BISHOP OF CHRISTCHURCH.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 12 April 1926, Page 10

BISHOP OF CHRISTCHURCH.

FIRST OFFICIAL VISIT TO TIMARU. A HEARTY WELCOME. His Lordship Bishop Yi'est-Wiitson, the newly-elected Bishop of Christchurch, paid his first official visit to Titnaru on Saturday, arriving hero by car from Christcbm cb. Yesterday the Eisliop visited Waimate, where lie. preached in St. Augustine's Church at 1 I a.m., and afterwards returned to Timaru. VISIT TO ORPHANAGE. Immediately upon his arrival at Timaru from Christchurch, His Lordship proceeded to St. Saviour’s O.plumage, where a garden party, in aid of tlie Orphanage funds, was in progress. At the Orphanage the Bishop was greeted by a guard of honour, formed by the boys, hearty cheers being given as be passed up the drive. A cordial welcome was also extended by the Rector (Rev. L. A. Knight), who expressed the jilcnsure ol all concerned at being afforded such an early opportunity of welcoming the Bishop to the Orphanage. In replying to the welcome, Tlis Lordship said that it gave him very great pleasure to be able to be present that afternoon. On the drive down from Christchurch be had thought what a pity it was that New Zealanders did not tell them in England more about their country, all they learnt being gathered from English people wiio visited New Zealand, and who practically in every ease had been very much impressed by that beautiful and very attractive country. On arrival in Christchurch, he had been particularly struck by the manner in- which the various homes were managed, and was pleased, upon the completion of bis tour, to' see such a splendidly equipped institution at I’imam. 'llie boys all looked extraordinarily fit, and it; was obvious that great care was taken of them. Those responsible would have the satisfaction of knowing that they were doing a great service, especially to the State, if the 80 boys under (heir care turned out to be good and useful citizens, and lie felt sure that in after life the buys would look back with great pleasure and gratitude upon the time lliey bad spent at Timaru. When he arrived in Christchurch lie bad a. family of five. At Christchurch, however, the number was added to by almost MO, and lie supposed lie would also have to include the SO boys whom be bad met for! the, • first time that afternoon. (Laughter). His Lordship concluded

bv thanking all present for the very hearty welcome extended to Jlrs AVestWatsou and to himself. AT ST. MARY’S.' St. Alary s Cimrcn was filled to overflowing last night, when the Bishop preached there, and the Ven. Archdeacon Julius read tlie.lessons. Shortly after six o’clock every seat in the. church was occupied, -and many people were unable to gam admittance. Included among those- present were ' people from various country districts, ! ami the fact that no services were hold last night iii the. suliiirbun Anglican 1 churches olpo-cl to - swell tlie total at ■ St. Alary’s. . , . , t In the course of -some introductory 1 remarks, Ills Lordship said it was a 2 great pleasure to him to be with them 2 mat night in that beuutitul church, B and to be greeted by so many people J of the diocese. He had learned much i concerning St. Aiarv’s trum letteis 'written by the late Archbishop 1 arper, j which he had l ead in England, but he

: had not realisin'!, the bounty or the j sacred edifice until he had seen it. Jt ' was a wonderful monument to the 1 faith, hope and courage of those Mho 1 had built it, and a striking indication Idf their determination; to erect a worthv house of God lor those who woukh follow them; it was a. bright i torch, -which would help to point the wav ' and act as an inspiration to succeeding generations. ■ ' Hasing Jits sermon on the words in ihc 20th chapter of St. John, verse 20:— lf And wlien He had so said, He showed them His hands and His side. Then Mere the disciples glad when they say the Lord.” The Bishop said he wanted to sav something about jtastei and all that‘it meant to them. His Lordship then went on to tell the story of the Resurrection and in simple and - direct terms . pointed the lesson which Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection had for them all. . ,1 s story of Christ’s body, broken, and his blood poured out for the M'orld should make a special appeal to them at this Easter period. Christ wanted theii friendship, their love: He knocked at the door and offered them forgiveness; and He wanted to sec their sins things of the past, so that they m*;lit go forward into a glorious luture u;ith Him 'faking example from Christ, they should love the good, the. true and the noble, and Christians, instead of presenting a gloomy picture, should set an example of joy and brightness and unselfishness in the . performance of the Master’s work; instead of fear, and coM-ardiee and meanness they all should so aim to live in unselfishness and Christ-like attributes that gloom

would disappear from life, and they should go forward in simple luith, bearing one another’s hurden, and .joyfully carrying out the great mission with which Christ had entrusted them. In the afternoon llis Lordship addressed a large assemblage of ehildre’n in St. Mary's. To-night. in the Bav Hall, a public 'welcome will be tendered the new Bishop.