Annual Report
The Independent Church, Twickenham
Presented to the members of the congregation, March 1860
Minister: Rev. George S. Ingram, 1 Arundel Villas
Committee of Management: Henry Wright;
John S. Treherne; Andrew Bowring; Archibald Brown;
Charles Allison, Secretary and Treasurer
Auditors: Eldred Sayers, George Tidmarsh
Sunday School: William Cole, Supt;
Charles Allison, Sec.
In continuance of the practice adopted last year, your Committee accompany
the financial statement with a short report on the operations of the community
during their term of office; they had intended to present the same to the
congregation at a meeting similar to that held before, but circumstances having
arisen to prevent this, they have deemed it advisable to delay its publication
no longer.
Your committee regret that it cannot report that the subscriptions for our
Minister's services have amounted to the anticipated minimum of 200l, and
although there is an increase on the former year, yet it must be felt by all
that the remuneration he has hitherto received for his valuable ministrations,
the loss of which all would have greatly to deplore, is very inadequate to his
desert. It is to be borne in mind that while the amount of subscriptions are
voluntary, and no favour is shown in the allotment of sittings, yet
seat-holders are not expected unduly to avail themselves of these conditions
but they are invited to contribute to the utmost of their ability, not by
constraint, but willingly, as God has prospered them, towards the adequate
remuneration of His servant; it is therefore hoped that a further effort will
be made by all to present to him at the end of the current year, some more
substantial proof of the esteem in which he is held, that he may have a
refreshing impulse to stimulate him in his labour of love.
One important auxiliary as a source of income which began well has now
almost ceased, viz. the Collecting Box in the vestibule; if our friends would
systematically and regularly present small offerings through this channel, a
very large amount would almost imperceptibly be raised; visitors especially,
who are studiously and cheerfully accommodated, ought to testify to the
privilege they enjoy by a more marked expression of gratitude.
The balance of the incidental expenses account will be found greatly
diminished, and in a comparatively satisfactory condition; under ordinary
circumstances the quarterly collections are adequate for the current
requirements.
PUBLIC SERVICES
The attendances at the services have on the whole been satisfactory, and
there are now only 14 sittings unlet; we have lost a few friends consequent on
the openings of Chapels at New Hampton and Teddington and there have been about
the usual fluctuations and changes incident to a congregation such as ours.
An evening service on Thursday's has been commenced but it would be more
encouraging to our pastor if a larger number attended; by a little thoughtful
arrangement of domestic duties we think this might be effected.
The Sabbath services commence in the morning at 11, and in the evening at
7. The Lord's Supper is administered after morning service on the first Sabbath
of each month, when any christian friends desirous to communicate are always
welcome.
A project for giving additional accommodation to the congregation has been
in consideration and steps have been taken to arrive at a plan and estimate,
but the death of Lady Shaw having thrown the terms of
tenure upon which the Chapel is held into uncertainty, it has been deemed
advisable to suspend further operations until we are placed in a more definite
position, nothing however under any circumstances will be done without the
concurrence of the congregation.
CHOIR
This important feature as a means of leading the service of song in our
worship still engages the attention of many members of our congregation, and it
is generally admitted that the character and expression of the singing has
materially improved, nothing approaching display is aimed at, the object being
to introduce music simple enough for all to unite in, suitable in character and
rendered unto God from the heart in the best manner that the lips can express
it.
The Choir meets for practice every Thursday evening at half-past eight, and
efficient additions to its numbers will be gladly received.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
The Sunday School still flourishes and now numbers 14 teachers and 150
scholars, with an average attendance of 120. The library is in active operation
and 250 volumes are in circulation. During the year 154 Hymn Books, 20 Bibles,
and about 1200 periodicals have been sold to the children at half-price. A Tea
Meeting of about 120 of the Parents was held in January, and most profitably
addressed by several friends. The children made their annual trip to Virginia
Water in the summer accompanied by their teachers and several friends, in all
about 220 persons, and spent a very delightful day. A quarterly examination
duly announced is regularly held, at which friends in the congregation may
arrive at some idea of the efficiency of the school, and their presence would
be welcome and encouraging. The teachers desire gratefully to acknowledge the
readiness always manifested by the congregation to forward their efforts in
promoting the interests of the school in every way.
The week evening school for working lads still continues; 54 names are on
the book, with an average attendance of about 20.
BIBLE CLASSES
Bible Classes for young men and women are held weekly on Monday evenings,
at the Rev. G.S.Ingram's house; the attendance and interest displayed by their
members has been very satisfactory.
DORCAS AND MATERNAL SOCIETY
Several of the ladies of the congregation are united in this good work and
have already met with and supplied a good many demands on their efforts. Fresh
subscriptions of money, &c, or personal assistance will be gladly received
to this most useful department of christian usefulness. A shoe club is also
being organised.
- - -
With these few remarks your Committee resign their office into your hands;
their duties, which only appertain to the secular interests of the congregation
they have endeavoured to perform to the best of their ability, and they are
thankful for the co-operation they have received at all times.
While many things remain to be accomplished and improved, there is much to
be thankful for in our position and the progress that has been been made, and
let us hope that individual and united efforts will continue, that we may
advance in the true principles of christian association and usefulness, so that
our influence as a church may be apparent, and that we may be knit together in
love, making this part of the Master's Vineyard to abound in fruit to his honor
and glory, and bringing to us his present and eternal happiness.
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