Eulogy Given by Methodist Minister at the Funeral of

 Sara Jane (Jeannie) Gilmour  (Born 23 Sept 1870 Died 1Nov 1956)

(Daughter of Joseph Henry & Thamazine Harris)

Maternal Grandmother of Brian Good.

We are gathered here today to pay tribute to a loving Mother, Grandmother and Christian friend. The passing of Sara Jane Gilmour closes the earthly life of one of New Zealands greatest pioneer Women.

Sara never knew ease, nor ever seek it. From early years in Albertland, until very recently, hers were working hands and her heart remained as a stream of gold.

Sara was a leader-perhaps something of a ruler, but her leadership was such that no one could ever revolt from it. How often did she view a task to be performed and say, as she led the way- “Come on in, we can….”

Her family has indeed risen up and called her blessed. In a day when so many elderly people must spend the eventide of life in some public institution, too high a tribute cannot be paid to a family who cared for her with love and patience. You have been faithful.

We feel you have done your utmost; you no doubt feel you could have done more- but no one of us can ever repay a worthy mother. You have finished the course.

May God guide you to the future. The family will miss her, and not merely a few owe her an unpayable dept.

Sara has been interested in anything worthy, and people have been her concern.

The Church has always been close to her heart, and she at the heart of the churches hardest work; whether it was in the Guild or the Missionary Union,or the W.C.T.U. (Women’s Christian Temperance League), or the worship of the church, she was in her place. Hers, was a life of giving, she couldn’t help but give. Sara gave this Bible, she sat just there, she gave encouragement to every preacher, to every worshiper.

Two former Ministers of this church, Rev Alan Jones & Rev Kitford Brown with whom, at conference yesterday, spoke of Mrs Gilmour, asked to be associated with this tribute to-day. They share with us today, as also does another- Mrs Harris, also at conference. We have no fears for Mrs Gilmour, but some one must replace her in the church. It was said that for every one they martyred in the early church, ten more accepted the faith. Ought the death of a Saint mean less. Will you be one of the ten? May her death mean life indeed. I said we have no fear for Sara, the master’s words are true “God so Loved… and Mrs Gilmour believed this. She walked for god- in the guarding of her tender years, in choosing of her fate, in the raising of a truly God fearing family, in the companionship of her husband until his passing four years ago.

She worked together with God in her home and garden. Whatever the changes of the future may bring we shall always remember, “a house set on a hill that need not be hid”

“They who tread the path of labour follow where my feet have trod-they who work without complaining to the holy will of God”

Her trust in God gave her great joy as she looked through the veil-sometimes at us, sometimes largely heedless of the things of this life.

She looked to the day- this day- when she would resume the journey with her beloved Andrew Gilmour.

I cannot say how much she meant to me, I can only pray that what she has given to us all may be used to the glory of God. As we turn away from the grave it will still be to the quiet encouragement of her master….”Come on, we …., I am  with you always.

13;29 “and they shall come from the east, from the west, and from the north and from the south, and shall sit down in the Kingdom of God.

(Sara Jane Gilmour was a well-built lady of medium height, held herself erect, had brown hair in her youth & had Blue eyes.)

Thanks to Elaine Good for this Eulogy.