FUNERAL OF VICAR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21853, 16 July 1934, Page 12

FUNERAL OF VICAR

REVERENT TRIBUTES CANON C. H. GRANT COWEN MESSAGE FROM ARCHBISHOP Reverent tributes wore paid on Saturday afternoon to the memory of Canon C. H. Grant Coven, who, after a funeral service at St. Matthew's, the church where his greatest work was done, was buried at Hillsborough cemetery. Adherents of other faiths joined with his former friends and parishioners both in the crowded church and at the graveside. With tho exception of one or two who were unablo to bo present, all the clergy, of Anglican churches in tlie city and suburbs participated in the service at St. Matthew's Church, which was conducted by Archdeacon G. Mac Murray and Archdeacon 11. A. Hawkins. Wreaths of early spring flowers lay round the coffin as it rested before tho altar rail, and other wreaths had been placed at tho foot of tho pulpit. No address was delivered, but Archdeacon Mac Murray read a message from Archbishop Avcrill, who was prevented by illuess from attending the service. "I am deeply grieved that I cannot bo with you in St. Matthew's Church today," the Archbishop wrote, "as you offer i'our tribute of love and affection to him who has recently been called to the life of higher service. I know full well that his Christlike character, his noble life and his unselfish servico aro worthy of tho sincerest appreciation. "Well Being of Others "During tho 14 years in which he has been vicar of St. Matthew's Church, he has never spared himself and has never departed from the great ideal of his life, which was to honour God and to devote his time, his strength and his gifts to the well-being of others. He was first and foremost a man of God, and his transparent sincerity'and honesty of purpose were reflected in his every action. "His devotion to the cause of the sick and suffering, the poor and needy, tho destitute and orphan children was an indication of his deep and genuine love for his fellow creatures, and an inseparable part of his God-inspired personality. Those who came into close touch with him during the preparation for tho healing mission and at the time of the mission itself can never forget his wonderful sympathy, patience, cheerfulness and optimism as he helped to inspire one and all with his own beautiful, simple and intense faith in the love and power of God. Undaunted Courage

"Those who have known him intimately and personally during the last 18 months have realised the power of faith, hope and love in meeting and overcoming difficulties, and have seen in him a wonderful object lesson of tho triumph of spirit and mind over matter. It was a great joy to him to bo ablo to resume his work after his release from the hospital where, in very deed, he had passed through the valley of tho shadow of death and. while we aro all thankful that he was permitted to do so, yet wo know that those months of renewed service meant on his part undaunted courage, amounting oven to heroism.

"His bodily presence has been taken from us, but his indomitable spirit remains as a wonderful memory and a real inspiration. Ho has endured hardness as a cood soldier. His life and ministry have been a blessing to thousands. Ho has been a loyal and devoted friend, and a true servant of God and May I offer to his relatives and friends my sincere sympathy in their great loss and my very deep appreciation of liis life, his character and his loving service." The benediction at the conclusion of tho service was eiven by Bishop Anderson. formerly Bishop of Riverina, and_ then, to tho music of organ and tolling bell, tho coffin was borno from the church by six young men of the parish, Messrs. A. Ingham. J. B. Rcvell, E. G. Lewis. W. R. Dyer, G. C. Goodo and J. C. Wills. So great was the crowd outsido the church that constables had to marshal people in ranks before the funeral cortego left for Hillsborough. People stood bareheaded on tho pavements in Karangahape Road and S.ymonds Street as tho hearse passed at tho head of a funeral procession over half a mile long. Service at Graveside Tho service at tho graveside was conducted by Archdeacon W. G. Simkin and members of the Old Boys' Fire Brigade Association; of which Canon Grant Uowen was honorary chaplain, formed a guard of honour. Members of the Old Contomptibles' Association were present, both at the service and at tho cemetery, while Mr. W. Wallace, chairman of the Auckland Hospital Board, attended in company with members of tho board. Canon Grant Cowcn always took a keen interest in tho affairs of the hospital. Tho Rev. M. G. Sullivan, curate of St. Matthew's, and Canon R. H. Hobday, together with personal friends, represented Canon Grant Cowen's family, whilo tho church wardens, Messrs. E. 0. Fricker and H. 0. Scarle, and representatives of all the parishioners' organisations, were also present. Wreaths were sent by various organisations, and individuals from nil parts of tho Dominion. A personal message of sympathy and condolence was received from the Governor-General, Lord Bledisloe.

A further service was held at St. Matthew's Church yesterday morning, conducted by tho Rev. H. K. Vickerv. Tho lessons were read by Mr. W. Bir'ss and Bishop Anderson, and tho sermon was preached by Archdeacon Mac Murray, who referred to Canon Grant Co wen's life of service and tho influence which his memory would leave.

Reference to tho work of Canon Grant Cowen was made in all tho Anglican churches in Auckland yesterday.