New Britain herald., 1928-01-13

nificant in possibilities for increas- ed service to this community. as that which we took year ago.
 There are two changes in the church staff to report. After the re- grettable death in December 1926. of our tenor. Norris E. Hoglund. We secured in May to fill his place in the First Church quartet. Philip C. Magnuson. Following the resigna- ton of our former minister of reli- gious education, Rev. Warren M. Blodgett, we were fortunate in bring ing back to New Britain and First church our old friend and mission ary. Rev. Alfred Dixon Heininger. Certainly China's loss was New Brit aims gain, and MT. Heininger is making his influence felt all through this church and community in the department committed to his charge.
 We are all aware that figures and statistics can never form an accurate measure of the spiritual progress Of any church or body of Christians. The following facts, therefore. are submitted not as thermometer reading" but merely to satisfy the statistically curious:
 Church services held in 1927 64 Average attendance Sunday
 mornings) ............... S72 Sermons and addresses by the 1 pastor ......... ....'... 1-f Calls made by the pastor ... 74S (January l to December 31, 192O 1 It may be of particular interest here to list certain further land marks of progress along the way that we have come in the past year. Our special series of Lenten discus soins of modern religious books was very well attended, as was also the union series of midWeek services in November. led by Prof. Julius seelye Bixler of Smith college upon 'The Living Religions of the World" In this last series, the South, Stanley Memorial and Berlin churches all co-operated. The total attendance at our Union Holy Week noon day and Maunday Thursday services was 1135. Further signs of growth in or ganization ,are seen in the comple- ton this year of a confidential card catalogue of all First church mem- bers prepared during the summer months for the use of the ministers; likewise, in the setting up of a sec ond young peoples group, known as the "P'eng Yu club;" in the training and vesting of junior choir of 40 | boys and girls from the Sunday church school; in the formation of a new and increased board of ush- CTS; in the record for church benevo- fences last year, and better still in the business like handling of our every member canvass. which has resulted not only in an increase of the number of subscribers but the asurance that We can and will meet our budget for 1928.
 The foregoing record could never have been made, of course, unless there had been marked unanimity and loyalty, as well as generosity and responsiveness to duty, all along the line and from sides in our membership. Pease be assured that your pastor and every member of the First church staff, including your missionaries in the field, and your soloists and organists in the choir gallery appreciate most sincerely the splendid support, which you, the people of the church. have been giv- ing them. We have set our faces resolutely toward the future. how ever. and would not finger longer here on the doorstep of 1928. Thank God for all the blessings and lessons and fellowship of 1927, and pray God 10 make us more worthy and more ready for the duties and op- portunities for larger Christian service in 1928.
 Respectfully submitted,
 Theodore Ainsworth Greene, Pastor. Clerks Report
 ! The total membership of this church on Junary 1, 1927 was 1344, of whom 552 were males and 792 females. During the year there have been added, on confession of faith | 49, by letter 10, making the total number received during the year, 59. There have been removed, by letter 13, by request 5, by revision 1 of roll 16, by death 8, making the { total number removed during the year AZ. The total membership on ! December S1, 1927 was 1861. of whom 5C1 were males and 500 fe- males.
 Two @ persons joined by way side covenant.
 The total number of baptisms was fl. of whom seven were adults and 34 infants.
 Fourteen members of the church were married during the year.
 On Children's Sunday, June 19. 1927, 2S children received Bibles from the church.
 Respectfully submitted,
 William C. Hungerford,
 Church Clerk.
 Report Of Be1,evolenccs.
 Total expended ..... s11,14S.55
 Total receipts .... 7,5SS.99
 Disbursements .... 7,5SS.99
 Respectfully submitted. Samuel McCutcheon,
 Treasurer.
 Armenian Department
 Sunday preaching services and Bible class for women have continu- ed throughout the year with the ex- ception of the summer months in which the minister was absent from the country. This years average a:- tendance has been above that of the ! previous years. Several persons who