A MINISTER’S WORK.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCVI, Issue 14428, 19 July 1907, Page 10

A MINISTER’S WORK.

THE LATE MR ORCHARD

MEMORIAL UNVEILED BY HIS SON.

Tiiero was a large gathering iu the Methodist Church in Lower High Street last evening, when a very handsome marble tablet, erected in honour oi the late Kov J. Orchard and Mrs Orchard was unveiled by their son, Dr A. J. Orchard. The Kov H. K. Dewsbury presided at the gathering, and there wore associated with him the Revs W. liauuiber, J. A. Lochore, H. Bull, W. Heady and J. Hudson, and Mr N. Turner, the missionary iu charge oi' tlie district. Mr Dewsbury said that the object was to perpetuate the memory of a truly good and great man. Ho had been closely associated with Mr Orchard for a few years, and he could say that thee was no minister connected with Methodism who was, more iiighly esteem'd and beloved. He had given splendid services daring the initiation of tho Methodist Union, and tho Church had recognised that, and iiad manifested its couddonco iu Mr Orchard, and the coop love it boro him, by conferring upon him tho highest honour in its gift, in making him president of tho New Zealand Union. Now that the grief caused by his death had lost its first sharp poignancy, there could bo no sorrow, and no misgivings to cloud tho feeling of thankfulness for his life, and work, and services. He hoped that God would give to tho Church many preachers and many pastors like Mr Orchard. The most outstanding feature of his character, as tiie speaker knew him, was his unswerving, uncompromising consistency, and his devotion to Christ, without condition or reserve. There was a wonderful simplicity and directness about his faith. He saw God, he walked with God, and he lived with God. His belief was never disturbed, ne was never affected by those subtle influences which unhappily others knew something about. But what impressed the- speaker most was not what Mr Orchard professed, not what he believed, but his gentleness, his uniform courtesy, his fine chivalry, and the readiness with which he responded to appeals of distress. Ho had practical, business-like capacity, but his heart was as tender as a woman’s. During the years that he moved in and out amongst tho people, he was a magnificent example of what was just, and honest and lovely. They thanked God for his life, for his work, and for the influence of his example. While nothirrg was needed to keep him fresh in their memories, they desired that their children and their children’s

children, who met iu that building, should have something that would bring Min to their minds. Dr Orchard returned thanks on behalf of all members of his family, and expressed his own hearty appreciation of the feeling that had led to the erection of the tribute to his father’s memory. He described the strenuous times when his father was a Bible Christian minister and when funds were collected for the erection of the church, which was opemd without debt. His mother, as well as his father, he said, had taken part in that work. He was not there to boast of his parents, however, but to honour their memory. It was his father’s extraordinary energy that hastened, his end. The end was

not only peace; it was a triumph. Ho need not say anything of his father’s public life, but in regard to his private life he could say that he was not only a father, but a brother. _ He grew old in years, but his spirit was always youthful. These present would remember his genial nature. Both father and mother were revered by their children for their self-sacrifice. He was glad that a tribute had been erected to their memory. It was an appropriate tribute, and ho thanked those who had helped to erect it. Dr Orchard unveiled the tablet, and Mr Ready road the inscription as follows:—‘’ln memory of the Rev John Orchard; born December 2, 1838, died January S, 1907. For forty-five years Bible Christian Minister in Victoria and New Zealand; for sixteen years Minister in the High Street Church; President of the New Zealand Methodist Conference in the year 1899. •' A workman, needing not to be ashamed.’ Also, Susannah Orchard, wife of the above; died January 1, 1906, aged sixty-six years. ‘ She hath done wfiat she could.’ ”

Mr Ready said that the best monument erected by their departed brother was his life and his work. A good man glorified God. Mr Orchard had glorified his Maker. Ho was not a student of hooks, but a student of human nature and of Christ. He had a, magnetic influence. He always led the way when he took a project in hand. Ho was unselfish in all respect®. Ho had time to listen to the needs of all. Ho was always doing his Master’s work. His son might well be proud of tho manner in which his father met his death. By speech and prayer, ho shewed people how to die, and he died as he had urged others to die. It was a triumphant death. His thoughts were young to the last. He went home to be with God, but ho was not lest to those whom ho had left behind, for his influence would remain with them.

Mi - Bamnber Raid that monuments were erected to soldiers and statesmen, and it was well for the people to think of those who had worked for their Master, and, therefore', for the people themselves. He had known Mr Orchard for many years. All through those yeans, ho had found him to be a true friend, a loyal codeague, a sincere Christian, and a faithful minister of the Lord Jesus Christ. He had been impressed with three of Mr Orchard’s characteristics. One was his tireless energy. He was so full of enthusiasm and inward strength that he was always about his Master’s business. In bis supernumary years, ho spent immense labour for nis fellow-beings outside of the church. Another characteristic was his extraordinary ootimism. He was not easily discouraged ; he was always looking for success. Tho third characteristic was his strong, simple faith. Ho seemed to pass unscathed through all doubts. There was alwave solid rock beneath his feet. Ho preached a gospel that- was strong, sure and true. Because he had faith in God. he had faith in men. He always looked for the best in everv man. If true greatness was to be found in service Mr Orchard was truly great. Like his blessed Master, he was always serving. He achieved the greatness that came of honest work. In tho City Council, on the Licensing Bench and in other ways he served the Lord. There- was for him a higher service, and he wore a greater crown than any man could give him. The speaker added that he did not know Mrs Orchard "so well, but she was a good mother, and her children called her blessed.

Mr Bull said that he had a deep regard for their departed brother. His memory was very sweet to those who had known him. He had tireless energy and splendid optimism, as Mr Banmber had said, and he made liberal benefactions for all good works. He had known Mr Orchard for not man’" years, hut they were years of ch*e friendship and of memories (X the sweetest character. Mr Tumor said that he had not had

a personal acquaintance with Mr Orchard, but what ho had heard of their late pastor in his house-to-house visitations of the people had been an inspiration to him. They did not need anything in the shape of a memorial to remind them of Mr Orchard’s work. Hymns were snug and prayers offered during the evening, and tho service closed with tho pronouncing of tie Benediction.