MRS ELMSLIE

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21732, 14 March 1936, Page 3

MRS ELMSLIE

AN APPRECIATION All who knew and loved Mrs Elmslie will ever associate with her memory a very tender graciousness, which was perhaps the keynote of her character. With it. however, she had dignity, which comes from self-forgetful-ness, and poise, which follows only from rigid self-control and verity of purpose. This serenity was purchased at a high price and seemed only to be hers in full measure after she had I experienced the sorrow and loneliness which encompassed her at the death of her husband. She emerged from this great grief stronger and more serene than ever. Her self-control, however, w&ils. partly the result of a life of self-discipline, must also have been produced by such a vivid sense of the reality of the spiritual world about her, that all things in her life fell into their true proportion. She had in her a reserve of quiet strength whichcame from hercommuning with the unseen, and material happenings had no power to disturb, alarm or harass her. Death was an incident which could have no real terrors. "No dear," she once said to a child who wanted her to go outside for greater safety in an earthquake, "we are in God's hands inside, just as much as outside." She refused also, when in London during air raids, to yield to panic and seek the dubious safety of the cellars. She stayed where she was.and others in the house, inspired by her calmness, gathered round her and shared her courage. A false impression of Mrs Elmslie would be given, if it were suggested that this other-worldliness rendered her in any way aloof. Every claim upon her was met with the ready graciousness, which was hers in all circumstances. Her church work at St. Paul's exemplifies this to the full. Before her marriage and then through long years of close co-operation with Dr. Elmslie, she was always busy with Sunday school and Bible class, looking out for opportunities of helping her young folk, getting to know them through picnics, teas or evenings spent together. And although she did not talk to them very much about her religion, her influence was deeply felt among them. "If influence is to be effective." she once said, "it must be unconscious." And the same idea was expressed about her own character,, when, on the eve of her departure to England after Dr. Elmslie's death, a speaker said "Mrs Elmslie will never know how great her influence here has been." Besides her work among the young people, Mrs Elmslie also threw her- 1 self with great vigour into all tho work of the Ladies' Association. She characteristically refused to become president, but was always there to do her part, and anything she undertook was carried through with thoroughness. "The women's meetings were gatherings of happy friends," is the verdict of one who used to attend them, and the quiet presence of Mrs Elmslie was largely responsible for this comradeship. The congregation, too, had a character of its own; it was like a family, at the centre of which were Dr. and Mrs Elmslie radiating affection and receiving it back in full measure. So we picture her in the little kindnesses of daily life, whether entertaining guests at the manse, or in later years inviting her younger friends '.'to pick as many cherries as you like" from the garden at Inveresk. And always we see the same thoughtful selfless consideration for others. Her life was like a perfect sermon preached without the need for words. She was quick, too, to see the humour of things and, a very shrewd judge of character, she had the gift of laughing kindly at the. weaknesses of others whom she admired all the same. She was just as ready to laugh at her own little failings and forgetfulnesses, and so passed the most searching test of all, which proves or disproves the possession of a true sense of humour. Though in no way possessive in her affections, Mrs Elmslie was wrapped up in the doings of her family, and the self-sacrifice and loyalty of a lifetime were rewarded during those years which she sometimes regarded as the happiest of her life, when in quiet retirement she was able to enjoy her leisure. Surrounded by affection in her home on the hill, taking pleasure in its simple joys of the garden and the view, she waited until "the shades lengthened, the busy world was hushed, the fever of life was over, and the work was done." S.G.Y.

MALE VOICE CHOIR GARDEN FETE Arrangements are well in hand for the garden party and fete to be held on Saturday, March 21, in the beautiful garden at Mr Keith Hadfield's residence. Banks avenue, Shirley, very kindly lent for the occasion. Not only have -the services of the Woolston Band been secured, but an unusual treat will be provided for both children and their elders in the "Punch and Judy" pantomime; There will also be afternoon tea. fancy dress competition for children, and various games and competitions, and stalls for the sale of cakes, sweets, and produce. Somewhere there is someone who has something you need, or needs something you have. Read and use "The Press" Classified Want Advertisements—l2 words Is, 3 insertions 2s fid, -fi