APPENDIX.
KNOX CHURCH ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE
YEAR ENDING 30th SEPTEMBER, 1891.
OFFICE-BEARERS
OF
Kirk Session & Deacons' Court
MINISTERS.
Rev. D. M. STUART, D.D., Manse, George Street.
Rev. A. P. DAVIDSON, M.A., Clyde Street.
Session Clerk.
MR. COLIN McK. GORDON, York Place.
Clerk of Deacons' Court.
MR. P. G. PRYDE, Clyde Street.
General Treasurer.
MR. WALTER HISLOP (Perpetual Trustees & Agency Co.), Rattray Street.
Treasurer Sustentation Fund.
MR. J. T. MACKERRAS, Forth Place.
Seat-Letting Committee.
MR. THOMAS MOODIE (Perpetual Trustees & Agency Co.), Rattray Street.
MR. WALTER HISLOP, Rattray Street.
MR. EDMUND SMITH (Savings Bank), High Street.
Organist.
MR. A. J. BARTH (Academy of Music), Elder Street.
Instructor of Sacred Music.
MR. A. M. BRAIK, Heriot Row.
Church Officer.
MR. THOMAS PARK (near Old Church), Great King Street.
ELDERS
| ORDAINED. | |
| CAMERON, ANDREW, Albany Street | 1853 |
| CARGILL, EDW. BOWES, The Cliffs | 1862 |
| CHISHOLM, ROBERT, Roslyn | 1878 |
| DUNLOP, REV. JOHN, D.D., Leith Street, | 1870 |
| DUTCH, GEORGE, Leith Street | 1888 |
| DYMOCK, WILLIAM, High Street, | 1886 |
| FERGUSON, DAVID, Ravensbourne | 1874 |
| FRASER, JAMES M., George Street N. | 1884 |
| GARDNER, ROBERT S., Pine Hill | 1858 |
| GLENDINING, ROBERT, N.E. Valley | 1875 |
| GORDON, COLIN McKENZIE, York Place | 1871 |
| HARLOW, WILLIAM B., Newington | 1878 |
| HISLOP, JOHN, LL.D., Forth Street | 1847 |
| HISLOP, WALTER, Heriot Row | 1889 |
| HUTCHISON, WILLIAM, Queen Street | 1856 |
| MACKERRAS, JAMES T., Forth Place | 1878 |
| McQUEEN, CHARLES, Castle Street | 1878 |
| REID, JOHN, London Street | 1871 |
| ROBERTS, JOHN, Littlebourne | 1888 |
| SIMPSON, WILLIAM, Great King Street | 1889 |
| SMITH, DANIEL. Clyde Street N. | 1889 |
| SMITH, EDMUND. London Street | 1866 |
| STEWART, ALEXANDER, Forth Place | 1866 |
| STEWART, HON. WILLIAM DOWNIE, Heriot Row | 1874 |
| SUTHERLAND, WILLIAM D., Royal Terrace | 1884 |
| THOMSON, GEORGE M., Rectory | 1886 |
| TODD, WILLIAM T., Cargill Street | 1889 |
| TORRANCE, JOHN A., Royal Terrace | 1874 |
| WHITE, CLEMENT, George Street | 1884 |
| WRIGHT, DUNCAN, London Street | 1869 |
DEACONS.
BARTLEMAN, ALEXANDER, Royal Terrace
BURT, ALEXANDER, York Place
CAMPBELL, JOHN, Roslyn
COWIE, WILLIAM, Leith Street
DENNISTON, GEORGE L., Maitland Street
GUTHRIE, HENRY, Pitt Street
MACANDREW, COLIN, North East Valley
McCARTER, GEORGE, Heriot Row
McFARLANE, JOHN, Junr., Clark Street
McPHERSON, JOHN, Newington
MANN, JAMES, London Street
MOODIE, THOMAS, Royal Terrace
MORRISON, JOHN H., Royal Terrace
PRYDE, PATRICK G., Clyde Street
SMITH, EDMUND R., Littlebourne
SMITH, FREDERICK, Mornington
SPARROW, ROBERT S., Cargill Street
STOUT, WILLIAM A., Nevada
THOMSON, JAMES C, Newington
YOUNG, THOMAS, Heriot Row
Division of Sustentation fund Districts.
1. North-East Valley, including Opoho, Calton, and Pine Hill.
Elder—Mr. Robert Glendining.
Deacon—Mr. Colin Macandrew (Collector).
2. Maori Hill and North of Regent Road, and west of George Street to Water of Leith.
Elder—Mr. A. Stewart.
Deacon—Mr. James Mann (Collector).
3. East of Town Belt and Forth Place and George Street to Water of Leith, and west of Cumberland Street to Union Street.
Elders—Mr. J. T. Mackerras and Rev. Dr. Dunlop.
Deacon—Mr. John Macpherson (Collector).
4. All that portion lying to the east and north of the Water of Leith.
Elder—Dr. Hislop.
Deacon—Mr. P. G. Pryde (Collector).
5. East of Cumberland Street, Albany Street to Castle Street, by Water of Leith.
Elder—Mr. C. McQueen.
Deacon—Mr. T. Young (Collector).
6. North of Hanover Street, south of Albany Street, and east of Cumberland Street to Castle Street on the other side.
Elder—Mr. R. S. Gardner.
Deacon— Mr. J. H. Morrison (Collector).
7. North of Hanover Street, south of Albany Street, including Castle, Grange, and Leith Streets.
Elder—Mr. James M. Fraser.
Deacon—Mr. William Cowie (Collector).
8. North of Hanover Street, south of Albany Street, including Hyde Street, Clyde Street, and Athol Place.
Elder—Mr. George Dutch.
Deacon—Mr. George McCarter (Collector).
9. From Hanover Street on the south by George Street, Pitt Street and Heriot Row to Park and Union Streets on the north.
Elders—Messers. J. A. Torrance and W. Hutchison.
Deacon—Mr. Henry Guthrie (Collector).
10. From Hanover Street on the south to Union Street on North, including Great King Street and West side of Cumberland Street; also Albany and Frederick Streets from George Street.
Elder—Mr. William Simpson.
Deacon—Mr. James C. Thomson (Collector).
11. From London Street east of Royal Terrace, by Scotland, George, and Pitt Streets, to the junction of Heriot Row and Park Street on the west.
Elders—Messes. W. D. Stewart and John Roberts.
Deacon—Mr. Thomas Moodie (Collector).
12. From Cargill Street on the east by Scotland and London Streets to Belt.
Elders—Messrs. J. Reid and Clement White.
Deacon—Mr. A. Bartleman (Collector).
13. North of Stuart Street, south of Hanover Street, and east of Cargill Street by Filleul Street and York Place to Old Cemetery.
Elder—Mr. C. McK. Gordon.
Deacon—Mr. K. S. Sparrow (Collector).
14. North of Stuart Street, south of Hanover Street, and east of Filleul Street to Bay.
Elders—Messrs. D. Wright and Wm. D. Sutherland.
Deacon—Mr. E. E. Smith (Collector).
15. South from Stuart Street, east of York Place, by Rattray, Brown, and Canongate Streets to Bay.
Elder—Mr. Daniel Smith.
Deacon—Mr. John McFarlane, Junr. (Collector).
16. From Old Cemetery, by Rattray, Brown, and Canongate Streets to Belt.
Elder—Mr. Edmund Smith.
Deacon—Mr. A. Burt (Collector).
17. From Canongate Street, by Princes, Hope, High, and Graham Streets to Maclaggan Street, including Mornington.
Elders—Messrs. E. B. Cargill, W. Dymock, and Walter Hislop.
Deacon—Mr. Frederick Smith(Collector).
18. From Maclaggan Street, by Graham, Hope, and Princes Streets to Town Belt, including West Dunedin, St. Kilda, and Caversham.
Elders—Messrs. E. B. Cargill, W. Dymock, and Walter Hislop.
Deacon—Mr. G. L. Denniston (Collector).
19. Roslyn, including Sunnyside and Linden.
Elders—Messrs. R. Chisholm and W. T. Todd.
Deacon—Mr. W. A. Stout (Collector).
20. Anderston, Newington, Melrose, and Nevada.
Elders—Messrs. W. B. Harlow and Geo. M. Thomson.
Deacon—Mr. John Campbell (Collector).
Arrangements for 1892
1. MINISTERIAL WORK.
Sabbath.
- Public Worship.—Forenoon at 11 o'clock; evening at 6.30.
- Bible Class.—On Sabbath morning in class-room, at 10 o'clock.
- Baptisms will be administered on any Sabbath, due notice being given.
Week Days.
- Prayer Meeting in the evening of every Thursday at 7.30 o'clock, in the class-room of the Old Church.
- Persons wishing to join the Church for the first time can see the Ministers on the evenings of the Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays of the six weeks preceding each Communion.
2. KIRK SESSION.
- Communion.—On the third Sabbath of March, June, September, and December.
- The Elders deliver Communion Cards to the Members in their respective Districts at least twice a year.
- Members on changing their residence are requested to intimate their new address to their Elder.
- Members leaving the Congregation are requested to apply to the Minister for Certificates of Church Membership.
- The Kirk Session meets on the evening of the first Tuesday of every month at 7 o'clock.
3. DEACONS' COURT.
- The Deacons' Court meets on the evening of the first Tuesday of every month at 8 o'clock.
Seat Letting.
Church-door Collections.
Standing Committees, 1892.
Seat-Letting.—Messrs. Hislop, Moodie, and E. Smith.
Supervision of Buildings.—Messrs. Dutch, Mann, McQueen (convener), Morrison, and Pryde.
Library.—Messrs. McCarter, Stout, J. C. Thomson, Torrance, and White (convener).
Organ and Psalmody.—Messrs. Bartleman, Morrison, Pryde, Roberts (convener), and G. M. Thomson.
Knox Church Sabbath Schools.
THE MAIN SCHOOL.
(Meets in Old Knox Church every Sabbath at 2.30 p.m.).
| Superintendent: Mr. W. T. Todd. |
Deputy-Superintendent: Mr. R. Sutherland. | |
| Secretary: Mr. John McLeod. |
Treasurer: Mr. F. Shaw. | |
| Teachers: |
| Mrs. Carter | Miss Marshall | Miss Stewart, E. |
| Mrs. Harrison | {{{1}}}„Mackay | {{{1}}}„Stewart |
| Miss Aitken | {{{1}}}„Main | {{{1}}}„Swanson |
| {{{1}}}„Alexander | {{{1}}}„Marchbanks | {{{1}}}„Sutherland |
| {{{1}}}„Allan | {{{1}}}„Mason | {{{1}}}„Thomson, E. |
| {{{1}}}„Cambridge | {{{1}}}„Matheson | {{{1}}}„Thomson, M |
| {{{1}}}„Campbell | {{{1}}}„Maxwell | {{{1}}}„Weir |
| {{{1}}}„Chisholm | {{{1}}}„McLeod | {{{1}}}„Wilson, J. |
| {{{1}}}„Christie | {{{1}}}„McKinnon | {{{1}}}„Wilson, M. |
| {{{1}}}„Church | {{{1}}}„Moodie | {{{1}}}„Wright |
| {{{1}}}„Church, E. | {{{1}}}„Niven | Mr. Douall |
| {{{1}}}„Fraser | {{{1}}}„Park | {{{1}}}„Cran |
| {{{1}}}„Frew | {{{1}}}„Pollock | {{{1}}}„Hall |
| {{{1}}}„Gillies | {{{1}}}„Robertson | {{{1}}}„Main |
| {{{1}}}„Glasgow | {{{1}}}„Rodgers | {{{1}}}„Malcolm |
| {{{1}}}„Gow | {{{1}}}„Ross | {{{1}}}„Moncrieff |
| {{{1}}}„Hutchison | {{{1}}}„Smith | {{{1}}}„Scott |
| {{{1}}}„Johnston | {{{1}}}„Smith, E. | {{{1}}}„Shaw |
| {{{1}}}„Landells | {{{1}}}„Souness | {{{1}}}„Simpson |
| {{{1}}}„Livingston | {{{1}}}„Spiers | {{{1}}}„Sutherland |
Librarians:
Mr. J. McQueen.Mr. A. M. Braik.Mr. J. G Galland.Mr. N. Smith
PRIMARY SCHOOL.
Superintendent:
Mr. C. White.
Teachers:
Misses Wilson, Durie, White, and Wright.
PELICHET BAY.
Meets in Albany Street Schoolhouse every Sabbath at 2.30 p.m.)
Superintendent:
Mr. R. Dalgleish.
Teachers:
Miss Alexander.Miss Ross.Mr. Wm. Jenkins.
Librarian:
Mr. A. Jenkins.
MOUNT CARGILL.
(Meets every Sabbath in the Distiict School-house at 12.)
Teacher: Vacant.
PINE HILL.
(Meets every Sabbath in the District School-house at 2 p.m.)
The Teachers meet weekly in the Ladies Vestry for preparation of Lessons, and also hold a Quarterly meeting for prayer and consultation.
Music Classes, 1892.
INSTRUCTOR—Mr. A. M. BRAIK.
The Classes will be held in the Class-room as usual, commencing about the beginning of March. Those for Adults held on Tuesdays, and for Juveniles on Fridays, are open to any member or adherent of the congregation, and all are cordially invited to attend.
Literary and Debating Society.
Hon. President: Rev. D. M. Stuart, D.D.
President: Rev. A. P. Davidson, M. A.Vice-President: Mr. G. M. Thomson.
Secretary: Mr. F. Wright.Treasurer: Mr. E. H. Reid.
Editor of Magazine: Mr. W. A. Stout.
Committee: Messrs. J. Brown, W. Burt, J. Hendry, A. James, and R. Sutherland.
The Society meets fortnightly during the winter, on Monday evenings, at half-past seven o'clock, in the Class-room of Old Knox Church. Visitors are always welcomed.
Young Men's Fellowship Union.
President: Rev. D. M. Stuart, D.D.
Vice-Presidents: Messrs. A. M. Braik and W. Malcolm.
Committee: The Vice-Presidents, Messrs. Sutherland, Main, and the Secretary.
Secretary and Treasurer: Mr. Geo. L. Stewart.
The Union meets every Sabbath morning, at 10 o'clock, in the Ladies' Vestry. It also holds a Devotional Service on the morning of each Communion Sunday, at 10 a.m., in the Class-room of the Old Church. Visitors are always welcomed.
The Congregational Library.
Librarian (pro tem): Mr. C. White,
Assistant Librarian: Vacant.
The Library is open every Thursday evening at the close of the Prayer Meeting, and on alternate Monday evenings during the winter months.
Ladies' Association.
President: Mrs. Grant.
Treasurer: Miss Smith.Secretary: Mrs. Stoddart.
Committee: Mesdames Black, Cutten, Glasgow, Gordon, Reid, Turnbull, and Wilkie.
Dorcas Committee: Mesdames Duthie, Mann, and Wilkie, senr.
Meets in the Ladies' Vestry on the first Wednesday of every month, and has a Dorcas Meeting on the second Wednesday of every month.
Young Women's Association.
President: Mrs. T. Moodie.Vice-Presidents: Misses Alexander and Wilson.
Secretary: Miss Glasgow.Treasurer: Miss Main.
Dorcas Secretary: Miss E. Smith.
Secretary and Treasurer of Boot Club: Vacant.
Committee: Misses Sutherland, Mathieson, and Landels.
Meets in the Ladies' Vestry fortnightly, on the evening of the second, and the afternoon of the fourth Wednesday of each month.
Knox Church Missionary Association.
President: Mrs. Gordon.
Secretary and Treasurer: Miss McKean.
The Annual Meeting is held in Knox Church on the first Thursday evening after the March Communion.
The Districts—which are the same as those for Sustentation Fund — are allotted as follow:—
District.
- Mrs. R. Gillies
- Miss Main
- {{{1}}}„Cumine
- {{{1}}}„Dunlop
- {{{1}}}„McQueen
- {{{1}}}„Park
- Mrs. Carter
- Mrs. Scott
- {{{1}}}„Torrance
- Miss Fraser
- Mrs. Moodie
- Miss Gordon
- {{{1}}}„Wright
- Miss Fitzgerald
- Mrs. Kirkpatrick
- Miss Cutten
- {{{1}}}„Chisholm
- {{{1}}}„McLeod
REPORT.
YOUR Office-bearers have much pleasure in presenting the following Report for the year ending September 30th, 1891. The quarterly statements published during the year have been so full and comprehensive, that they are thus enabled to make the present report shorter and more summarised than would otherwise have been the case.
The past twelvemonth has been, under God's blessing, a period of quiet, steady work. There has been a small but gratifying increase of young members to the congregation, and the various agencies in operation have been all sustained in a more or less vigorous state.
During the year the ministers have officiated at 120 marriages, 63 baptisms, and 80 funerals; 69 members have been added to the fellowship of the church for the first time, and 50 have joined the congregation by certificate from other churches. From this large addition to the strength of the members, your office-bearers would look for good results; and they hope that all the church organisations may be by this means increased in vigour and efficiency.
The recorded disjunctions have been 71—viz., 57 by certificate, and 14 by death. There is, however, a good deal of laxity in "lifting their lines" by members who leave for other parts, so that the real loss to the membership is larger than appears by the foregoing figures. The removals by death include members of both the Church Courts, and also such old members as Mrs. Margaret Miller, of Melrose; Mrs. Janet Miller, of South Dunedin; and Mrs. Robert Paisley, of Grange street. The first and last of these were original members of the congregation—a band whose numbers are being rapidly diminished.
The attendances at the quarterly communions have been:—December, 673; March, 690; June, 701; and September, 729.
One of the most important undertakings in connection with the year's work has been the starting of a Sabbath evening service in the class-room of the Old Church. The prevalence, in the more thickly populated parts of the town, of a large class which has fallen away from Church ordinances, has been too long a familiar fact. Various attempts to attach those in our own neighbourhood to the congregation have been hitherto futile. But an important step in advance was made when the class-room was opened, on the evening of June 7th, for a short, bright service. The numbers hitherto in attendance have been only moderate, but it is perhaps best to make a small beginning, and by perseverance to carry it on to a successful issue. Mr. Dymock, one of our elders, suggested the service, and the ministers, Dr. Dunlop, and others, have aided in giving effect to the suggestion. The Young Women's Society have done good work in visiting among the families in the neighbourhood, and in getting them to attend. The movement also owes much to Messrs J. Carter, and Arthur and Alex. Robertson, who, at Dr. Stuart's request, have undertaken the work of deacons and precentor, and to a small band of young women, who assist in making the service of praise a success. Those members and friends who have not visited this meeting should do so, and thus manifest their interest in our Home Mission Work.
The extinction of the debt, thanks to the energy of Mr. Cameron, is now within measurable distance. There is little doubt that by the end of the year the debt will be a thing of the past. With the removal of this burden, the congregation ought to be able to enter on fresh undertakings, which have only been deferred till its hands were free. Among the first of these it is to be hoped that a reduction in the seat-rents will shortly be made.
KIRK SESSION.
This Court has held 22 meetings during the year. Two of its older members, Mr. Hugh Kirkpatrick (who was among us for nearly 30 years) and Mr. William Douglas, were called away on July 11th and August 7th respectively. For a considerable period neither had been able to take an active part in church work—the former on account of absence, and the latter from prolonged ill-health—but both had done their work, bearing the heat and burden of the day, while they were able to do so, and both were waiting for "the rest which remaineth" for those who trust in the Lord.
The removal of Mr. John Reith to Wellington, and Mr. Duncan Wright to Melbourne, leave blanks in the Session which are much felt. Both were active members, devoting a great deal of time, energy, and talent to the service of the church.
During part of the year Messrs. Chisholm, Glendining, and Roberts have been absent on furlough to the Old Country, while Parliamentary duties called Messrs Hutchison and W. D. Stewart to Wellington for some months.
DEACONS' COURT.
This Court has held 12 meetings during the year. On April 29th, a valued member, Mr. James Wilkie, was removed by death, after a brief illness. The following deacons, whose term of office expired during the year by effluxion of time, were unanimously re-elected for a further period of three years, viz., Messrs Alexander Burt, Henry Guthrie, George McCarter, John McFarlane, P. G. Pryde, E. R. Smith, and James G. Thomson.
THE OUTFIELD.
Whare Flat.—Fortnightly services were held with unfailing regularity, except during two months of winter, when, owing to the state of the roads, they were intermitted. During Mr. Chisholm's absence, the oversight of these services was undertaken by the Rev. Mr. Bannerman, who was assisted by several friends.
Mount Cargill.—The fortnightly supply has been kept up without intermission. Miss Moir, till her marriage removed her from the district, proved a perfect Phœbe in connection with the service, the Sabbath School, and hospitality to those who aided in this work.
Pine Hill.—Here also the supply has been kept up every fortnight without a break. This station and Mt. Cargill are in charge of the Young Men's Fellowship Union, and it is owing to Mr. Geo. L. Stewart's care and vigour that the work is so satisfactorily carried on. The Sabbath School in the district has been in abeyance for a time. The office-bearers trust that the old friends of religion in the district will arrange to resume it.
Leith Valley.—The service and Sabbath School is in the hands of Messrs. Hogg and Jones, who have been assisted in their work by the ministers and various friends from Knox Church.
Your office-bearers commend the Outfield very heartily to the congregation. Assistance in this good work is wanted.
BIBLE CLASSES.
The Minister's Bible-class.—This class—conducted by the Rev. Mr. Davidson—has been well attended throughout the session. The number on the roll is 148 (58 young men, and 90 young women). The subject of study has been the Gospel History. Daring the latter half of the session Professor Lindsay's Short Commentary on the second half of the Gospel of Luke has been in the hands of the members of the class for the preparation of the lessons. The home exercises were very well done by a considerable number. The best were those of (I.) Misses K. M. Macgregor and C. E. Macgregor; and (II.) Misses Lena McLeod, Sarah J. Ross, Mary S. Reid, Lena Stewart, and Isabella Sutherland. The class has contributed to foreign Missions the sum of £6, which it unanimously resolved to devote to the maintenance of a native teacher in the New Hebrides. Hearty thanks are due to Mr. David H. Thomson for his valuable services as precentor, and to Mr. Paton Dunlop for his careful keeping of the class-roll. The subject of study next year will be the Book of Acts.
Mr. Chisholm's Bible Class has been in existence for 13 years, and continues to prove a useful training ground for our younger members. The number of pupils on the roll at the end of the year was 51, and the average attendance 32—namely, 17 girls and 15 boys. During Mr. Chisholm's absence in the Old Country, Rev. Dr. Stuart conducted the class, with occasional assistance from Rev. Mr. Davidson, Dr. Hislop, and Mr. Macpherson. The amount subscribed to missions during the year was £13 2s. 3d. Out of this, £12 was contributed for the support of two native teachers in the New Hebrides, and the balance added to the reserve fund, which now stands at £25 4s.
SABBATH SCHOOLS.
The main school has had an average attendance during the year of 625, viz., 236 girls and 160 boys in the upper school, and 229 in the primary school: 63 new scholars have been enrolled, and 36 have left; of these, 13 have joined the minister's Bible-class, and 5 Mr. Chisholm's Bible class. The attendance of the teachers is very satisfactory, and their preparatory class has proved very helpful in their work. During the year £77 17s. 7d. has been contributed by the mission boxes, of which £4 1s. 7d. came from Pelichet Bay school. The seventh annual gathering for receipt of scholars' gifts took place on June 5th, when 1222 articles and £3 10s. lOd. in cash were received. The distribution of the gifts was undertaken this year by the teachers themselves. The Band of Hope has been revived, after being in abeyance for four years. The Library has been increased by the addition of 100 volumes, bringing the total number up to 900, with an average issue of 198 volumes. The Session and Deacons' Court appoint one of their number each month to visit and report on the school, so that teachers and taught may feel that their work is both appreciated and sympathised in by the office-bearers.
Pelichet Bay School has an average attendance of 45. Though the number is small as compared with the main school, the small band of teachers attached to this school do their work most faithfully. The district is a somewhat poor one, and the parents do not attend to the regular attendance of their children as well as might be desired.
Mt. Cargill School.—Owing to the departure of Miss Moir from the district, the school has not been as regularly conducted as formerly. An enthusiastic volunteer is wanted to take up this work.
THE CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER MEETING.
This institution is coeval with the congregation. For many years it had the active assistance of many of the founders of the church. It is with satisfaction we have to record that the attendance has been more steady for the year, if not more numerous, than for years past. In addition to a brief, and in the main practical exposition of a portion of Scripture, prayer is offered for the different objects which interest the congregation, as missions, church extension, Sabbath schools and Bible classes, the children, the members, the Industrial School, the Benevolent Institution, the Hospital, and the Asylum. It would encourage and gratify the friends of the prayer meeting if our ofiice-bearers were able to give their presence and co-operation with greater frequency.
MISSIONS
The total sum collected during the year for missionary purposes was £226 16s. 5d. Of this, the Missionary Association raised £84 5s. 6d., the Sabbath Schools contributed £77 17s. 7d., Mr. Chisholm's Bible Class £12, the Minister's Bible Class £6, while £46 13s. 4d. was raised as a special collection for Rev. Mr. Milne's benefit. Of the Sabbath Schools contribution, the sum of £20 was allotted to the "Dayspring" Fund, and £36 to the support of six native teachers on Emae; while the Bible Class contribution was devoted to the support of two native teachers.
LADIES' ASSOCIATION.
This Society pursues its work among the poorer members and adherents of the congregation in a quiet but efficient manner. Your office-bearers would urge its claims as strongly as possible, believing that it is chiefly by the aid of such organisations that any tendency towards pauperism in the community can be best met. The assistance granted to the poor by the Ladies' Association is done in a way which spares the feelings of the recipients. At the same time every care is taken that applications for aid are deserving, and unworthy cases are rejected as far as possible. The help granted takes usually the form of grants of coal, wood, clothing, bedding, boots, provisions, medical comforts and necessaries. Money is seldom given. Altogether, 72 families and individuals have received gifts of clothing. This work is in the hands of the Dorcas Society, which distributes both old clothing and new material made up by its members. Altogether, 97 donations of coals were made during the year. Donations of coals were received from the Union Steam Ship Co. (5 tons) and the Kaitangata Coal Co. (2½ tons). Dr. Stuart gave the Association the handsome gift of £10 and two air beds, the latter so welcome to sick sufferers. Mr. Aikman, executor of the late Mr. Wm. Douglas, gave a large donation of clothing. The funds were also largely augmented by the proceeds of a concert given by the Church singing classes, conducted by Mr. Braik. The executive of the Association regret the retirement from their number of Mrs. Reith and Mrs. Carter. The former, from the commencement of the Dorcas Society, had devoted much time and trouble to its management. In their stead, Mrs. Mann and Mrs. Duthie have undertaken to act in conjunction with Mrs. Wilkie.
YOUNG WOMENS SOCIETY.
The Young Womens' Society has now been in existence for four years, and is carrying on a useful work, especially in the direction of looking after the wants, temporal and spiritual, of the children of families in the neighbourhood. It combines in itself the duties of a Dorcas and of a visiting society, and its members have done good work in seeking to stir up an interest among those who have lapsed from Church attendance. To this Society much of the success of the Sabbath evening service in the class-room is due. The work of the Society is not to be measured by its finances, but it is interesting to note that it raised the sum of £17 14s. 5d. during the year, and expended only £9 9s. 5d., leaving a balance wherewith to start the new year of £8 5s.
YOUNG MEN'S FELLOWSHIP UNION.
This Society meets every Sabbath morning, for an hour's study and fellowship. During the year the members have read and discussed the epistle to Philemon, the first epistle of St. John, two or three of the minor prophets, and a work by P. Barclay, entitled "Via, Veritas, Vita." Copies of this book were kindly supplied by Dr. Stuart, who has throughout the year guided the deliberations of the Society.
The active membership of the Society remains small, and vigorous recruits are much wanted. The quarterly meetings, on the mornings of communion Sundays, have been fairly well attended.
The Union has continued throughout the year to take charge of the out-stations at Mount Cargill and Pine Hill, arranging for a fortnightly service at each place. The ministers, members of the Union, and friends, both inside and outside of Knox Church, have conducted these services; but the executive of the Union would be glad to have more frequent offers of help from any who have the faculty of speaking words of love and sound instruction. The attendance at the services at the out-stations is not very large. Owing to the marriage of Miss Moir, who has so faithfully, and with such conspicuous success conducted the Mount Cargill Sabbath School for several years, the school is now without a teacher. Who will volunteer to fill this vacant outpost?
THE LITERARY AND DEBATING SOCIETY.
The session has been on the whole a successful one, and the work done under the Rev. A. P. Davidson's presidency may be pronounced as excellent. Commencing on April 27th with a lecture by the President on "Savonarola," the session was closed by a social meeting, in conjunction with the Young Womens' Society, on October 5th.
Debates, essays, the Society's Magazine, an evening with living authors, and impromptu speeches furnished material on the various nights, and the meetings were lightened by musical items contributed by friends. The average attendance of members and visitors has been about ninety.
The congregation might easily furnish a large increase to the active membership of this organisation, and the Committee look for a considerable influx of new talent next session. The success of the Society is largely due to the vigour of its Secretary, Mr. F. Wright.
SEWING CLASS.
The Sewing Class started by Miss Smith in the class-room does a work which has the entire sympathy of your officebearers. The last quarterly report of the congregation describes the origin and progress of this useful institution.
SINGING CLASSES.
Four classes have been held weekly since the beginning of March. Steady progress has been made in some of the classes; and besides the regular class work, two concerts have been given in the Garrison Hall during the season—one on behalf of the Ladies' Association, and one for an outside object. The average attendance at all the classes, notwithstanding much sickness and other hindrances, has been large. The classes will be resumed next season in the month of March, and the teacher wishes it to be understood that they are open to any member or adherent of the Church. Young people not connected with Knox Church are also welcomed.
THE CHOIR
Has rendered excellent service to the congregation during the year. The attendance at the services, especially of lady members, has been very good. Good work has also been done by the members in connection with many other societies and organisations in the congregation, and the Church is under considerable obligation to all those who give so much of their time and talent to her service.
THE CONGREGATIONAL LIBRARY
Has been well patronised during the year, about 150 volumes being in pretty constant circulation. Mr. C. White has devoted much time and trouble to the management of the large collection of books which the congregation now owns.
SUSTENTATION FUND.
The contributions to this Fund amount to £427 2s. 1d., which is an improvement on last year. There is still, however, a considerable number of members and adherents who do not contribute to this important Fund. It is hoped that these may be led to give their quota to an object which exercises so beneficent an influence on the well-being of our Church.
FINANCIAL.
The usual statement of acounts is appended, from which it will be seen that the contributions of the congregation towards the various church objects have been well maintained. The ordinary expenditure exceeded the ordinary revenue by £11 17s. 6d., a much better result than was anticipated by your Deacon's Court, as no saving is yet effected on the interest account, the treasurer of the Debt Reduction Fund insisting on the Court paying interest on the several amounts he has paid over. The debt of the Church has been reduced during the year by £1160 17s. 2d., and now stands at £1543 9s. 4d.
Balance Sheet of Knox Church Sunday Schools,
For Year Ending 30th September, 1891.
| RECEIPTS. | EXPENDITURE. | |||||||
| £ | s. | d. | £ | s. | d. | |||
| Grant from Deacons' Court | 80 | 0 | 0 | Annual Picnic (February) | 42 | 8 | 1 | |
| Balance from Railway Fares, a/c Picnic | 3 | 15 | 1 | N.Z. Bible and Tract Depot | 33 | 12 | 2 | |
| Sale Bible Reading Schemes | 0 | 18 | 4 | Caxton Printing Office | 5 | 18 | 6 | |
| Mission Money | 77 | 17 | 7 | Subscriptions to Otago Sunday School Union | 1 | 0 | 0 | |
| Bible Reading Cards | 0 | 19 | ||||||
| Missions— | ||||||||
| Mr. Milne (six native teachers) | 36 | 0 | ||||||
| General Mission Fund | 21 | 17 | ||||||
| "Dayspring" | 20 | 0 | 0 | |||||
| Sundries | 0 | 15 | 6 | |||||
| £102 | 11 | 0 | £102 | 11 | 0 | |||
| Dunedin 30th September, 1891. | WM. D. MAIN, Treasurer. | |||||||
THE DEACONS' COURT OF KNOX CHURCH, DUNEDIN (Incorporated.).
SUMMARY OF RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURE FOR YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 1891.
| £ | s. | d. | £ | s. | d. | £ | s. | d. | £ | s. | d. | ||||
| To Ordinary Revenue— | By Amount due Bank N.S.W. Sept. 30th, 1890 | 204 | 6 | 6 | |||||||||||
| Church Door Collections | 1056 | 10 | 7 | {{{1}}}„Ordinary Expenditure— | |||||||||||
| Seat Rents | 791 | 7 | 8 | Minister's Supplement | 450 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||
| Rents, &c. | 17 | 10 | 8 | Co-pastor | 600 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||
| 1865 | 8 | 6 | Organist | 100 | 0 | 0 | |||||||||
| {{{1}}}„Special Collections— | Instructor of Music | 50 | 0 | 0 | |||||||||||
| Church Extension | 25 | 3 | 2 | Church Officer | 100 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||
| Aged & Infirm Ministers' Fund | 23 | 11 | 8 | Gas | 59 | 10 | 3 | ||||||||
| Ministers' Passages | 17 | 0 | 0 | Interest | 208 | 18 | 8 | ||||||||
| Patients' & Prisoners' Association | 22 | 6 | 6 | Schools | 89 | 2 | 0 | ||||||||
| Ladies' Association (Poor Fund) | 29 | 0 | 7 | Charges | 106 | 10 | 2 | ||||||||
| New Guinea Mission | 17 | 4 | 10 | Repairs | 67 | 18 | 11 | ||||||||
| 134 | 6 | 9 | Insurance | 19 | 9 | 6 | |||||||||
| {{{1}}}„Missions— | Presbytery Expenses | 4 | 10 | 0 | |||||||||||
| School Boxes | 77 | 17 | 7 | Rates | 16 | 14 | 0 | ||||||||
| Collection—New Hebrides | 40 | 0 | 0 | Library | 4 | 12 | 6 | ||||||||
| Mr. Chisholm's Class | 12 | 0 | 0 | 1877 | 6 | 0 | |||||||||
| Association | 84 | 5 | 6 | {{{1}}}„General Treasurer Synod— | |||||||||||
| 214 | 3 | 1 | Church Extension | 25 | 3 | 2 | |||||||||
| {{{1}}}„Sustenation Fund | 428 | 2 | 1 | Aged & Infirm Ministers' Fund | 23 | 11 | 8 | ||||||||
| {{{1}}}„Building Fund— | Ministers' Passages | 17 | 0 | 0 | |||||||||||
| Collection | 172 | 14 | 8 | Missions | 214 | 3 | 1 | ||||||||
| Treasurer Debt Reduction Committee | 1000 | 0 | 0 | Sustenation Fund | 428 | 2 | 1 | ||||||||
| 1172 | 14 | 8 | 708 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||
| {{{1}}}„Bank of N.S.W. Overdraft | 48 | 9 | 4 | {{{1}}}„Patients' & Prisoners' Aid Society | 22 | 6 | 6 | ||||||||
| {{{1}}}„Ladies' Association | 29 | 0 | 7 | ||||||||||||
| {{{1}}}„New Guinea Mission | 17 | 4 | 10 | ||||||||||||
| {{{1}}}„Barr's Executors on a/c Mortgage | 1000 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||
| £8858 | 4 | 5 | £8858 | 4 | 5 | ||||||||||
| Liabilities— | WALTER HISLOP, Treasurer. | ||||||||||||||
| Barr's Estate, Balance of Mortgage | 1500 | 0 | 0 | We have compared the above statement of accounts with the Bank Pass-Book and Vouchers, and find same correct. | |||||||||||
| Bank of N.S.W. | 48 | 9 | 4 | ||||||||||||
| £1543 | 9 | 4 | A. HERDMAN. | Auditors. | |||||||||||
| As against £2704 6s 6d at September 30th, 1890. | JAMES EDGAR. | ||||||||||||||
