Page:History of Adelaide and vicinity.djvu/302

 276 ADELAIDE AND VICINITY Ritrht Rev. J. R. Harmer, D D., Anglican Bishop of Ailelaidc AUSTRALIA, during its history, has provided a scene of labor for several notable Bishops of what is known as the Anglican Church, whose names are affectionately treasured in the memory of colonists. Many are the stories told concerning them — their exploits in the bush, their wit, and their great heartedness. These reverend gentlemen have been essentially manly, and, as such a term is understood by bushmen, no more flattering compliment could be paid them. The duties of an Australian Church dignitary in no way resemble those of his brother- workers in England. In the colonies he has to travel long distances by train and coach and on horseback. He has often been lost in the monotonous and melan- choly bush, and has sometimes endured some hardship before being rescued. He must be as strong physically as he is spiritually, for his lonely journeys sometimes extend for hundreds of miles through sparsely - settled country ; and when he reaches his destination, he ministers to perhaps but a modest score or so of settlers. Indeed, he must be brave and earnest, good-humored and long-suffering. It is because of their earnest- ness, their sturdiness when "roughing it" (as bush travelling and fare is termed), and their manly sermons suitable to the people, that these Australian prelates have become popular and beloved. On remote stations many scores of miles from the nearest township one is told in happy words divers stories of Bishops Moorhouse, Short, and Julius. A great churchman, when he answers to the bushman's ideal of manliness, has a substantial and lasting influence over the latter s mind. Although his sojourn in South Australia has been comparatively short, we have no hesitation in declaring that the present Bishop of Adelaide, the Right Rev. Dr. Harmer, Hammer & Co., Fkoto