MEMORIAL SERVICE.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume VII, Issue 2170, 14 December 1885, Page 2

MEMORIAL SERVICE.

The Rev. J. N. Buttle preached a memorial service last evening in the Wesleyan Church. The building was crowded, a large number of those assembled being relatives of the deceased lady. The rostrum was draped in black, and most of the congregation were in mourning. The Rev. Mr Buttle chose for his text the 14th chapter of Revelations, 13th verse, and tookthe opjjortauity of the large gathering on the solemn occasion to earnestly place before them the necessity of leading a Christian life There was scarcely a dry eye during the impressive service. The following is an' extract of what was read by the Rev. Mr Buttle respecting the late Mrs Williams:— " Fanny Jane Dixon was born at Masterton on 21st August, 1858. In early life she soon showed those traits which won for her the friendship and affection of all with whom she was connected. As a daughter she was amiable and kind to a degree, and as a sister she was beloved. In the days of early settlement in t.his district her father's homo was a centre of that hospitality which was a marked feature in colonial life at that time. Visitors of all ranks found their way thither, and with these Fanny was a great favorite, her winning ways and kindly consideration for the wants of others gave to the settler's home an attraction it was hard to resist. From the time of her marriage to Mr Joseph Williams up to her death, she strove to supply the place of a true wife and faithful mother, .In these positions she was everything a man could wish for. Careful and thrifty in the home, it was hev constant anxiety to help her partner in life. As her family grew up around her, the same kindly solicitude was shown for the welfare of those dependant upon her as had been manifested in her previous life. This was perhaps the leading feature in hev character, and was maintained right up to the time of her death. From her earliest years she took a warm interest in the prosperity of the Wesleyan Church. At the age of sixteen her religious life and character became more decided. At this time she entered upon the work of a Sabbath School teacher. This called forth all the enthusiasm of her earnest and affectionate nature. It was her delight to do the Master's will in this department of Christian service. The result was, her scholars became greatly attached to her. Friendships then formed have lasted the test of years, and will be renewed in eternity. In lateryears, other departments of church work found her a cordial supporter and diligent helper. Bazaars, sewing meetings, and other social gatherings, were always seized as opportunities of usefulness and selfsacrifice

Thus ended the earthly life of one who was dutiful as a child, loved as a sister, cherished with sacred memory as wife and' mother, and true in" all the friendships of life. As a Christian she was earnest and diligent, and a spirit of selfsacrifice, which is born only of close communion with Christ, was hers in a large degree. It would not be true for us to say that during her life there were no defects—no blemishes—nothing to marTo say that would be to remove our departed friend from the human to the divine, but this we do say that we glorify the grace of God as shown in her, and which made the excellencies of her character and disposition so bright and prominent as to cause the defects to be hard to discern,"