THE LATE COLONEL STAPP.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXII, Issue 191, 13 August 1900, Page 2

THE LATE COLONEL STAPP.

MEMORIAL SERVICE AT ST. MARY'S.' There was a peculiar appropriateness in the service which was held on Sunday morning at St. Mary's Church, in memory of the late Colonel Stapp, and* this was fully recognised by the ver) large congregation who were present. Naturally, it partook, of a military character, and was attended by Volunteers, Guards, and Cadets, who mustered in good force, and added impres-; siveness to the occasion. Headed by! the City Band playing processional hymns, the battalion marched from headquarters shortly after 10.30, Lieutenants Cock and Holmes carrying the "Colours." On arrival at the church, they took their assigned places, and the sacred edifice was quickly filled. Archdeacon Govett read the first portion of the service, the special psalm being the 31st. The hymns specially chosen were:—"Who are these like stars appearing?" "The Saints of God! their conflict past," and "Now the labourer's task is over." The Rev. F. G. Evans, in his brief and feeling address, said that St. John the Divine, whilst living on the Isle of Patmos, saw many marvellous visions, and heard many wonderful words. Amongst those which he heard were : —" Blessed are they which die in the Lord, lor they rest from their labours." In the primitive Church, said the Vicar, there had existed beautiful custom of holding services in remembrance of the departed, the obj dct being to encourage gosdly lives and to encourage one another by the example of the dead. The custom had been discontinued, but, he was glad to say, that during the last few years it had been revived with a beneficial result, and accordingly they were met together that day to honour the momoiy of Colonel Stapp and draw what lessons they could from his life, and ho thought that some of the young people present, as well as some of their elders, Ijinight well take to heart some of the chief points in such a life. Colonel Stapp had been a familiar figure among them for many years, and the young had grown up to love him. It was sad to miss such familiar figures one alter another, and it showed that there was a need for inspiring the young to fill the places made void by the passing away of the older generation. The leading characteristic of Qolonel Stapp was discipline. He was a thorough disciplinarian, without being harsh. This was exemplified by an incident in his illness which the Vicar related. The greatest want of the present time was, slid Mr. Evans, discipline. The volunteer movement was doing much to encourage this. Obedience to social law, to church law and to moral law should become part.of the national life, and this subservence to the lower forms of law would help to bring about obedience to the higher laws of God. "If in nothing else, then, let us .learn this lesson of obedience from the good life which- has passed away." Another characteristic was his loyalty to friends. Such loyalty was scarce and mostly lasted only so long as we pleased our friends or they pleased us, but the late colonel would never believe any evil of a man without inquiry. The greatest need in life was a real loving friend on whom we could rely in times of trouble. A lesson could be learnt from Colonel Stapp's example in this respect. He was also a regular attendant at church, and as an evidence of his love for the church he had left a small sum to it, There were, said the preacher, doubtless many present who did not belong to that church, but he impressed on all the necessity of being regular attendants at whatever church they belonged to and thus follow the good example of Colonel Stapp. He was a man of the deepest sympathy for others, never intentionally wounding anyone. Tlioughfcf ulness for others was part of the finest fibre in our beings, and was the hall mark of a high soul. Summed up in a single sentence, Colonel Stipp was a, sincere, follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. "Looking back o,n such a life, shall we not learn to follow iu his footsteps? No noble life is ever lost amidst the storms of this vide world. No noble action is ever thrown away. These grand lives go on; there is no finality in human life, it passes to a higher sphere. As wo join in song hers, in this church, he will join with us hereafter in the song of Moses and the Lamb."

Inuring the offertory a very appropriate anthem was sung, and after tho' benediction the City Band played the " Dead March in Saul'" It may safely be said that never has that magnificent production been rendered in New Plymouth in a more feeling and accentuated manner. From tho soft opening JtJWdf tiw first* b w to the soul-

stimnjf burst of triumphant melody at j the close phrasing was excellent, and it was evident that the hearts of the men were thoroughly engrossed in the execution of the grand masterpiece. On all sides was heard sincere praise and admiration. It was a woithy/jfiafe to one of the most earnest and impressive services that has taken placo in the pari»h church. After leaving the church the military contingent, headed by the Bind, marched back to the Drill Hall, where they were dismissed.