Holmes, H. S., Mrs.

TENDERLY LAID TO REST.
Mrs. H. S. Holmes on Thursday, and Mr. Chas. E. Jenner on Friday.
The solemn tolling of the bell of St. Joseph's Church at 8.30 on Thursday morning marked the conveying to the sacred edifice of the remains of Mrs. H. S. Holmes for the last sad rites of the church, of which she had been a most devoted member.
Messrs. Geo. Havill, A. A. Secord, John M. McGrail, John Williams, John Clarke and John Harvey were the pallbearers, and after they had deposited the casket before the altar Rev. Father Feeney said high mass, and then addressed the large congregation present, delivering a brief and touching sermon on "The Christian's Hope," based upon 2 Thess. 4th Chap. Comfort one another with these words. Reference was made to the comforting words and sympathy of Jesus to Mary and Martha when their brother had died. On these occasions we come to pay the last respects, the most sacred act of friendship and extend heartfelt sympathy and condolence. Bear ye one another's burdens and so fulfil the law of Christ is a scriptual injunction. Christian hope is a God-given gift. That virtue God alone can give. Our hope is grounded on the mighty power of God, and on His mercy through his only begotten Son, and on Jesus' suffering for us. It is grounded also upon God's fidelity - God cannot deceive. It leads up to hope for eternal salvation. Christ came that all may be saved. If people are lost it is because they neglect the gracious offer God has made, for God has given man the power to decide for himself! Our hope is grounded on the forgiveness of sin, when sin abounded, grace did much abound. Lastly, he said, our Christian hope is the strength and consolation of those whose sins are forgiven. For a wicked man there is no hope. The possession of the true love of God will cause the soul to rejoice, when it is released from the thraldom of this world to go to the joys of the better world. In closing, the Reverend Father exhorted all to serve God faithfully and constantly and earnestly, and not only in their strength, but in God's strength. Reference was made to the devout Christian character of the deceased and tenderest words of consolation were spoken to the husband and children so sorely bereft.
The remains were conveyed to Goderich for interment by the 10.05 train.
Among the many floral tributes which adorned the casket the FREE PRESS noticed the following: Wreath from family with inscription "mother" in everlastings: wreaths from brothers and sisters; from Acton Lodge I.O.O.F.; from Mr. and Mrs. John Clark; from J. B. Wallace; spray of lilies from Mr. and Mrs. John A. McGrail; spray of lilies and sweet peas by Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Devitt; carnations and lilies from Mrs. Chas. Turner, Toronto; roses from Miss Dolly Coleman, Toronto; roses from Mr. and Mrs. Fred Storey; carnations and phlox from Mrs. Cobhan and family; roses from Miss Watson.
(for continuation see Charles E. Jenner)