CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22790, 27 January 1936, Page 6

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

“BEHOLD A KING” Services in memory of King George V were conducted by the Rev. Albert Mead, M.A., at the Moray Place Congregational Church, morning and evening, yesterday. Each service concluded with the playing of Chopin's “ Funeral March ” by the organist, Mrs H. C. Campbell, and the singing of the National Anthem. Mr Mead, in the course of his memorial tribute, said that it did not lower the dignified kingliness of the late King George V to say that it was as a truly godly man that he would ever be remembered, and the grandson of Albert the Good would ever be cherished in human memory as a good man. Many centuries had passed, and the world had Seen many kings since Isaiah wrote: “Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgment. And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.” These descriptions could be aptly and amply applied to the late King. British people had been singularly blessed by the gift of such a King. It was not always the wise, but always the good man who made a strong appeal to heartfelt admiration, for goodness always made an instinctive appeal to the human soul because of its intrinsic worth. We have seen the strength—even the solemnity of manhood—in the character and life of our beloved King exhibited in an air of geniality and stateliness combined. He walked with men, and did not lose the kingly touch. In all matters bis quick, purposeful mind gave initiative and inspiration, and with unconscious righteousness of judgment hie wisdom was exalted. The purity and simplicity of his life, within his family and within the nation, wag ever a model for his subjects to emulate. His sympathetic friendship with all classes was without class distinction; his interest in all matters affecting our corporate life was keen; his self-iorgetful devotion to daily toil was continuous, his charity to all people of other nations was evident; and, last, but not least, his tender solicitude for all suffering ones exemplified goodness and exhibited greatness. We cannot conclude this tribute to his memory without first remembering King Edward VIII, who succeeds him. Our love and loyalty, as well as our prayers and sympathy, go out and up to him as the people shout ‘ God Save the King.' And, secondly, we remember Mary, the Queen Mother, who through many years upheld and nourished King George by her true affection and devotion. May she be conscious of the presence of the ‘God of all comfort."'