TURAKINA

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 187, 10 August 1931, Page 11

TURAKINA

MEMORIAL SERVICE LATE MR EVAN McGREGO® There was a large gathering at the Presbyterian Church at Turakina on Sunday, when the Rev. C. AV. Watt conducted an impressive memorial service in memory of three highly respected residents of Turakina who had passed away during the last fortnight. The Rev. Watt stated that they had been gathered together to pay their tribute to those who had sojourned with them for many years. The late Air Evan AlcGregor had been a staunch pillar of tho church and a Presbytery elder for the best part of his life. The late Air Angus Cameron, a very old settler had been a friend to all, and the late Air John Macleay, a resident of the Turakina Valley since his boyhood, had been a kind and true friend and a valued neighbour. These three gentlemen were now at rest from their earthly labours. The opening hymn, ”O, God, Our Help in Ages Past,” was sung to music played on the organ by Airs J. A. Harris and Air Harris (violin). The pupils uf tho Alaori Girls’ College (of which th--* late Air AlcGregor was a trustee) sang very sweetly the hymn “AVhen Our Heads are Bowed with AVoe.” Taking for his text the 4th to Sth verse of the Second Epistle of Paul, the Apostle to Timothy, the Rev. AVatt stated that the late Air AlcGregor had found faith in Christ, reevaling the wonders of his Alaster in the beautiful valleys of the Turakina, and had now reached his eternal home. The last occasion on which they had held service in. the valley little did they think that Evan AlcGregor would not be amongst them at the next call. If anyone ever fought the good fight it was the late Evan AlcGregor, looking neither to the right or left to what he knew w r as his duty. He had a strong magnetic power and through him God spoke to others and although gathered home he still speaks to us. The whole district has suffered a great loss but to depart to be with Christ was infinitely better than what this earth could offer. In his only recreation, that of hunting, he honoured Christ. It was no unfortunate accident that had robbed us of a good friend, for in it he could see the hand of God. His hand would have grown feeble, and God took him in the only recreation that he loved and this was his crowning act in this drama of life when their beloved brother was leading the field. For over fifty years he had been carried on the backs of hi s faithful steeds and then at the last barrier he had to be carried home. To the sorrowing relatives he beseeched them to be steadfast and true and to place their trust in God. The singing of the hymn ‘‘For Ever AVith the Lord” and the Benediction concluded a most impressive service in memory of an honoured and highly respected member of the (,'hurch°