MEMORIAL TO SOLDIERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18026, 27 February 1922, Page 8

MEMORIAL TO SOLDIERS.

DEDICATION BY BISHOP. ALL SAINTS' CHURCH ROLL. AN INSPIRING CEREMONY. A roll of honour, erected in commemoration of the 76 soldiers from All Saints' parish who gave their lives in the great war, was unveiled and dedicated in AH Saints' Church, Ponsonby, last evening. The memorial, which takes the form of a handsome bronze shield, was unveiled by Mrs. Calder, wife of Archdeacon Calder, a former vicar of the parish, who was also present, and was dedicated by the Anglican Bishop of Auckland, Dr. A. W. Averill. In spite'of the inclement weather the church was crowded to ils utmost capacity. Among those present were over 100 next-of-kin and other relatives of those whose names appeared on the roll of honour. The service was of a very impressive nature. It was conducted by the vicar, the Rev. F. W. Young. The Rev. H. H. Bedford acted as bishop's chaplain and read the lessons. Dr. Averill based his sermon on the text, " In my Father's house are many mansions." He spoke of the devotion of those who had sacrificed t'heir lives for duty, and pleaded for the conscious furtherance of the work of reconstruction in order that the great sacrifice of the country's manhood might receive as adequate reward as it were possible for a grateful nation to accord them. After the memorial had been dedicated the congregation joined in singing " Oh, Valiant Hearts," and the service concluded with the singing of a verpe of the National Anthem. The "Last Post," sounded by a bugler at the conclusion of the dedication, added an inspiring not* to the ceremony. The memorial shield, \/nich is of cast bronze, is a fine work of art, and has attracted a good deal of praiseworthy comment. At the top are the words, " To the Glory of God and in grateful remembrance of'his servants." Then follow the names of the 76 fallen. At the foot is an appropriate verse. During the evening Bishop Averill also dedicated a handsome alms plate, which was presented to the church by Mrs. Somers, in memory of the late Mr. W. C. Somers, a former member of the vestry.