LATE MRS J. DAVIE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 19 October 1939, Page 6

LATE MRS J. DAVIE

STRIKING TRIBUTE AT FUNERAL. ADDRESS BY MODERATOR. A striking tribute to the esteem in which the late Mrs J. Davie was held was paid at her funeral, which took place in -Masterton yesterday. The attendance was representative of every section of the community. Prior to the service in Knox Church, the Wairarapa Presbytery met and passed a resolution expressing the deepest condolence with the Rev John Davie and family. The Presbytery then adjourned to the church and sat as a body as a tribute of respect. The Moderator of the Wairarapa, the-Rev A. A. Armstrong, conducted the service. Suitable hymns were sung, prayers of consolation offered and Scriptures portraying faith and hope were read. The address was given by the Moderator, Mr Armstrong. Stating that he had been appointed by the Presbytery to speak on behalf of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand Mr Armstrong proceeded Io give a quotation from one of their leading poets: — And who can so forecast the years, To find in loss a gain to match Or stretch a hand to time to catch The far-off interest of tears. This great question, said Mr Armstrong, was fully answered by the Christian revelation and those who had the faith through all ages had certified to the reality in experience of that solution of the dark problems of life which Christianity gave to mankind. Records of Holy Writ had in the biography of those in preceding times of great public and personal distress, danger and darkness put to the proof the great principles and promises of the Christian faith. Mi- Armsrtong quoted illustrations from John, Peter and Paul, who found in their experience, that, face to face even with death, they could cry: "Thanks be unto God, who giveth us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” The church in these days still offered that Gospel .the substance and security which alone was able to lift up the heart in the day of its greatest need and keep one from being a victim of the changing circumstances of life. In the case of the deceased, Frances Alice Davie, one had an example of this faith again proving its ability lo sustain, comfort and give a victory over death. The late Mrs Davie was for 17 years in the parish and had been in the congregation as a leader and an example and co-worker, especially with the women of the church, who had learnt to love her very dearly for her own and her work’s sake. In the more intimate life of her home she had been a lovingwife and devoted mother and her family was left to cherish memories Niat were lo be a blessed inspiration and comfort in‘ the days to come. The presence of so large a congregation of varied interests church and commun-ity-wide. was an indication to the bereaved of their esteem and sympathy and of the sense of loss sustained by the passing of the deceased. Consolation was found in the fact that having endured with great fortitude her long sufferings she had now entered on her rest.

The singing of a hymn and the pronouncing of the Benediction concluded the service. The Presbytery assembled and led the cortege to the cemetery where a brief committal service was conducted by Mr Armstrong. There was a very largo gathering of relatives and friends. Amongst the mourners present wore Dr P. Davie (brother) and Messrs P. and A. Davie (sons of the Rev J. Davie). The following organisations sent wreaths: —Knox Church. In termed iate Girls' Bible Class, Knox Young Men's Bible Class, Knox Church Choir. Knox Church Young Women's Bible Classes, Knox Ladies' Guild. Knox P. W. M. U. and G. A.. The Wairarapa P. A., Eketahuna Presbyterian Church, St Matthews. Board of Governors, Solway College Staff of Solway College, girls of Solway College. Solway College Old Girls' Association. Stall of Central School St Andrew’s Society. League of Mothers. There were over a hundred wreaths from individual sympathisers'. The pall-bearers were Messrs D. M. Douglas G. D. Wilson and T. F. Watson (representing the Session!. A. D. Low and A. M. Henderson (Managers’ Coourt). and G. Allen (relative).