FUNCTION AT PATERANGI.

Waipa Post, Volume XX, Issue 1150, 4 October 1921, Page 4

FUNCTION AT PATERANGI.

ROLL OF HONOUR UNVEILED. SERVICE AT THE CHURCH. On Sunday a roll of honour was unveiled at the Paterangi Presbyterian Church to the memory of the men associated with that church who had served in the war. The roll was headed: " Paterangi Presbyterian Church. —For God, King, and Country." The first six names on the roll were those of men who had been killed in action, namely, K. Johnstone, R. Gordon, W. A. Macky, L. Ryburn, M. Milne, and R. Scott. Then followed other six who were fortunate enough to return —M. Clephane, N. Johnstone, R. John-* stone, G. McCallum, J. Kay, and A. Sing. The church was filled to overflow-' ing. The Minister, Rev. D. N. McKenzie, preached an able and appropriate sermon from the text, " Fear God and honour the King." It dealt with the relations between the church and the state, pointing out«that the church of Jesus Christ enjoined all people in relation to their respective stations to be loyal to their country. The preacher pointed out that the great sacrifies which' our soldiers made in the war ensured the integrity and freedom of our nation to-day. But as we were fighting for the principles of righteousness and justice, though in the face of great difficulties, it was inevitable that the all-guiding hand of Providence should lead us finally to victory. At the close of the sermon the organist played the " Dead March in Saul," ,the congregation reverently standing. Mr J. A. Young, 'M.P., was then called upon to unveil the roll of honour. Mr Young paid a tribute to the record of the Presbyterians of the district in the matter of war service, and out of the twelve men who had come from the families of the Presbyterian congregation half had made the supreme sacrifice for their country. It was said the greatest sacrifice a citizen could make was to die for his country. That applied not only to soldiers, but to everyone. But in reality it was better that we should live for our country and .dedicate our lives for that great .purpose, so that when our time came it could be said that we had lived and died for our country. There was work for all to do—not only for the men but also for the women. While a community was apt to forget the names of those who had helped to make its history it was good that there should be permanent records of those names, so that while their works lived after them their names also should be remembered. Thus it was his honour and privilege that day to unveil this memorial to those who had given this special service to their country in the hour of its need. And he dedicated the memorial as an everlasting tribute to the memory of those whose names were inscribed on it. »

The ceremony was a very impressive and touching one, and will long be remembered by the large congregation present.