LONG SERVICE

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LII, Issue 17152, 30 September 1926, Page 5

LONG SERVICE

LATE MR. A. GRAHAM. CHURCH'S APPRECIATION. The long-continued ant! devoted work of the Jate Mr. Andrew Graham on behalf of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church was the) subject of a tribute contained in the session report, submitted last evening to the congregation. Mention was made that during the past year several Josses had occurred through death, and the report contained the following reference: "It is fitting that reference should be madci in this report to the passing from us of one who had been sn Jung associated with this congregation as Mr. Andrew Graham. He was one of the first members when this church was es-J tablished fifty-three years ago, and even his interest m all that affected its welfare was genuine and keen. He was session clerk for almost thirty years. Trie church owes more than can 'De told to bis diligence and foresight, his generosity arid fidelity. He was held in the highevit esteem by'the whole community, and we shall always retain grateful memories of the splendid work he did for the church and tlie town. Mr. Witty was likewise full of years when he was taken from us. For a long time the burden of growing infirmities kept him from any active pari in the work and management of the congregation ; but there are those among ns who remember his faithfulness of old. The example of his nevct-failing cheerfulness abides with us and enriches us. Mrs. Good also was an old member or St. Andrew's held in high esteem by a large circle of old friends. To the end she loved the House of the Lord. Thetre are many who look back with gratitude to their kindnesses in former days. ".Mr. Watt and Mr. Williamson were a shorter timt» with us, but we had learned to hold ithem in great regard. Of both of them it might be said that they endeared themselves to all who knew them "because they went out and in among Us in the faith that worketh by love.' These all came to the grave in a full age, like! as a shock of corn cometh in in his season. "In quite another category do we place the death of Mr. Stark Lawrie. He was called away in his prime, and hjs sudden daath came as a shock to his fellow-wor-shippers, He was an enthusiastic and useful member, especially devoted to the choir and to the furtherance of the social work of the congregation. We miss his genial and friendly presence. The sympathy and prayers of the congregation have" been with'all these who have passed during the year through the vale of tears."