ST. MARY’S CHURCH, GERALDINE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1988, 31 December 1889, Page 2

ST. MARY’S CHURCH, GERALDINE.

His Lordship the Bishop of Chriatchureh paid his farewell visit' to the pariah of Geraldine, before retiring from his position as Bishop of the Diocese, on Sunday last, and conducted a confirmation service in the morning at St. Mary’s. The church was packed to its utmost limit. A double- row of seats placed down the aisle were filled, as were also seats placed behind the choir, and even the choir seats- were invaded, while the porch was crowded by a number of people, who stood throughout the service. Some who came a little late could not get near the doer, and had to go away disappointed, AR°g et ber there must have been very nearly 500 people present. A beautiful cross of blue and white Canterbury bells and koromiko, on a ground of oak leaves, was placed upon the altar ; also two bunches of Canterbury bells. Thera were no less than 65 candidates for confirmation, 24 being young men, and the balance young women. The latter were mostly dressed in white, with white veils or bead dresses. After the singing of a hymn the .Bishop addressed the candidates, pointing out to them very clearly the purpose and end of the Confirmation service. He referred them to their own past experience to prove to them their utter weakness and inability to keep their vows and good resolutions, and then reminded them that they might, if they sought it obtain help and strength from the very highest source, They might have that help continually by prayerfully seeking it, but without it it would be utterly impossible for them to withstand temptation and serve God aright. The whole service was one act of prayer to Ged for His Holy Spirit, and they might be sure God was willing to give to each one of them that promised gift if they but sought it earnestly. 'The usual questions ware than asked of the candidates, which each one answered in the affirmative, after which they were confirmed. At the cenolusion of the service prayer was offered by hia Lordship. The candidates ware again addresssd very earnestly by the Bishop, who spoke for some little time in a most impressive manner., The service being over, the Ray. Jas. Preston, Incumbent at Geraldine, with the Churchwardens, and the whole of the Vestrymen in the parish, came forward and presented His Lordship with an address, beautifully illuminated by Mr G. W. Wade, of Titaaru, reference to which was made in these columns a few days ago. The Rev. Mr Preston read the address, which was as follows: “ Presented this 29fch day of December, in the year of our Lord 1889. “To the Most Rev. Father in God, Hbnby John Ohittt, D.D., by Divine Providence Bishop of Christchurch. “ May it Please Your Lordship,—We, the incumbent and the vestry of the parish of Geraldine, on behalf of the parishioners and many friends of your lordship of other denominations residing in this parish, desire to express our deep and sincere regret that this is your last official visit to us as bishop of this diooeso. We cannot express our feelings as we would in this short address, but we beg to assure your lordship of the deep love and respect that we, individually and as a body, feel for you. Wo fully realise bow much the Church in this diocese—and, indeed, in the colony generally—owes to your and your lordship may rest assured that in this portion of your diocese you will ever be remembered with feelings of affection and gratitude. In conclusion) we humbly pray to Almighty God that He will of His infinite mercy grant tnat during the remainder of your life yon may enjoy that rest which hat been to nobly earned.

“ Incumbent—- “ Jambs Pbbsion. “ Churchwardens—- “ Eobbbt Fish “ Hbney W. Moors. “ Vestrymen—"Wh. Upton Slack “John Kblland “A. B. Hawkins “Will. Willoughby "Aubed Whixb “ Walter M. Moobe “ James W. Pyb “ T. Shbbbatt “B. P, Baetbum “ John Pizzby.” His Lordship, in replying, said he hoped they would excuse him from saying many words, in fact he was not able to find words to express his thankfulness to them for their kindly act io presenting him with the address, so remarkable for its artistic excellence, os well os for the kindly manner, in which I they had expressed themselves towards him. It was difficult for him to fhd words to express In's feelings upon the subject, but they might be assured he did not part with them, or from the diocese, without some regret, and yet with some hope and good expectation that his leaving the office he was about to vacate would be for the benefit of the diocese and the church. He had coma to a time of life when he was not equal to all the duties the office demanded. It required a parson in full physical and mental strength, with good sound health, to be able to carry out all the duties of the office. It had pleased God he. should land in these islands 33 years age on Christmas Eve, aod they were aware that although his centre of work had been Christchurch, yet be had been able, through God’s help, aod the health and strength which God had given him, to visit very nearly every part of the diocese from time to time, and so make himself acquainted with the parishes outside of Christchurch. He was thankful for the health which God had given him, but there came a time to all when they needed rest, and to give themselves more, perhaps not to the active works, bat to those other works which were good not only for their own spiritual benefit, but also for the benefit of others. Tiny might be assured that although he might not be among them us their bishop, and not able to visit them in any official capacity, yet he would never lose sight of them. He requested an interest in their prayers, and assured them (hat during the time God might still vouchsafe to him, which would in all probability be short, he would

remember them in his prayers, both individually and collectively,' those he had baptised, those he had confirmed, those he hud married, those with whom in any way V he had been in friendly intercourse apart from his office. His prayers wou'd ha for them all, and ha thought he might ask of them, and ask it boldly, because of the - k*nd expressions they had used towards him, that they would remember him in their prayers. He needed their prayers as others might need his, and it was a duty they owed to each to pray for, and to help one another. He hoped that those who had been present that day, those upon whom he had laid bis hands, those who had heard him speak, wonld her him in their prayers, as he hoped he • would also remember them in his; - In conclusion he would add another blessing to the one already given: “May the God of all Peace and Joy, which brought again the Lord Jesus Christ, that Good Shepherd of the Sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well pleasing in Hia sight, through Jems Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” The large congregation then dispersed.