January 9th, 1885.
Conisboro’ Wesleyan Sunday School
Annual Tea and Soiree
On Tuesday evening the annual tea and soiree in connection with the above named institution took place. Nearly 350 persons partook of tea, the wants of the visitors being satisfied by members of the congregation, amongst whom were Mesdames, Kilner, Bateson, Stoves, Blyth, Meggitt, J. Budson, J. Appleyard, and Miss Hudson.
After tea an organ recital was given by Mr. J. E. Bagshaw.
At the evening meeting there was a very large attendance., Mr. C. Kilner occupied the chair, and called on Mr. Wilson to read the report for the past year.
Mr. Wilson said during the year great progress had been made. At the end of 1883 there were 220 scholars on the books, as compared with 271 at present, an increase of 51 on the year. The average attendance was 131 last year, now it is 168, a better average 37. There are at present 19 teachers, an increase of 3; the number of superintendents had risen from two to three. Respecting the finances, the report expressed congratulation that there was a balance on the right side, although the expenses had been heavy. The receipts amounted to £53 17s. 4d. And the expenditure to £48 10s. 3d., leaving a balance in the treasurer’s hand of £5 7s. 1d.
The Chairman expressed the pleasure it gave him to see so many present. He spoke at home length on the advantage of godliness, and urged his hearers, the younger members particularly, to attend the Sabbath school regularly, and take hold of the precepts there instilled into them.
The Rev. W. Parsohson, the superintendent of the circuit, and the Rev. A. Stoves, resident minister at Conisboro’, also gave addresses. The following excellently selected programme was gone through in an extremely creditable manner, the choir being assisted by a band of instrumentalists, under the conductorship of Mr. J. K. Bateson, who gave great satisfaction to the audience.
Programme: – Overture, ‘La Lyre d’Or,’ the band; anthem ‘Incarnation,’ the choir; song, The bridge keeper’s story, ‘Mr. Fred. Kilner; song, ‘Say a kind word when you can,’ Mr. Rawding; address, Rev. W. Parsohson; cantata ‘ Nature’s concert,’ the choir; overture, ‘L’Amour au Village,’ the band; part song, ‘Sweetly come those strains melodious,’ the choir; song, ‘The better land,’ Miss Blakeley; piccolo solo, ‘The wren,’ Mr. Venus; part song, ‘Softly fall the shades of evening,’ the choir; recitation, ‘The lifeboat,’ Mr. Fred. Kilner; song, ‘A winter’s story,’ Miss Neal; chorus, ‘Hallelujah,’ the choir.