MEMORIAL SERVICE.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXX, Issue 5440, 26 June 1929, Page 2

MEMORIAL SERVICE.

THE LATE GENERAL BOOTH. PAEROA’S TRIBUTE. Some interest was created in the main street on Sunday evening when, following the timely clearance of the showery weather, the Salvation Army, headed by its band reinforced for the occasion, paraded at a slow march to the strains of “Jerusalem, •my glorious home.”

At the largely attended open-air service at the Post Office triangle the band rendered the funeral dirge, “Garland of Flowers.”

Following the usual service, the memorial service commenced shortly after 8.15 p.m., His Worship the Mayor, Mr W. Marshall, and the Revs. Lowden and Bateup occupying positions on the platform. Special sheets were used, and upon these appeared a photograph of the late General Bramwell Booth, the special hymns, and a brief epitome of the late General’s career.

The pulpit and platform were decorated with drapings of white and mauve. In the centre was a portrait of the late General, painted by Bandsman W. Malcolm, and below it an engraved inscription : (“General William Bramwell Booth, Promoted to Glory, June 16, 1929,” surmounting a Cross and a Crown.

The Rev. Lowden, in prayer, remembered the relatives of the great, outstanding character, and said their grief, perhaps, would be deepened by recent saH events. Not only were the General’s blood relatives in sorrow that night, but in every part of the world there would be aching hearts bedpuse this man had the power to make other men love him and esteem him highly. He commended to God the Salvation Army in all its far-flung branches.

The Rev. Bateup stressed the fact that the late Bramwell Booth was a great benefactor, not by any means only to the Salvation Army, but also to the whole wide world. He was proud to be able to pay his tribute to one of the world’s great men. At this juncture the gathering stood whilst the poignant strains of the Dead March came as the musical tribute of the bandsmen in honour of their late beloved leader.

Envoy Hewson, bandmaster, gave an inspiring, address on the life and character of the late General. Perhaps the most touching note w;as struck when the bandmaster said : “Even when Bramwell Booth was being overwhelmed by the sad circumstances that were clouding his closing days he was unselfish there—he thought of us and he loved us. ■ To us he sent out this message : ‘Don’t stop! Keep on proclaiming the message of salvation at the street corners !’ And now he has laid down the Sword to take up the Crown.” # A most inspiring service was concluded by the singing of the hymn, “Servant of God, well done !” The Funeral. The late General Booth was committed to the tomb on Monday, the grave itself being lined with pink and white sweet peas. Full Salvation Army honours were accorded, and twenty-five bands of over 600 bandsmen participated. The General’s own daughter, Commissioner Catherine Booth, conducted the committal service. The late General’s devoted wife refused to ride to the cemetery and walked the five miles, along with a sorrowing multitude of people who formed a procession a mile and a-half long.