NOTED MINISTER

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22469, 13 July 1936, Page 11

NOTED MINISTER

MEMOKIAL DEDICATED LATE CANON GRANT COWEN TRIBUTE BY ARCHBISHOP A high tribute to the life and work of the late Canon C. H. Grant Cowen, formerly vicar of St. Matthew's, was paid bv Archbishop Averill yesterday morning, when two handsome faldstools placed on either side of the altar in St. Columba's Church, Grey Lynn, were dedicated to his memory. The memorial is the gift of Canon Grant Cowen's son-in-law, the Rev. XI. Sullivan, vicar of St. Columba's, and his daughter, Mrs. Sullivan. Mr. Sullivan conducted the service. Archdeacon W. J. Simkin acted as chaplain to His Grace, and other clergy present included Archdeacon G. MacMurray, Canon E. H. Strong, warden of St. John's College, the Rev. H. K. Vickcry, Missions to Seamen chaplain, and the Rev. H. A. Johnson, Dock Street Mission chaplain. There was a large congregation. "This memorial is dedicated to one of the most Christ-like men I have ever known," said the archbishop. "His whole life responded to the call of Jesus Christ." Ho gave up good prospects of success in another profession to have greater opportunities of service. At St Matthew's ho had a difficult and exacting task. He was always prepared to give of his besb in time and energy for the poor and destitute, to whom he was indeed a big-hearted friend. "At the time of the Hickson Mission lie attained the height ol : his spiritual power," the archbishop continued. "Hundreds of people claimed his attention, help and advice, and through it all he maintained an unvaried calm and cheerfulness. In spite of the numerous calls of a large parish, he felt it liis duty to help in the other work of the diocese, for the good of the city. He was chairman of the Central Fund, a member of the Standing Committee, he did a great deal to put the Missions to Seamen on its feet in past years, and he was very largely instrumental in raising the money to build the new Girls' Friendly Society lodge."