BLUFF NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 22378, 18 July 1934, Page 3

BLUFF NOTES

MEMORIAL SERVICE.

(From Our Correspondent.) On Sunday evening a memorial service for the late Mr James Walker was held in the Bluff Presbyterian Church. The Rev. T. A. Speer occupied the pulpit and there was a large congregation. Taking his text from Psalm 37, verse 37, “Mark the perfect man and behold the upright; for the end of that man is peace,” Mr Speer said that instead of dealing with the life and character of Mr Walker under different aspects—as private individual, husband and father, public citizen or churchman—he wished the congregation to see him simply as a great-hearted Christian. That was the picture he (the speaker) wished to present. Referring to the words in the text, “Mark the perfect man,” Mr Speer said that their departed friend would be the last to claim that title for himself, for modesty and humility were among his most notable characteristics. Yet, all who knew him would place him as near perfectness as mortal man could attain to. He won for himself a character that “envy could not but call fair,” and was to those who knew him a constant inspiration and a constant gentle rebuke. He was one who touched life at many points; for he threw himself into whatever concerned the well-being of his fellowmen. His was no isolated, unhelpful life, but one that spent itself in all kinds of public service and in varied circles men depended on him and turned to him for leadership—wherever he served, his tact, discretion and resourcefulness made his advice valuable and his opinion respected. Mr Walker was a man of clear judgment in business matters and one who conscientiously discharged the duties of his many offices; so that he enjoyed in a marked degree the confidence and respect of all, Mr Speer continued. His sterling character had left its impress for good; and throughout his long and profitable sojourn “He bore without abuse

The grand old name of ‘gentleman.’” The firm grasp of his hand and his ever cheery welcome were the tokens of his warm and friendly disposition. Though not great in stature, he was great in heart and his very presence created an atmosphere that rebuked everything unworthy or unsavoury. The biographer of Canon Liddon said that “the Canon’s heart was a cleansed channel down which God came into the lives of men.” One could not help feeling how truly those words applied to the man who was being mourned that day. In this respect their friend had left an example that might well be followed. Again, in St. Paul’s Cathedral an epitaph to Sir Christopher Wren said: “If you want to see his monument, look around you.” Such an epitaph would also be appropriate to James Walker. Stricken with a fatal disease, the latter bore with exemplary patience and with an unclouded faith the heavy trial that had come upon him and in his closing days was greatly cheered and sustained by the love and loyalty of his very numerous friends. God gave him a long life and, what is more, He gave him a good one —the best a man can have. He gave him unstintedly the affection of a wide circle. He gave him an exceptionally happy home; and now He had given him something better than the best this life can know—the sight of His own face, and the reward of the higher service.

In conclusion, Mr Speer voiced the sympathy felt by all towards Mrs Walker and family in their great loss. During a service which deeply impressed the congregation, a number of the late Mr Walker’s favourite hymns were sung, while the solo, “The Christian’s Goodnight” was rendered by Mrs R. N. Porter, and the deceased’s favourite Alexander hymn “Have Faith in God” by the choir. Mr A. Steel was the organist.