LONGBURN METHODIST CHURCH

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6863, 19 March 1929, Page 8

LONGBURN METHODIST CHURCH

MEMORIAL SEEVICE FOE THE LATE ME A. H. McEWEN. On Sunday afternoon the Longburn Methodist church was well filled, tho service being in memory of the late A. H. McEwen, for over 30 years the superintendent of the Sunday school. Tho pulpit, organ and communion rail were draped in white, while a profusion of flowers adorned tho platform. The Eev. J. D. McArthur, who conducted the service, took as his text: Luke 16, 10 ‘‘He that is faithful in that which is least, is faithful also in much.” Eead in the light of the context ,there are two outstanding lessons. First, we are here in this world on trial, serving an apprenticeship to life; second, our fidelity is being tested, irrespective of whether we have accomplished many or few things. Many remain in the lower positions simply because they havo not yet demonstrated their fitness for tho higher. This scripture is pertinent to professing Christinas. Is our influence in the communities one that is recognised as on the side of the right? Is the Xing’s image and superscription on our pennies as well as on our pounds. The preacher quoted the late Dr Jewett who once declared that in this matter we are face to face with a great law. ‘Every bit of faithfulness is registered in increased capacity, and the line of reward is found in tho increase.’ The reward is continuous with what we are trying to do, and in every little faithfulness to God and duty the reward is given. All along the road we are being prepared for the larger tasks. Tho whole secret of success lies in our attitude toward the small commonplace things. Mr McArthur, referring to Mr McEwen, said: ‘‘Most of you know through personal contact, a great deal more about him than I had any opportunity of learning, but I have heard many,old friends speak of him, before as well as since his passing, and what these have said has been indeed high praise. The family has been left a fragrant heritage in the memory of what ho was, and this is a matter really of congratulation. Mr McEwen •was a man without ostentation, singularly humble-minded, content to go on with his chosen work until the evening. The constant faithful discharge of his work for oyer 50 years as teacher, and over 30 as superintendent means that a great company of men and women and young people all over the district to-day thank God for his impress upon their lives. ‘He being dead yet spealccth. ’ Because he was faithful in that which v'as least, he was fitted steadily for the great service to which he has now been called.

Miss Birch ably presided at the organ, appropriate hymns being sung. At the close of the service Miss Doris Morgan very feelingly sang “He wipes the tear from every eye.’