Page:History of Knox Church Dunedin.djvu/169

Rh

EVERAL prominent office-bearers and workers of Knox Church have been called away from their earthly labours since Dr Stuart's return from the Home Country in December, 1888. Among these was the late Mr Alexander Eennie, who passed away on the morning of Sabbath, June 2, 1889, at his residence in Dunedin, in the 79th year of his age. For about eight months he had been suffering from heart disease, which prevented him from taking an active part in business of any kind, and at last terminated fatally.

Alexander Rennie was born near Reith, Banffshire, Scotland, in 1810, where he received his education, and served his apprenticeship. He afterwards removed to Oldmeldrum, Aberdeenshire, and there entered on business as a tailor and draper. He then married, but his young wife died in giving birth to twin-daughters, who both survived. Eight years afterwards he emigrated to Otago, which he reached by the ship "Phœbe Dunbar," in November 1850. He worked at his trade for some time, and then opened a store at the corner of Princes and Rattray streets, now known as "Hardie's Corner." By his upright dealings he secured the confidence and esteem of his fellow-townsmen, and, in 1853, when the Otago Provincial Council was constituted, he was elected one of the members for Dunedin. He served as a member of the Council till 1866, and held the position of Speaker for two years. Having married a sister of the late Mr James Wilkie, sen., Mr Rennie took up his residence at his farm on the banks of the Taieri River, near West Taieri, which he improved and cultivated with considerable success. In 1866 he let his farm and left for the Home Country with his wife and daughters. He returned to Otago after an absence of three years, and, having sold his farm, settled down in Dunedin, and began that course of active benevolence for which he was so much distinguished, and in which he continued until his last illness laid him aside. In temperance work he was an enthusiast.