Page:History of Knox Church Dunedin.djvu/174

138 and unexpected removal by death of Mr James Wilkie, a deacon of the congregation, and only son of the late Mr James Wilkie, sen., one of the founders and first-elected elders of Knox Church. Mr Wilkie's death occurred at his residence, Roslyn, on April 29, 1891, after a very brief illness, at the early age of 42 years. The news came as a shock upon the office-bearers and members of the congregation and his numerous friends throughout the community.

James Wilkie, jun., was born in Scotland in the year 1849, and was only a child of about three years old when he arrived with his parents at Dunedin some 39 years ago. After attending West Taieri District School—then in charge of Mr R. S. Gardner—for about five years, he entered the Dunedin High School as a pupil on its opening in August, 1863. He was there distinguished for his ability and his diligent application to the school work, and stood very high in the estimation of the rector (Mr Simmons) and the other masters. While he displayed marked proficiency in the subjects of instruction generally, his favourite study was mathematics, in which he invariably took a foremost place.

His natural bias would have led him to adopt the profession of architect or engineer, but a slight weakness of sight compelled him to abandon the idea. The same cause prevented his following the legal profession, and eventually his fondness for literature and the fine arts led him to begin the business of bookseller and stationer in company with Mr John Reith. In the course of a few years he visited Europe with his young wife, and on his return he resumed the business of stationer, to which he afterwards added that of printing, lithographing, &c. Mr Wilkie was quiet and unobtrusive in manner, and as a man of business was greatly esteemed.

The following minute adopted by the office-bearers of Knox Church bears testimony to Mr Wilkie's character and worth, and to his services to the congregation:—"Mr James Wilkie died at his residence, Roslyn, on April 29, 1891, aged 42 years, after a few days' illness. As the son of one of the wisest and most generous of the founders of Knox Church, he grew up among surroundings favourable to religion. He passed through such church institutions as the Sabbath School and Bible Class, and was in due course received into the membership, and subsequently into the deaconship. The duties of his church relations he kindly and faithfully discharged, and commended