IN MEMORIUM.

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume 25, Issue 2, 1 February 1935, Page 2

IN MEMORIUM.

WILLIAM NORMAN As the thoughts of many were turning to Bethlehem, Williami Norman, after an illness of a few hours, passed to his eternal rest. He passed away m his own home which he loved so well. His mortal remains rested m the Church of St. Andrew's, which he equally loved and so zealously served, and where Sunday by Sunday he joined with his family m the worship of the King, Eternal, Invisible and Immortal whom he knew and loved so well. To him, the Christian religion was the most important factor m his life and m the life of his family. Everyone at the Port knew him and loved him, but only those intimately m touch with him knew his most delightful side — the spiritual and the family. One can never forget the sight of him, seated at the table with his family every nfght after the evening meal, conductting family prayer, the used dishes still on the table; everything so simple, yet so glorious m its very

simplicity, but with just this difference, one knew and flelt the presence of Him whom W. N. worshipped with such devoted intensity. For the past three years he had been Vicar's Warden, but to him it was more than just an official who signed cheques and took up the offertory. It was another little work of love for his beloved Master. Every Sunday, one saw him with his family making the most - intimate of Communions that mankind can make. His soul hungered for that Holy Food, and now we know his soul has beheld the King and is satisfied. What he has been, and whal he has done for St. Andrew's will never be known, and what his friendship to his vicar has meant can never be expressed m words; but this much is most certainly known, that his spiritual presence and influence is with us still. This was never more keenly felt than on the Sunday after his passing, when each and all seemed to feel, so consciously, his presence with us at our Communion ,when with "Angels and Archangels and all the company of Heaven" we offered up our thanks and praises to God for the life and work of William Norman. He too, m Paradise prayed that we who are left should carry on the fight for God against the powers of darkness. No theology will ever explain so forcibly the dpctrine of the Communion of Sainia > as the spiritual experience, of those who knew William Norman as he was known by us of St. Andrew's, and is now known by us m the spiritual realm. It is just an experience, but a very wonderful one. The example and experience of a good life; ia liifie so sweet that it is still with us, sharing and helping as it always did, but with just this difference, that now, that life has double the force and power, because it has seen Him, whom to know is to love. And we shall always think of William Norman as the man who loved, and was loved by all m return. May light perpetual shine upon him. — 8.R.8.