A SPIRITUAL LEADER

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21906, 6 October 1936, Page 10

A SPIRITUAL LEADER

CANON C. E. PERRY HONOURED

FAREWELL GATHERING OF PARISHIONERS

After completing a ministry of 20 years in the parish of St. Michael’s Canon C. E. Perry has resigned his charge in order to live in retirement in Australia. To mark the occasion, there was a large gathering of parishioners and friends in St. Michael’s Hall last night, at which a presentation was made to Canon and Mrs Perry and family. The vicar’s warden, Mr S. R. Cuming, presided. Bishop West-Watson said it was with a considerable feeling of sadness that he rose to say farewell to Canon Perry and his family. Canon Perry had taken a leading and distinguished part in the church life of the community, and he had also, in recent years, been a warden of the Community of the Sacred Name, and a member of the Cathedral Chapter. His spirit of friendliness, kindness, and broad tolerance had also won him the esteem and affection of all. He would carry away the love and goodwill of all those associated with the diocese in Christchurch.

Speaking on behalf of the diocesan clergy, the Rev, F. N. Taylor said that for 20 years he had in Canon Perry a very good neighbour and a very good friend. The body of the clergy as a whole had the greatest regard for Canon Perry, who, despite his strong convictions, had the greatest tolerance for the views of others. In any contentious discussions Canon Perry had given a marvellous example of Christian tolerance and fortitude.

The Rev. Stanley Hinson expressed his good wishes for Canon Perry, and the high regard in which he was held by the people of St. Michael’s. He congratulated Canon Perry on following the example of St. Paul and teaching the whole of the Christian faith — the full Catholic teachings of the church. The history of the church over the last 100 years or so disclosed that the path had not always been easy for those holding the advanced views of Canon Perry. Before he came to New Zealand he had experienced, at times, considerable opposition, but happily in Christchurch he had not encountered so many difficulties. The speaker congratulated the people of the diocese on having had Canon Perry to guide their spiritual destinies and to teach them about all the privileges and duties of the Catholic Church. “Won Esteem of Ail” The chancellor of the diocese, Mr H. D. Andrews, expressed the regret of the laity at the impending departure of Canon Perry and his family. Speaking of Canon Perry’s great sincerity of purpose, Mr Andrews said that, whether some of the laity agreed or did not agree with all the external part of his churchmanship, he had won the esteem of all, and earned for himself a place in the diocese which would be harcj. to fill. The people’s warden, Mr H. W. D. Blake, spoke of Canon Perry’s long association with St. Michael’s. On behalf of the parishioners, he expressed to Canon Perry their gratitude for his spiritual leadership. Theirs had been the privilege of listening to one of the best preachers in the Dominion. There would be many people who would be sad at the breaking of ties between Canon Perry and themselves. Dean J. A. Julius said that ever since he had been in Christchurch Canon Perry had associated himself with the clergy of Christchurch in every possible way. As one who had come from the same school as Canon Perry, the speaker said his colleague had been a stalwart upholder of the cause he had so much at heart.

Miss E. J. M. Cardale spoke On behalf of the women of the diocese, and paid a high tribute to the *work of Canon Perry and Mrs Perry, who had been a devoted mother and a true help-mate. Capon Perry had been the very essence of kindness and gentleness.

Professor F. G. Sinclaire also spoke associating himself very heartily with the remarks of the previous speakers. On behalf of the congregation and other well-wishers, the chairman made a presentation to Canon and Mrs Perry and family. Canon Perry’s Gratitude

No man could fail to be moved by such an assembly of his friends, said Canon Perry in his reply. He spoke his deep sense of gratitude, particularly to the Bishop of Christchurch. “I have,” he said, “admired the peace and harmony which invaded your diocese when you undertook the benign administration of its affairs.” Canon Perry spoke of the many valiant workers of St. Michael’s, and, as a priest might love his people, he felt for all a very deep affection. He bespoke their loyalty for Canon Williams, who had so kindly undertaken the charge of the parish for the time being, and he appealed to them to be steadfast In their love for the Blessed Sacrament, in which lay their strength and spiritual power. During the evening a programme of vocal and instrumental items was contributed by Dr. T. L. Crooke, Mr N. K. Burtt, and Miss Lily Robertson.