BISHOP OF WAIAPU

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17108, 14 November 1929, Page 11

BISHOP OF WAIAPU

( r FAREWELLED YESTERDAY i OVER 200 GUESTS ATTEND • The grounds of the Holy Trinity vicarage, Louden street, presented a charming scene yesterday atteruoim, wmni a garde.* party was lienl in ordei 10 lareiven. Dr. Sedgwick, Bishop ut vva.apu, win* tins retired and w ill ie.ive shortly for England. Uver k&O parislianie.,s oi •*, ~. Trinity attended, and a thordagnly enjoyable time was spent. Despite the threatening weather summer fas;,i.ms I weie prominent, tee soft ami \t.id comrs j ul the dresses presenting s me stiaaing ! contrasts against the surrounding greenI ery. Mrs. 11. Pa eke, Mrs. H. Williams. | on behalf of. the Mothers** I nion. and Mrs. .Jamieson, on behalf of the Ladies’ Guild, received the visitors, who were in turn (introduced to l)r. Sedgwick. Afternoon tea was served in the garden, and .the guests were entertained wild) musical items played by Mrs. M. Smith’s orchestra, while .Misses .Joan and Vivian Ravenhill gave a dialogue in costume entitled ‘’Toni and Maggie.” Canon If. Packe expressed pleasure' at the large attendance despite the dull weather, and extended a hearty welcome to everyone. He referred briefly to the retirement of Hr. Sedgwick, who had been well liked and highly esteemed in Poverty Bay during the past 16 years. On behalf of the vestry. Mr. A. S. Pyatt, tlie vicar's warden, spoke a feuwords of farewell to ttie bishop. The speaker said Dr. Sedgwick's work during his 16 years in the diocese bad been of an excellent character, and the interests of the church had been foremost in his mind at all times. ■, Repying, Dr. Sedgwick said it was 16 years ago since lie had first visited Gisborne, and he would never forget the very warm welcome extended to him on that occasion. The reception he received here had 'been onlv an example of what he had experienced right up the const to East Cape. He had been loyally welcomed by the Maoris there, and ouicklv boon me acquainted with their customs. The bishop went on to sav that Tie had resigned because he thought it (lie. right, thing to do. and explained that, he had found it very lunch harder to give no his work than he had anticipated. It bad required a great deal of patience and contentment, be added. ADDRESS TO MOTHERS.

Prior tc the reception at the vicarage. His Lordship addressed mothers in the. church, on the spirit of Christ as between man and wife. The attendance numbered approximately 150, and the speaker was given a very attentive hearing. Of all the various organisations 'connected with a church, the Mothers’ Union was the most outstanding, commenced Dr. Sedgwick, who pointed out in this Organisation the Spirit of Jesus Christ through the church was a vital necessity./ The bishop referred to the magnificent, nature of the work done by the mothers of the 'churches throughout the British Empire, and skid it was a v class of work which could be accomplished only by British women. The organisation, which was purely British, carried on its activities in the home as well as in the church, and therefore it was more loyal than that of any other nation. “Tire Christian religion stands alone,” remarked Dr. Sedgwick, “because it has

room, place, and honor for women. Ihe Gospel story ’begins in all the beauty of the Virgin,- and all through it gives examples of the wonderful understanding between mother and child. \\ hen Jesus came into'Hie world lie did not come to s ppiess sin alone, but to impart to others the glorious character of the eternal Father. Everything that is good in man and beautiful in woman is summed uo in Him,” added the speaker, "and His presence in this world was to give to others the great gift to love.” Referring to the fellowship between man and wife. Dr. Sedgwic.: said ihere was the lel'owsiiip o' the medal sun which enabled Hiem to s' "ire Mi" ill"', le-.-i of the. world, and there ''-as Hl r ' fellowship of youth. V !i"?i two young people were Joined log-ether in icatri moity. they should share Christ's " ft o' love to its fullest canacitv. “ ' here should be an eternal and enduring bond of fl'iciidshin between man and vvd’e to ensure everlasting happiness,” continued Dis Lordship, “and unless this bond is blessed by Jesus it will have a wen 1 ' lir.k somewhere, and the crisps will corn' sooner or later. Therefore, mothers ot New Zealand, especiallv members of tho Mothers’ Union of their church, should endeavor to cultivate the 'spirit- cd Christ in their husbands. Take the spirit into your homes, and when yot” - children see a Christ-like home, they will mould their future on the example set by their parents.”