Taradale.

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume XIII, Issue 2, 1 August 1922, Page 396

Taradale.

Vicar: Rev. Canon A. P. Clarke. Over twenty Avere present at the last Mothers' Union, both m the church arid afterwards m the parish hall, when Mrs Eric Rice, of Napier, gave a very helpful address. The annual missionary sale of work Avill be held on Wednesday, 6th September. Any gifts will be thankfully received at the Vicarage. Some subscriptions for the " Gazette" (1922) are still overdue. MARY HAY-CHAPMAN. There pass sometimes over- this short stage, of our . existence here choice spirits, which leave us-, alas! we think, far too soon, but whose sweet fragrance remains ever with us. Such a one was Mary HayChapman. .She bore the same name as .that Mary of old- whose lovingact of Compassion m anointing our Saviour so comforted and rejoiced .His heart as to lead ■ Him to say that wherever the Gospel should be preached that sympathetic deed should be made knoAvn. St. .John, the beloved disciple, most touchingly adds, "And the whole house was filled with the odor of the ointment." It is not too much to say that this incident fittingly illustrates the sweet influence, '.wielded no doubt - often quite '., unwittingly, of- Mary HayChapman. No one could be long m her company without feeling this, and will ever fee! it, for "she being dead yet speaketh;.l' : Her's was a

very beautiful life, indeed her whole life was a benediction. The most devoted wife and mother it is possible to conceive, she Avas also a most affectionate, true, and loyal friend. Unselfish to a degree towards all, she was most charmingly tactful, and gained the highest respect of all with whom she came m contact. To the old people committed to her care she was more than words can express. She loved them, and they loved her. Never did she fail tp find out then 1 good points, and delighted to dwell upon them, and speak of them to others.

I know hoAV earnestly, my. friends, you prayed that she might be spared, but it was not. God's will. He wanted her for Higher Service. He has, however, answered your prayers that she might have a happy issue out of all her afflictions, for we may surely without any doubt rejoice that she is now m joy and felicity 'amongst the blessed spirits of the just, and m the nearer presence of the Saviour she loved so well.

"Blessed, indeed, are the dead who die m the Lord, for they rest from their' labors."

It remains for us to pray that we may catch something 'of that spirit which characterised her, and to fervently entreat our . Heavenly" Father, that. the lonely husband, and the dear son, and all 'to whom she was so precious may have grace given, them to cast' upon, the Lord a burden which is too heavy for them to bear, realising that He careth for them.