A BELOVED BISHOP

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 149, 23 March 1928, Page 18

A BELOVED BISHOP

FAREWELL TO DR. AND MRS. ABRAHAM

REGRET OF TWO COUNTIES ( The farewell .which was accorded to Dr. C. T. Abraham, Suffragan Bis Lop of Derby, and Mrs. Abraham, in the Victoria Bali, Derby, on January 1-1, has more than passing interest for the people of New Zealand, and particularly Wellington residents, as Dr. Abraham was the only son of the hist Bishop of Wellington, Bishop C. J. Abraham. “No man has ever ietired amidst greater showers of heartfelt gratitude and more sincere expressions of appreciation than does Bishop Abraham,,, states the “Derbyshire Advertiser., “Touching references to his eighteen years of labour as Suffragan Bishop of Derby were made, when .presentations wore made to, the Bishop and Mrs. Abraham in the Victoria Hall, Derby. “Although every available seat was occupied some 21)0 apologies for absence were received, including the Bishop or Derby (Dr. E. C. Pearce), the Bishop, oi Southwell (Dr. Heywood), ami the Duke of Portland (Lord Lieutenant of Notts). The Duko of Devonshire, who presided, said that they deeply regretted that Bishop Abraham was leaving them, ami the long connection between the Bishop and his family and the County of Derby had come to a conclusion. They were • grateful to him for all the work he had done amongst them, and although he would no. longer take an active P ar ,L be would not bo living so far away, they trusted that he would frequently be visiting them, and ho would always receive a warm and. heartfelt welcome fiotn his many friends throughout the diocese. Ho had been helpful to everyone througnout the diocese, and people of all denominations and class, and the Duke hoped he would have many happy memories of his time in Derbyshire, and trusted that he would long be spared and have strength to continue and work in Cheshire as he had done m Derbyshire. Although ho had retired from nominally active work, his vigour and encouragement would still bo helpful. The Duke adtlcd that a portrait of the Bisßop was near completion, and was to be given to Mrs. Abrahaip. but as it was not quite completed he handed her a letter saying that some of the money subscribed had been reserved to cover the cost of the portrait. Mrs. Abraham was deeply touched at the reference to herself and her bushand. “What cun 1 say to thank you, except a very great thank you. a golden thank you for all the kindness you have shown us.” It was the crown on what they had been going through all the years they had been amongst them. She said they had always been received with wonderful understanding and love. The pastel portrait of the Bishop was by Professor Wm. Kothenstein, Hon. AiB.C'.A., and the Royal College of Art, South Kensington. The album was of vellum thorougout, in. morocco case,_with the Bishop’s initials under a mitre on the case. The cover of tho book was inscribed with tho Bishop’s episcopal arms, and read: “A message of friendship to one whom we revere.” The arms of the Seo of Derby were inscribed on the first page, the arms of the Seo of Southwell ou. the second, and followed by sketches of Lichfield Cathedral, Bakewell Church, and Repton Cross and Archway. It was dated Christmas, 192:, and the address was as follows:— To the Right Rev. Bishop Charles Thomas Abraham—“To many of us the fact, that tho establishment of the new Diocese of Derby would probably mean tho cessation of your work in Derbyshire has been for a Jong time a cause of sorrowful anticipation. Now that Uns severance is about to take place, what can wo say to you to express our feeling?” Then follows an appreciation of the Bishop’s eighteen years as Suffragan, and his constant readiness to help any parish in time of need, and for the glorious example of his home life. Reference is made to tho special development of his work and of - Mrs. Abra-

ham’s, and the address goes on: — We could say much, for we think very much of your claims to our gratitude for these your 'labours in the .Lord.’ But even so the half of the tale would not bo fold, and, indeed, at this moment wo dwell more on our own sense o'- persona] loss. You have been to us all a faithful pastor, a kind friend, a man with a heart of sympathy for trouble, with a word of cheer for tho

despondent, and of counsel for the perplexed, a man who was never difficult to approach, and who never stood above even the humblest of confidences. “Without ever compromising the dignity of your office, you never withheld from any of us the man, the brother, and the Christian gentleman. We shall miss you as a Bishop, but we shall miss you as a friend. There are very many who will treasure with affectionate appreciation the recollection of the way in which Mrs. Abraham went in and out among us, of her kind heart, her ready sympathy and helpfulness, her frank speech, tho unfailing zest of her life.

“Wo offer you respectfully and lovingly our sincere good wishes' for your future happiness, prosperity, and peace. Wo prav that God may bless you and yours abundantly in your now home, that you may be spared for many years to serve Christ and His Church wliere.cver you may be, faithfully and fruitfully as you have served Him here; and we hope that in your new sphere it may be a source of happiness to you to know that you have left behind you a wealth of fragrant and grateful memories in the hearts of the churchpoople of the diocese.” Bishon Abraham, in a feeling reply, referred to tho wonderful hospitality he had received at vicarages and rectories, and for the loyal wav everyone worked

around him. He thanked tho laity, both men and women, for their help, and their wonderful work and zeal and enthusiasm, and even referred to the kindliness of people who had taken him to engagements in their motor-cars. It was an extraordinary thing that a man like himself, without any academic qualification, he thought, should have, been chosen to bo tho head over teachers of religion and education, and he thanked the masters, mistresses, and teachers, from whom ho had learned much. He acknowledged his gratitude tn everyone, and not least the Duke of Devonshire, who had been always so kind to him. ’As to tho form of the gift, both he and Mrs. Abraham were exceedingly grateful. There was a little house, with jts own little chapel, in Chester, which he was particularly interested in. and ho wondered whether they would allow him to use some of the gift on it? The Bishop of Derby’s father. Bishon C. J. Abraham, who was the first Bishop of Wellington, is still gratefully remembered by many old settlors. He was a close friend of Bishoo Sdwrn, and it was tho latter who induced Bishop Abraham to come out to Now Zealand. After leaving ’Wellington. Im was Suffragan Bishon nt Lichfield (with Bishop Selwyn). Two of his nephews. vr r . [? Alwnham. of Abraham and Williams, and Mr. 1,. 'A. Abraham, of Bnrraud and Abraham, are residents of Palmerston North.