WESLEYAN CHURCH, TEMUKA.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2392, 6 August 1892, Page 3

WESLEYAN CHURCH, TEMUKA.

At the above church on Thursday evening, Mrs Smalley (of Waimate), to use her own words," told the story of another woman's life, that," to wit, of Miss Frances Ridley Havergal, the poetess, and told that story simply and well. The theme was one to which it was difficult to do justice from a public stage, for Miss Havergal's life was not filled with or marked by any stirring incidents to which dramatic effect could be given, but to her simple piety, whole-souled faith, poetic talent, and universal sympathy Mrs Smalley did ample justice. It is not given to everyone in these busy times to keep themselves in touch with the many writers who are contributing their by works to brighten the lives of the multitude and unconsciously encourage them in their faith, and doubtless many present on Thursday evening were astonished to find how familiar they were with Miss Havergal's writings, a familiarity gained as it were unconsciously, but as they realised this their interest in the simple matters of her life must have deepened considerably. Miss Havergal was the daughter of the Rev. Mr Havergal, of Astley Rectory, in Warwickshire. She was born in 1846, and died at the comparatively early age of 42. From an early period of her life she displayed simple, pious traits of character, and after confirmation in 1854 devoted her talents entirely to the service of her Master. She was possessed very strongly with the poetic instinct, but this was the more apparent at times, when she seemingly Wrote under inspiration. Her musical talents were also exceptional, and she not only wrote the music for many of her songs but also sang them, as it was remarked, "as if the music of God's own heart was in her." She was a fluent French and German scholar, and also understood Hebrew. Whilst resident on the Continent she wrote many beautiful verses and sonnets, many of which are are copied now upon Christinas and birthday cards, under pictures of Alpine scenery, painted by a German lady friend. Mrs Smalley gave many instances of the busy aspect of Miss Havergal's life, the many calls upon her time, and her unwearying attention to them, and sketched very pathetically its closing scenes. To enter more fully into the stoiy would be an injustice to its narra'or, who no doubt will be asked to tell it again, and those who have not heard it might profitably spend an hour in learning something of one who, as before remarked, is perhaps not altogether a stranger to them. The address, or lecture, was designed to form the second of the winter entertainments organised by Mr Dellow. It was opened with devotional exercise, after which Mr Low sang " The Landing of the Pilgrim Fathers." Mr Opie, of Winchester, sang "The Fisherman and Child," and during the progress of the address the Rev. J. Dellow sang a number of Miss Havergal's songs, and also recited the poem, " The Lull of Eternity." At the close Mrs Dellow sang " After," a very beautiful song, and prior to leaving those present joined in singing a hymn which had always been one of Miss Havergal's favorites. There was a very good attendance, and the Rev. Mr Dellow is to be congratulated upon securing Mrs Smalley's assistance in his scheme for providing elevating and instructive entertainments.