises of another £I2OO. The proposed cost of the new building was £IOOO, and he asked for any suggestions to show how the fund might be augmented. Air. H. Adair said that the fund had started off well, but £2OOO was of no use, and it was for the members, of the congregation to. bring the matter under consideration. Souio further decided stop should be taken to raise the needed £2OOO, as the amount already would extend over four years. He was not in favor of erecting the church and leaving posterity to pay half the amount. After some further discussion it was decided that not much could be done by the meeting, which was not in a position to recommend anything. On the motion of Air. J. East, seconded by Air. AI. AlcLeod, the last year’s managers were re-elected, tlio names of Messrs H. G. McClymont and J. AI. Thompson being added thereto.

Air. J. Peach proposed a vote of thanks to the ladies who had collected throughout tlie year, and also to the ladies who had provided tea that evening, and the motion was carried by acclamation. Air. AlcLeod said that he felt tho congregation should express their appreciation of the services of the minister since he came into the district. It was difficult for him to express himself, but he was suro they all felt deeply grateful.—The motion was carried with acclamation.

The Rev. AYm. Grant feelingly replied, stating that his best and highest reward was in the fact that his services were appreciated. : During tlie evening Alessrs H. G. AlcClymont and H. J. Grieve sang solos, and the choir under the leadership of Air. A. T. Hookey gave several selections from the cantata “Daniel.”

“•The gathering terminated with the singing of: the Doxology, and'the pronouncing of the Benediction bv tlio Rev. AYm. Grant.

An adjournment was then made to the schoolroom, where supper was provided by the ladies of the congregation.