TRIBUTES PAID TO MINISTER

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25274, 28 August 1947, Page 3

TRIBUTES PAID TO MINISTER

FUNERAL OF REV. T. W. ARMOUR Hundreds of Christchurch citizens gathered at Knox Church Yesterday to pay their respects to the memory of the Rev. T. W. Armour. An impressive service was held in which leaders of the churches paid high tribute to Mr Armour’s work in the Church and community. The Rev. Donald F. minister of Knox Church, conducted the service, the Primate of New Zealand, Archbishop West-Watson, read the lessons and led in prayer, and the Moderator of the Christchurch Presbytery, the Rev. D. D. MacLachlan, gave an address. “The loss the Church at large has sustained is very real indeed,” said Mr MacLachlan. “Had Mr Armour been engaged in the political or economic sphere he would have been equally distinguished. Beyond all. bis work in the Church I believe he contributed greatly to the wider sphere of the Church’s work and influence in the community. One might dwell on his massive brain, his wise counsel, his theological depth, his realistic view of life; but it is probably by his work on the Presbyterian maintenance of the ministry committee that he will be specially remembered. He guided this committee to ensure that the ministry of the Church should be of such a calibre as to give real and vital leadership under God to men. Many things in which he counselled us will remain, so that ‘he being dead yet speaketh.’ ” The procession was led by the pipe band of St. Andrew’s College, which played laments. The service at the graveside was conducted by the Rev. J. W. Office-bearers of Knox Church acted as pall-bearers at the church, and ministers of the Christchurch Presbytery acted at the graveside. Wreaths were received from many individuals and organisations.