MATAURA NEWS

Southland Times, Issue 21196, 24 September 1930, Page 9

MATAURA NEWS

(From Our Correspondent.) At the close of his sermon at the Mataura Presbyterian Church on Sunday morning, the Rev. R. Mackie, after speaking on the subject of “Christ and the Fear of Death," from Heb. Chap. 11, 14 and 15, showing how Christ could deliver from the tyranny and bondage of fear, said he had been led to think of this subject because death had been very busy among the older members of the congregation during the last three weeks. Three had been called away at intervals of about a week —Mrs Currie, Mr J. Adam and lastly Mr W. Weatherburn. In the mercy of God they had not been permitted to suffer long. Mr Weatherburn was called suddenly and peacefully, though not unexpectedly. He had been an elder of the congregation for some 28 years. They would miss him in many ways. Personally, the speaker would miss his' tall and stalwart form from his accustomed seat near the door at the Sunday services. He would miss his genial greeting and kindly encouraging words. Mr .Weatherburn was a man known for his industry. Early struggles with adverse circumstances had taught him the value of thrift. He did with all his might what his hand found to do. The deceased’s elder son, Mr T. Weatherburn, was also an elder and secretary of the Sunday School. Miss Weatherburn was also a valued teacher, and other members of the family were faithful church workers. The preacher closed with an exhortation to the younger generation in the congregation to come forward and fill the gaps that death was rapidly making in the ranks of their worthy pioneers.