Memorial Service at Birmingham

Feilding Star, Volume XVI, Issue 40, 13 August 1894, Page 2

Memorial Service at Birmingham

The Wesleyan Church at Birmingham was packed to the doors last evening when a memorial service was held out of respect to the memory of the lato Rev Wm. Stewart, who for many years past had taken a lively interest in church mattters in the Birmingham and Kiwitea districts. It had been the intention of the Rer T. R. Richards to preach a sermon on the life and work of the deceased gentleman, but unfortunately as Mr Richards was suffering from a severe attack of. influenza he had immediately to take to his bed on returning from the Birmingham cemetery, where al though feeling very unwell, he conducted the burial service over the remains of the late Mr Perry. It was a matter for disappointment for macy present that Mr Richards was unable to deliver his promised sermon, and many had travelled for some miles through mud and slush for the purpose of listening to what promised to be a most interesting address on the life and work of their late departed friendIn the absence of the Rev Mr Richi ards the service was conducted by Mr Q. Anyon and Mr Tolly, who expressed for Mr Richards his regret at being too unwell to take part in the | service. The service all through was of a very mournful and impressive nature. The rostrum, organ and doors had been draped in black, while some very pretty crosses and wreaths, com posed of blue and white violets, were displayed amongst the drapings. This was the work of the young ladies of the congregation. Appropriate hymns were aung during the service, viz.,. Nou 41, 42, 930, and 984 in the Wesleyan hymn books. A solo, "Good Night," was very feelingly sung by Mrs Kitchen, and the " Dead A j arch in Saul " was played by Miss Lowea (organ), Mr Fanthorpe (cornet), and the Messrs Barlow Bros, (piccolo and flute. The 23rd Psalm was read during the evening and the 3rd Chapter of Book of Revelations. Mr Anyon, in a short sermon, took his text from the 3rd chapter of the Book of Revelations, the 20th verse, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock." This, he stated, was the text taken by the late Rev. Mr Stewart on the occasion of the opening of their church, and no doubt many present could look back to that time and recall the words cf advice and encouragement by him. Mr Anyon referred to the many good works and kindly nature of their late pastor, and urged all present to lead such a life as he did. Mr Tolly referred to the sad events of the past few days, and thought they should all endeavor to learn a lesson from them. He also spoke with kindly feelings of the late Rev. Mr Stewart, and the christian-like life which he had led whilst amongst them. The service was brought to a close with prayer, after which a prayer meeting was held.