LATE REV. A. WHYTE

Evening Star, Issue 17196, 11 November 1919, Page 7

LATE REV. A. WHYTE

MEMORIAL SERVICE AT COLUMBA COLLEGE. A memorial service was held yesterday at Goiumba College to 'honor the memory of the Rev. Alex. Whyte, who died 'at Frank ton on Saturday morning. The deceased gentleman, who was chairman of the first committee appointed by the Assembly to consider the question, of education, was at tho time of his death president of the Columba College Board of Governors. The Rev. .1. J. Cairney (vicepresident) presided, and was' supported by the Revs. Graham H. Balfour, R. Evan Davies, John Kilpatrick, H H. Barton, and Hon. G. M. Thomson, Messrs Walter Gow, P. G. Pryde. Thomas Fleming, and Donald Ileid (members of tho board), and Miss Frances J. Ross (lady principal). After prayer a Scripture lesson was rend by the Rev. J. J. Cairney from John xiv. and Revelations xxi. The 23rd and 90th Psalms were sung, and another player offered by the Rev. J. Kilpatrick. The Rev. J. J. Cairney said it was fitting, and right that they should assemble, to pay a tribute of respect to tho memory of ono who had been associated with the college and who had taken a very alert interest in it. It was fitting and right that they should remember those who had labored on their behalf and give thanks to God for _ his gifts, especially for the gift of wise teachers and ministers who directed their ways as they started on cho journey of life. Tho words of the Lord to the faithful servant in the parable—" WeH done,, good and faitkiul servant; enter ye "into the 'joy of the Lord " —could bo well said of theii departed friend. Ho was a man who had been endowed with many natural gifts, and had used those gifts to the best possible advantage. There were one or two outstanding characteristics in the life of their president, whom God had called to Himself. Everyone who knew him felt tho charm of his personality. Theje was a rare charm and grace about Trim. He had a fine sense of tho fitness of what was right. One felt as one came into his presence that one was with a Christian gentleman. Ho also had a remarkable devotion to duty. Those who sat with him on the board knew how deep was his interest in the college and how lie labored to advance "its interests. Nothing gave him greater pleasure than to give his time in advancing the cause of Christian education in the schools and colleges of the Church. Even during tho last few months of his life, -when his health was failing, he did not abate his energies, and gave himself up whole-hearted!v to further the cause so dear to him. His epitaph might well bo given in tho words of Lawrence: '• He tried to do his duty." An aspect of his .character which was very impressive was his consideration for others. He had a rare gift of sympathy, and could always and easilv put himself into the right relationship" with those with whom he worked, but could be adament when his principles were crossed. One of the lessons from lis life- was to give gratitude for the untiring energy and devotion of a leader, teacher, and minister in the cause of their college. His words would lon.' linger m their memories. He bore also the burden of responsibility. They had been greatly privileged in' having' such a man to direct and guide the destinies of the college. There was the responsibility resting with them to pass that onto others. The highest glory of any human life was a life of' service.

The Rev. R. K. Da vies said that in ninny respects their Into friend was ™ p . of the most remarkable men in nl°j U^ Cimrdl - H;lfl ] »e remained in the Uld twin try, whoro opportunities wore more numerous than here, ho would have- taken a hitch place in academic circles. His health, however, brought him _co this country, where it had been partially restored. and where he labored for something like '?0 vonvs Lite was not measured bv vears but l)v the service rendered. 'His life was rich in service Sir Why to had been the father of the educational movement in the Church—a movement which in years to come would iilav a 'i-rt '" V )e life of the community ' iho hymn "0 God of Bethel" w, R ~l} s " n r' flowed bv praver. Hie Chairman announced that there would be iio lessons in the college for ilio rest of the. day.

METHODIST MINISTERS. At the monthly meeting of tho Methodist ministers' fraternal, comprising Duiiedm and suburban churches, the "following resolution was passed by the me-n'-i'M standing in silence :-" That this meeting ot \lethodist ministers from Dunedin and subnrb.s express their deep sympathy with Mrs YUiyte and family, also and congregation of Port Chalmeis Presbyterian Church in the lamented death of Rev. Alex. Whyt.e. To the Dunedin Presbytery also sincere condolence is extended in the loss of so prominent and able a member." The Rev. S. J. Perrymau moved the. resolution, and made appropriate reference to the conspicuous energy and ability displayed by the late Mr Whyte in religious and education movements. The Rev. S. Griffith (ex-chairman Otuco district), in supporting (the resolution, paid a tribute of regard and respect, to Mi- Whyte's untiring"labor in the aforesaid directions. Tho Rev. B. F. Rothwell (acting chairman) mentioned the striking speech in favor of Church Union delivered bv Mr Whyte at the last- Methodist conference, and said it would live long in the minds of all present. Tlie Hey. M. A. Rugby Pratt referred to Mi Whyte's work for religion and education in Havelock North.

The Rev. A. Hopper spoke, and as a returned hospital ship chaplain he said he could testify' to Mr Whyte's efforts to do good and useful work whilst the ship visited the Port. The Rev. 11. Eord also spoke. Tho Congregational Church, Port Chalmers, passed the following resolution on Sunday:—• "Tho members and adherents of the Congregational Church in worship assembled desire to express profound sympathy with Mrs Whyte on the death of her husband, and with the family in their great sorrow; also with tiie Presbyterian Church of Port Chalmers in the loss it lias sustained through tho deatli of a*faithful pastor, whose large gifts were wholly devoted the service of Christ's kingdom ; and we commend to the God uf'ai'i graces and to the consolation of Christ all those who are mourning his loss." Tho Port Chalmers Methodist congregation resolved—"That we as members of the Port Chalmers Methodist congregation desire to record our very deep senss of loss in the removal bydeath of. the Rev. Alexander Whyte, minister of tho Port Chalmers Presbyterian Church. For nearly 10 years past Mr Whyte has labored "among; and in the interests of this community. Whilst serving his own congregation with the_ utmost zeal and conspicuous ability his talents have been used unsparingly in whatever he believed to be for the good of the district as a whole. Now witfi almost tragic suddenness ho has been called to yet wider service. Nor must we envy him such a transition. Rut to those whose loss is irreparable, to Mrs Whyte and li6r family, and to the Presbvterian congregation and communion, we beg to tender our sincerest sympathy, and prav that tho Father of Mercies and the 'God of ail comfort may sustain and soothe each one of them in their time of need." The resolution was passed bv a standing; silent vote at the morning service. Similar resolutions were also carried at tho Wnitati and Sawyers Bav Methodist Churches.