NEW BISHOP

Hokitika Guardian, 3 December 1932, Page 6

NEW BISHOP

LAST DAY IN LONDON

SERVICE AT LAMBETH PALACE

LONDON, October 28,

The hist clay in London of the Rev. Walter Hubert Baddeley, M.A., D.S.O. Bishop-elect of Melanesia, was marked by ap impressive service in the beautiful’chapel of Lambeth Palace. Every seat was occupied by well-wishers and supporters the Mission when the Archbishop of Canterbury entered, followed by other Bishops and clergy.

Seated in front of the altar with the Bishop-elect kneeling before him, the Archbishop began the service with the words: “Brethren, we are gathered here to commend to the favour and protection of Almighty God this, His servant, called to serve the Church and people of Melanesia.” After special prayers for the Bishopelect, the Archbishop celebrated the Holy Communion. An address was then given by the Bishop of Whitby. This he based on the words found in verse 14 of Psalm 71: “I will go forth in the strength of the Lord God.” In the course of his address, he said that his personal knowledge of Walter Baddeleyi over a period of years, and the knowledge of others was such as to fill them with confidence in the choice of Bishop that had been made for Melanesia. Those who bad watched him/and had seen something of his work knew that in each task lie had undertaken he had made good. He had proved himself a real leader and the right kind of leader, because his leadership had been inspired by courage and by ia real spirit of adventure, coupled with strength, faith, and real love of humanity, and lightened by a very charming wit and humour. He went forth as the representative of the great Catholic Church of Christchurch. The Anglican Church was no. longer the Church cf the Empire, or the Church cf the British people; it was a great world-wide Church) of Christ. Therefore they were bound to do tlieir utmost here at Home by prayer, by the giving of alms, and by personal influence to supply him with manpower and means to carry on the work he would be doing in Christ’s name on their'behalf.

After the service, Mr Baddeley took Lave personally of each member of the congregation, and received the'r good wishes for his journey and for the progress of the work in Melanesia.