BISHOP JULIUS'S JUBILEE.

Press, Volume LI, Issue 15268, 3 May 1915, Page 3

BISHOP JULIUS'S JUBILEE.

PRESENTATION FROM THE

CLERGY

The twenty-fifth anniversary of the consecration of Bishop Julius wa&'celebrated with due solemnity on Saturday morning, when, in the presence- of a largo gathering of the clergy of the diocese- in the chancel of the Cathedral, his Lordship was tho recipient of a light Pastoral Stalf. The Yen. Archdeacon Cosset made tho presentation, and read tho following address: — To the Right Rev. Churchill, Lord Bishop of ChrLstehurch. Right. Reverend Father in God,, ; We. tho clergy oi' your diocese, de- ! side U> express to you our heartfelt ! congratulation on the twenty-filth anniversary of your consecration to the episcopate. "Wo do not. at this time, dwell upon your long and faithful administration of the diocese, mit we desire rather to assuro you of the personal regard in ; which you aro held by your ciergy, J who have experienced youi unfailing sympathy and readiness to guide and help them at all tinuss. As a tokon ol that regard vra ask you to accept this jsmall gift (a light Pastoral Staff) with I the wish that yon may long bo spared Jto continue, among us the ministration of your high office. Signed on behalf of the clergy of tho diocese: C W. Carrington. Dean of Christchurch. C. H. Cosset, Archdeacon of Christchurch. Harold C. Ensor, Archdeacon or Akaroa, J. A. Jacob, Archdeacon of Timaru and We.stland. 1010 The Feast of SS. Philip and •Tames. I Bishop Julius,'in acknowledging the gift, said that twenty-five years ago he came as a stranger from a strango land, and God knew with what fear and trembling ho entered , into the work. lie was called on to succeed ono whose name was hononred and revered throughout .New Zealand, under whoso wise and beneficent rule the diocoso had been built up. Ho came to rule amongst men older, far older, and wiser than himself. Ho was not a novice, having laboured for thirteen years in England, and for six in Australia —long enough to know something of tho difficulties which attached to the high office to which he was called. Thoso difficulties seemed the greater bocanso of the wonderful reception ho liad received that day twenty-five years ago. Conscious of his frailty ho knew that ho could never satisfy the expectations formed of him, and he knew that but by the grace of God, ho must utterly .fail. He knew that those expectations were justly disappointed; he could not hope to bo the man which they had thought him to be-, and as they had heard of him. But it would bo altogether. unworthy and unthankful if ho failed to recognise the grace of God given to him, by -which alone ho had-been able to do such service as he had rendered to tho Church in this diocese. ■By God's great mercy he had seen the diocese growing in strength, growing, as he believed, in spirituality of tone. Ho had found himself surrounded by faithful and loyal clergy. Not least'of all, ho had seen tho Cathedral hecome. through tho years, even more the centre of spiritual usefulness to the diocese. So he camo to the present-day. "Believe • mc," said his Lordship, "I -find it very hard to speak of myself, for anything that has .been/ done , those last'years has been doub. if under mr leadership., not by mc.. Surely no Bishop has.'.ever known more loyal service from his clergy, more faithful co-operation from his laity. Hundreds of men and women in this diocese have-given their heartiest and their best to the service of God's church, and I thankfully remember your services. . and theirs through which I have been able to cavry out the work God <ravn vie to do." Continuing, his 'Lordship thanked tho clergy of the diocese for their kindly and gracious gift. But few years could remain for'servicp. but he believed that they would not fail to trust their Bishop and recognise his DUrpose. He stood in hopefulness that God, who had helped him" in the darker days, would help him now to be a faithful and loyal Ilishop over them. Ho prayed God that-the Staff, the symbol of that office to which pod had called him, would ever remind him" to be a true and faithful showherd of souls kind and considerate., always thankful of his brother clergy."knowing, sis he ouscht to know, something of their difficulties, their discouragements, and-their sorrows. He prayed God to bless tho elprgy, smd make tit cm strong in t-ho faith'and service of God and his church. He knew not how much time remained- —the years went by. and he was-older than ho seemed to be. God knew ho would 'not stay a' day longer in. active service than his powers aud ahilitv allowed}' hut while he served, and while God gave him health nnd strength for his work, he prayed that he PMeut never fail to be a «ood, faithful Bishon anions them, their true friend and counsellor so far as God save him grace and knowledge, ever dwelling with thankful recognition of the mercies' that, have never failed, and the love and kindness which they. his brother*, had shown him after thi s long law of years. His Lordship then consecrated the Pastoral Staff." and the proceedings ended. Mrs Julius was amongst these present. ' Afterwards his Lordship met the cloi'T tor a few minutes* conversation, in the vest-rv.

AT THE CATHEDRAL

His Lordship Bislum Julius preached at tho Cathedral at the 11 o'clock service yesterday, and in the course ot his .sermon referred briefly to his twentyfive years' episcopate just completed, and the thoughts* which came to him on recalling the rears of his administration. He was iiow. as it were, commencing the last phase of his life and work amongst his people. He would take for his guidance the words of the prophet. "'God is my salvation," and would trust in Him.