CLERGYMAN RETIRES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17144, 25 April 1919, Page 6

CLERGYMAN RETIRES.

ARQHPEACON MacMUBRAY. FAREWELL PRESENTATION. TRIBUTE TO FAITHFUL WORK. ' A farewell was tendered to Archdeacon Mac Murray last evenine by parishioners | and other friends, on the occasion of his ' retirement from the charge of St. Mary's Parish. The farewell took the form of a social in the Parish Hall, which was prettily decorated, and crowded with tho archdeacon's well • wishers, who gave tangible evidence of their kindly feeling by the presentation during the evening of, a" cheque for £1000. I j Dr. A. W. Averill, Anglican Bishop of I 1 Auckland, presided, and with him on the platform were Messrs. J. H. Upton, H. B. i Morton, and Dr. Mnckellar. I In his opening address, Bishop Averill spoke of his pride, mingled with sorrow, I at being present at an occasion marking i Archdeacon MacMurrav's retirement as j vicar of the parish over whose destinies hn hnd presided so many years. Speaking on ; behalf of the bishop's and clergy, Bishop | Averill said he had never had a more | staunch friend than tho nor: ! could he speak too highly of the spirit of loyalty and splendid co-operation always 1 shown by the archdeacon. In every sense jof the word, ho was a "big" man, one . who look a broad-minded and generous '• view of all matters before him, and who had devoted his every energy to the wel- '• fare of his parish. Special mention was made by the bishop of the work done by tho archdeacon on behalf of tho parish i schools, which would sadly miss him. All the clergy, and' his manv other friends, were united in wishing him every happiness in his future, and in their gratitude for all he had done in the past. Demonstration of Esteem. Mr. J. H. Upton spoke of the work of ! the archdeacon "upon the synod, to which : he bad been a veritable pillar of counsel i and wise advice. Reference was also made ' to his efforts in connection with the estab . lishment of the Maori Girls' School, for ', which he had succeeded in raising contriI butions amounting to £5000. ' i Dr. Mackellar also paid high tribute to . tho services of the archdeacon and his kindliness of heart and many loving works ■ in humanity's cause. 1 Mr. H. B. Morton, who made the presentation, spoke of his long association ' with Archdeacon Mac Murray, and with the affairs of the parish during the last fifty years. He gave an interesting description of the first St. Mary's Church, , comparing it with the beautiful structure i of the present day, the erection of which, he said, was si fitting and lasting monu--1 ment to the inspiration, unflagging zeal and faithful service of the archdeacon. Not only had be devotedly fulfilled his parochial duties, but he had ever shown a ! broad and generous outlook in his administration of various trusts of the Church. During the anxious and depressng days of war, his cheery optimism and infaiiing sympathy had been a veritable inspiration to ail iu the parish. "As a recognition of the esteem and love of those among whom you have so long worked." concluded the speaker, " I have great pleasure in handing you this little book, I which represents the cum of £1000." I A splendid demonstration of esteem ■ followed the presentation, the applause lasting for several moments. The Archdeacon's Reply. Archdeacon MacMuTray, in reply, warmly 1 thanked all those present for their splendid gonorosity and exhibition of kindly feeling. He described in detail hs firdt association with the parish nearly 27 years ago, and of the faithful assistance always rendered by his parishioners. Mention was also made of the work he had been privileged to do in connection with St. Mary's Homes, (the Maori schools, and Dilworth Institute. He would never forgot his many .friends in the parish, but he thought the time had come when a younger and more vigorous man shou'd be appointed to fulfil Iho manifold duties of vicar. In a touching little including address ho said: " I can never requite tho generous spirit which has prompted this i magnificent gift, but I can, and do, and always will, pray for Itho we'fare and happiness of every one of my dear friends in this parish." Presentations of bouquets and cheques were then made to Miss Sommerville and ! Mrs. Dimmock by Miss Mowbray, who ! spoko of the work done by the former in I connection with the Parne'l Ladies' Emergency Guild, and of the loyal service both ladies had rendered Archdeacon Mac- ; Murray for many years. The ceremony , | concluded with hearty cheers, given at the call of Bishop Averill, for Archdeacon and j Mrs. Mac Murray. Archdeacon M.vMnrrav was appointed archdeacon of Auckland in May, 1915, in [ succession to Archdeacon Calder. At that time he had been vicar of St. Mary's for 23 veors. He wns horn in County Donegal, Ireland, in 1855. and was educated at' Trinity Collejrc, Dublin, graduating M.A. Ho was ord,v'ned as deacon in 1878, and : was admitted to the nriesthood in the following year. In 1885 he began colon : nl work at Ararat, in Victoria, and in 1887 lie was appointed vicar of St. Paul's, ■ Pallant. being e'ected canon of the cathedra. He retained this office until 18!>2, when he came to Auckland as vicar of Ft. Mary's. He was installed as canon in 1901.