IN MEMORIAM.

Waipa Post, Volume XX, Issue 1243, 16 May 1922, Page 5

IN MEMORIAM.

THE LATE WILLIAM MANDENO.

AN IMPRESSIVE CEREMONY

j An impressive In Memoriam service ' was conducted at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Te Awamutu, on Sunday morning, when a brass tablet to the memory of the late William H. Mandeno, of Te Awamutu, was unveiled. The service was! specially arranged for the occasion, which caused a large congregation to assemble, the late Mr Mandeno having been an elder of the church since its inception, a position which he filled with unremitting fidelity to the Master's cause and loyal devotion to His church. The music was appropriate to the occasion, .the choir rendering the anthem: "What are these things?" in a very effective manner, Mrs Dr. Henderson presiding at the organ. The Rev. F. A. Thompson delivered a powerful sermon on the good man, as> depicted in the New Testament, and at the conclusion the unveiling ceremony was. performed by Dr. Henderson, who delivered the following panegyric:—

"Friends: Three weeks ago we were remembering those, who at the call of duty gave their all for God and country on the battle-scarred , crags of the peninsula or on the miry flats of Flanders'. Their course was short and glorious, and their names are enshrined in memory. All honour to these glorious dead! Writers like Bunyan, and thinkers like St. Paul have compared the Christian calling "to warfare, and those who know best, know how hard it is to be a Chris>tian. A lifetime spent in service of God and fellow man means fiiany a conflict with the powers of evil. The youthful soldier in all the glory and enthusiasm of early manhood furnishes the fairer theme for poet or painter, but the furrowed brow and rugged features of the veteran makes' the grander picture. In remembrance of such an one we are met to-day to unveil a tablet to his memory. Born in the early pioneer days, William Mandeno took his share in the difficulties and deferred hopes of these times. To his upbringing in a quiet manse he owed much, and gratefully acknowledged it. Those who knew him and loved him and worked with him in later times need no tablet to keep his memory green. They need no outward reminder of his gentleness, his courage, his unwearied efforts and generous giving in all good causes. This memorial has l been erected for those who have joined us since—who I did not know him, "and for the younger generation growing up, so that when on Sundays they see this tablet —placed here where latterly he used to sit as a member of the- choir—they may ask what manner of man he was and how he lived, and all who knew him would be ready to tell of the constant ungrudging service he had rendered to the church and congregation, and to his fellow citizens. Dear to his heart was! the welfare of the young, and the managers have felt that a fitting memorial would be a hall devoted to their spiritual needs. To men like these the church owes much —quiet, consistent, full of courage' —such men enter into its life, influence it, work and build up its character every day; while to those who knew him their memory will ever remain as an inspiration in their lives. Have you ever been a traveller on a lonely track—alone, without companion (save your horse). The night is dark, mist rises from the ground, the track in front is all l blotted out in gloom. You know not whether you have missed the path and make unconsciously for danger and delay. You turn round and look behind the track you left shows darkly up, and once more you know the road and onward move with confidence restored. So! when days are dark in one's spiritual life we look back along the years and faces, known and loved in former days, come to our vision faces full of joy, hope, and faith. We turn again forward, and, thanking God for these, His saints, we take courage." The Doctor then unveield the tablet, Which bears the following inscription: — In Memoriam. WILLIAM HENRY MANDENO. Devoted to His Master's Service. Beloved by Members and Office Bearers •Highly Esteemed by the Citizens. Born 14th August, 1851. Died 27th May, 1921. ,

It was mentioned that the sum of £125 had been subscribed for the memorial hall.