REV. W. SHIRER

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 40, 17 February 1939, Page 11

REV. W. SHIRER

A long lifetime spent in the service of the Presbyterian Church, particularly in association with St. James's Church, Newtown, was ended with the death at Wellington today of the Rev. W. Shirer, 0.8. E.

The late Mr. Shirer, who was 31 years of age, was born in Aberdeen. He studied for eight years at Edinburgh University and the United Presbyterian Theological Hall before coming to New Zealand. He was ordained at Wellington in 1888. The same year he joined the ministry of

St. James's .Presbyterian Church, Wellington South, and remained in active association with that church until his retirement in October, 1929.

Despite many tempting offers to labour in other fields, Mr. Shirer preferred to remain at St. James's, so great was his love of the work and his affection for the parishioners. During his term at the church he saw the congregation grow from 42 to 479 members. Throughout 'his life he did valuable work for the organisation of the Presbyterian Church. He was clerk of the Wellington Presbytery for 30 year:, and was convenor of the Chaplains' Committee of the Presbyterian Church from 1912 to 1921. For many years he was chaplain to the Highland Rifles and later to the sth Wellington Regiment. In

recognition of his services to the community as a whole the Order of fhe British Empire was'bestowed on him a few years ago, also a long service medal.

During the long period of his ministry in Wellington, Mr. Shirer endeared himself to the hearts of many, and members of other denominations besides his own will regret to hear of his death. So keen was his devotion to his own congregation that seldom could he be persuaded to attend Assembly meetings away from Wellington or even to absent himself on holiday. His almost daily visits to the Public Hospital, which came within the bounds of his parish, brought cheer and comfort to many. In addition to his work at St. James's Mr. Shirer for many years conducted an afternoon service at Island Bay.

One of the greatest tributes to Mr. Shirer was that in the WelLngton Presbytery St. James's was known as "Mr. Shirer's Church." At the time of his retirement he was the guest at several farewell gatherings and his work was the subject of the highest praise. Mr. Shirer was married in 1893 to Miss Ada Sidey, daughter of Mr. F. Sidey, of Wellington. He is survived by his widow, one son, Dr. W. F. Shirer, of Wellington, and one daughter, Mrs. A. Radford, of Wellington. Another daughter, Mrs. A. M. Bisley, of Hamilton, predeceased him.

The funeral service will take place at St. James's tomorrow afternoon and will be attended by members of the Wellington Presbytery. A memorial service will be held at fhe church on Sunday week.