ARCHBISHOP JULIUS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19405, 14 February 1925, Page 11

ARCHBISHOP JULIUS.

TRIBUTES FROM THE SWOD 1J i A GREAT LEADER. During tho afternoon session of the Anglican General Synod yesterday the members took the opportunity to pay a tribute to the splendid, work Archbishop Julius, who was now retiring from the Primacy, had done for the Church of Now Zealand, and Bishop Averlll, the Primate-elect, moved. In accor’.mcj with notice:—"That this Synod places on record its thankfulness to Almighty God for (he long, valuable, and unique service rendered to the Church of this province by Dr Churchill Julius ns Bishop, Acting Primate, and Archbishop, and while deeply regretting his rosignallon, desires to assure him of its high appreciation of his work in the chuich and In the dominion generally, of his strong rnd wise leadership, and of his unfailing kindness and courtesy io all who have had the privilege of being associated with him in the work and business of the church While fully lealising that the church of this province is infinitely poorer by the loss of the archbishop’s Inspiration and guidance, we desire to asoure him of our continued love and devotlm in his retirement, and of our earnest hope that by the mercy and blessing of God he may be spared for many years to help and guide the counsels of the Church wit’i his ripe experience and wisdom.” Bishop Averlll said that he expressed the feelings of consternation they had all felt when they 1 card that his Grace wai resigning tho office of Archbishop. Ho tad been a resl power of God In every posfible sense of the word, and his resignation was bringing to an end a distinct era in the Church just as he had thought ihnt his arrival had begun a new era. Hla guidance waa now being token from them, and he was sure they would need his prayers In the future. His name would always be a landmark Id- the history of the province of New Zealand, and In the days to come they would look back on the name of their great archbishop as a leader of the Church. He hoped that he would have a happy and pleasant holiday In tho Old Land, but wished to say that., it would bo a happy day for them when they would see him back again Is his old church. He could not say how thankful he was for the privilege of serving under him for all these years. In conclusion, be offered his deep devotion, his deep gratitude, and a prayer that Almighty God would bless the remaining days of his life as he had been blessed in the past. Dean Fitehett, on behalf of the clergy, seconded the motion. In no former such position in the Primacy, he said, had there been the note of sadness that they ten now. It seemed a tragic thing that tho Church at this time should lose his personality and his experience. “We have not resented your little peccadilloes,” the Dean continued, addressing the Primate, “and we have appreciated your humour, and we feel sure that when you retire the Synod will never be the same again. Tou are also a fighting man, your Giace, and I and several others have ventured to draw swords with you, but though you dealt hard blows they were not delivered with 111-feeling.” Mr C. A. de Lautour delivered an eloquent address on behalf of the laity, and said that it was not meant to associate sorrow with the ending of a great life, nor of any life for that matter. It was h triumph, a victory. Nor did he ask for tim any years of quiet rest, for what else was there for a man to do but continue in service. For a man lo be spared to a ripe age after a great work there was somq other service for him, and he hoped and prayed that his splendid work would fce a comfort to him which he would retain to the end of his dtys. Bishop Averill asked the Synod f o stand while the motion was carried, and after this request was complied with the Doxoi logy wos sung. Archbishop Julius then replied to th-J motion. “ My brothers, clergy, and la.ty,' he commenced, “I don’t know how to thank you for the kind and generous recognition you have made of my poor services for the past five and thirty years. I want to cay, and you’ll believe me, I know, that I have not resigned because I* am sick of work, but from my early days I have had a dread of overstepping my usefulness, i. nd I have not been able to Shake tff (hat dread. I have seen so many men fall in this way, and as I could not find any guidance I decided to resign at this Genelal Synod. In Australia they want their men to resign at 70, and lam 77. Three years hence I wlil not be as strong as I am to-day, and I would not resign between Synods and thus expose the Church to the difficulties thus arising. God bless you, my dear brothers,” concluded the Archi bishop.