The annual meeting of the Congregation was livid on Wednesday evening (5th). The Rov. John Stevens presided, and there was 'a good attendance. "Mr. E. Wheen having been appointe! Secretary t" the meeting, Bordtield, and. the minutes of the. last yer was offered by the Rev. G.
annual meeting were read by Mr. J. Seamwn.
Phe Chairman then gave x short a dress in which gratitude to God was expressed for the prosperity which had attended the work of the Church. He specially referred to the spiritual side of that prosperity, and urged that the report of the Coumittee should be read with sanctified imagination. The membership of the Church was larger than ever before, and he hoped thatthe present year would be marked by still eater progress. The matters of business ought under their notice in the report he would leave for others to deal with.
The following resolutions were then submitted to the meeting, and were adopted 1.—"That the Report and Accounts as presented be passed."
'2,.—Sunday School Building and Manse.
Ist.—' That the Committee be and hereby i are authorised in conjunction with representatives of the Sunday School to solicit and receive donations and subscriptions to a Building Fund? to build Sunday Schools and a Vanse.
Qnd.—" That the Committee, with power to add to their number, form a Building Committee.
'3rd.—* That the Buildin, Committee thus formed be instructed and directed to obtain Froase, and te accept those they adjudge the Jans for a Sunday School Building anda best, to obtain estimates for the construction of the same and to make contracts for their erection, provided always that funds shall have been secured beforehand to such an extent that a debt not exceeding Tls. 10,000 shall be left on the property.
'4th.—"That the Committee be and hereby are authorised to raise such a sum as may be necessary, but not exceeding Tls. 10,000, either by way' of debentures or mortgage for the carrying-out of the before-mentioned work.
Sth—That the Trustees be empowered to give alien on the Church Property to secure the above-mentioned Jloan."
3.—*That the following gentlemen be elected a Committee for the current year Messrs, Gould, Hykes, Law, Poate, Seaman, Wheen, and Bondfield."
The Rev. J. R. Hykes spoke of the satisfactory condition of the finances, especially when compartd with previous years. He also touched upon other items of special interest in the report, among then the seceptance by the minister of the invitation extended to him to continue his work in Shanghai for a second term of three years.
Mr. W.(H. Ponto ssid_ that thanks were due to the treasurer, Mr. Law, for his efforts during the year.
Mr. Law, in an effective speech, put before the meeting the ''case" fur the new schoolroom and manse, and ws supported by remarks feom Messrs, Trueman and Bondfield.
Mr. John Mitchell suggested a number of improvements in the public service: of the Church, and hoped that the Committee would aim'at enlarging the Church and providing a new organ. The meeting was closed with prayer and the Benediction.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.