CANON ALFRED PICKERING CLARKE.

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume XXI, Issue 14, 1 October 1931, Page 3

CANON ALFRED PICKERING CLARKE.

On September 11th, at his home m Napier, there passed to his rest, after a very short illness, one of the older clergy m the Diocese of Waiapu, Canon A. P. Clarke, who was well known m Hawke's Bay, as he was a former Vicar of Taradale for over 30 years. Ho came out to New Zealand from England over 50 years ago to undertake clerical work, but, feeling the call of the ministry, he accepted an invitation from Bishop Suter, of Nelson, to read for Holy Orders' at Bishopsdale, where he passed his grades, taking his L.Th. diploma, and was ordained Deacon m 1884 and Priest m 1886 by the Bishop of Nelson. After spending a few months as curate at the Cathedral Church m Nelson, he was appointed to take charge of the Parochial district of Collingwood, where he laboured faithfully for

three years and won the hearts of the people by his sincere and indefatigable ministrations. He was then appointed to the Parish of Patea, m the Diocese of Wellington, m 1887, and remained there till 1893, when he was called to accept the Parish of Taradale. For over 30 years he faithfully discharged his pastoral duties with the co-opera-tion of his devoted wife, and gained the respect and affection of parishioners m his large and scattered country district. At the end of that period a mental breakdown, following upon a serious operation, caused him to resign m 1924 from the work of the parish which he loved. In 1918 the Bishop appointed him as one of the honorary Canons of the Cathedral, and, recovering wonderfully from his breakdown, he was able to render useful service, especially m conducting regular services at the Ormond Memorial Chapel, up to the time of his death. Less than a year ago he passed through the sore trial of losing his faithful and devoted wife, who had for so many years shared m all his labours. Canon Clarke and his wife were two of those simple and sincere believers m the Christian faith who found m it their strength and stay, and did their utmost to commend its blessings, to others. They both took s. deep interest m the missionary work of the Church and did much to spread interest m it among their parishioners m Taradale. They now both rest from their labours and leave behind them two sons and a daughter to mourn their loss, and to whom we offer our sincere sympathy. F. W. C.