MEMORIAL SERVICE

Southland Times, Issue 22766, 17 December 1935, Page 9

MEMORIAL SERVICE

LATE MR PERRELLE. (From Our Correspondent.) At Holy Trinity Church Winton, on Sunday evening an impressive service was held in memory of the late Mr P. A. de la Perrelle, who throughout his 23 years’ residence in Winton took an active part in the affairs of the church. Appropriate hymns and prayers accompanied the service, which was conducted by the vicar, the Rev. W. H. S. Hine. In his remarks from the pulpit the vicar, who took as his text, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord,” stated:, “To-night we are thinking specially of one, the late Philip Aidborough de la Perrelle, who was a regular worshipper in this church. He was well-known throughout the Dominion as a member for many years of the Government of the day, and was a man who used his talents for the good of mankind and in forwarding the work of God’s Kingdom. His early spiritual training was received in the Lakes District, and as his life widened into manhood he remained true to his ideals. At the age of 23 he was appointed a Justice of the Peace, and at. the time of his passing Mr Perrelle was one of the oldest justices of the province, his appointment extending over 39 years. As a Christian he was not afraid to let his light shine in the affairs of the world and his Christianity was of a very practical nature. What was the secret of this great man’s spiritual strength? He received it from the same source as you and I—from the Rock upon which all Christians lean. He was faithful in his communions, and Sunday after Sunday he came to God’s altar. He allowed God to mould his life. In public life he gained almost the highest distinction, while his spiritual life was strength to many and gave encouragement to me during the two and a-half years in which I had the privilege of his friendship and acquaintance. Let us thank God for this witness to the world of one whose life was service, not self. We shall miss him, but he has been called to a higher life, and we bow to God’s will. His widow and family will find comfort in their memory of the inspiring life of Philip de la Perrelle.” The service concluded with the singing of the beautiful vesper hymn “Pax Dei.”