“Within the Veil"

White Ribbon, Volume 21, Issue 1, 1 February 1949, Page 3

“Within the Veil"

Mra. Stephenson Craig, Hamilton Union In the passing of Mrs. Stephenson Craig, the South Auckland District has lost a devoted and highly esteemed officer; did our Dominion Union suffers the loss of a most outstanding and influential personality. Born in 1867, at Pakuranga, Auckland, her parents being Mr. and Mrs. Roberts, she was both scholar and teacher of the school there. She also taught at Te Aroha, Morrinsville, and Waihi; being one of the first teachers at Morrinsville. In 1898, her marriage to Mr. Stephenson Craig took place; and a family of two sons and one daughter was born to them. Those who had the privilege of visiting Mr. and Mrs. Craig will always have the memory of a deep spirituality which pervaded the home; and created a very special atmosphere in which it \va« a delight to share. Mrs. Craig’s keen intellect, her quick and ready sense of humour, and her candid, clear-cut, balanced opinions on all matters in which she was interested, were always eagerly sought by her many friends. Indomitable and fearless in the face of evil, loving and gentle where sympathy and tenderness were needed; her character stood four square. Her first close contact with the W.C.T-U. was in 1922; when she joined the Hamilton Union, becoming secretary of the South Auckland district very shortly afterwards, when the district was first formed separately from Auckland. As president of the Hamilton Union, her work was notably successful; and in retaining the secretaryship of the district for many years, she did very much to establish the standing of South Auckland; constantly building it up. In 1946, she was made a life vice-prcddent of the

District Union. As a chairman, Mrs. Craig was brilliant; and as a speaker, she was in demand by a great number of societies; always giving a message of outstanding quality. Her rare gitu were used unsparingly foi God, Home and Humanity. Deeply interested in the missionary work of the Church, and in that of the British and Foreign Bible Society, she never spared herself in seeking to prepare the way of the Lord through these many agencies. At a Memorial Service, held in the Devotional Period of the Hamilton Union meeting held on December 2nd, many tributes were paid by members to the deep spiritual helpfulness, the faith and courage which characterised her life and leadership. Mrs. Craig’s last message to the members was: " Fight on. We are not defeated till we stop fighting.’ , C. M. McLAY. “Our much-loved sister was laid to rest on November 26th, in the Hamilton East cemetery. In St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, the casket containing her earthly remains, raised on a bier, stood surrounded with beautiful flowers. A great number of lovely wreaths were arranged all around; and amongst them was one from the South Auckland District. The cards on these showed how many loving friends remembered her. The strains of ‘ O rest in the Lord ’ and 1 But the Lord is mindful of His own’ were played softly; and the service opened with the hymn * How bright those glorious spirits shine.’ It was a beautiful, peaceful service. Several of the Hamilton Union members stood together at the graveside service, and at the conclusion, each walked to the place where she lay, and dropped a white rose into the opening." A. L. LEWIS.