Page:Letters from New Zealand (Harper).djvu/393

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Letters from New Zealand
355

St. Stephen, St. Alban, St. George, St. Augustine, and St. Paulinus. The window dominates the whole church, and is seen to its best advantage in its deep recessed setting of stone wall, divided by marble columns, in the clear light of Southern skies. I cannot better describe its effect, especially in regard to the majestic figure of Our Lord, than in the words of a constant worshipper in St. Mary's, "Beautiful as it is, I never look up at it with mere admiration—something higher, adoration."

Doing things for the last time, I find, is rather sad work; so is leave-taking. Last Services in centres of the Archdeaconry, gatherings of Sunday School teachers and children, of the Young Men's Society, and other parochial organizations, besides the inevitable last words to personal friends.

In Christchurch, at Bishopscourt, partly in the house, and in the grounds, there was a large assemblage of Clergy, Synodsmen, and many others to bid me farewell. I shall never forget the Bishop's kindly words of "the long years of service which would not be forgotten." In Timaru, besides a special gathering of St. Mary's people, a public meeting was held, representing the citizens and South Canterbury. Mr. Craigie, the Mayor, presided, and, to my great satisfaction, on the platform were the heads of all the religious bodies in the town. As I have said in previous letters, we all work in our respective spheres without bitterness of controversy, and yet with loyal adherence to the principles we profess. I have many personal friends, whom I value much, amongst other communions than our own. The farewell greetings of this great gathering touched me deeply, especially the words of one of the speakers with which he concluded