James Logan Ballantyne, (1884-6/2/1936). "a pillar of strength"

NORTH OTAGO

(FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.)

OBITUARY 

MR J. L. BALLANTYNE 

Cabled advice was received from the s.s. Rangitiki on February 8 of the death at sea of Mr James Logan Ballantyne, aged 52 years. Mr Ballantyne was born at Costa, Evie, Orkney, and when 19 years of age came out to New Zealand. He spent many years in Canterbury and North Otago, and eventually took up farming in the latter district. In 1911 he married Miss Margaret Couper of Totara, and settled at Teschemakers. Being of a kindly and happy disposition, he was a highly-esteemed citizen, and his passing was deplored by many. As an elder in the Totara Presbyterian Church he was a pillar of strength, and held the esteem and love of all who knew him. In deference to the wish of his parents, he undertook a trip to Orkney. When a short time out from London on his return journey he contracted appendicitis, and was operated on at sea. He was put ashore at Balboa, Panama, where he survived two more operations, and recovered sufficiently to board the Rangitiki four months later. The hopes of the sorely-tried relatives were, however, crushed when news of his death came when he was only five days out from New Zealand. His widow, two daughters, and son survive him. 

MEMORIAL SERVICE. 

The Totara Presbyterian Church was filled to capacity for the memorial service to Mr Ballantyne, and among the large congregation were elders from the various charges and friends from surrounding districts. The preacher — (the Rev H. Hogg) took as his text the words which Luke used in describing Barnabas — "A good man, full of the Holy Ghost and of faith." Briefly Mr Hogg related the few incidents recorded in the life of Barnabas — his whole-hearted surrender of himself and his money to the service of Christ, his introduction and support of Paul as a new worker, and noted his broad sympathies, his ,peace-loving and unselfish nature. The points of resemblance between Barnabas and their late beloved elder were such, said the preacher, that he was justified in taking Luke's words as his text — "A good man, full of the Holy Ghost, and of faith. Mr Ballantyne was a good man, not in the sense the world used the term, but in its highest sense — a man in whom were always expected and ever found the fruits of the spirit; love, joy, peace, gentleness, goodness, meekness, and faith. The verdict of his fellow-churchmen and indeed of everyone who knew him was — "an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile." In other words, all acknowledged him to be a true Christian gentleman — one who practiced what he believed. He greatly loved his home and his church — these were his life and "he gave nae thought to self at all," as the old Scottish song says. Altogether his life was a splendid example of what an elder's should be. The preacher closed by pointing out what a challenge to fellow-workers, and, indeed, to everyone in the district, the calling home of this faithful servant constitute. If even one in the congregation vowed in his heart that henceforth he would live only for Christ and others, that he would follow the beautiful example of their late beloved elder, then this death had not been in vain. Two of Mr Ballantyne's favourite hymns were sung — "Stand Up, Stand Up, for Jesus," and "O Love That Will Not Let Me Go." Miss F. Reid sang "He Wipes the Tear From Every Eye," and Miss Mavis Mitchell (Weston) was the organist for the day.  -Otago Daily Times, 19/2/1936.

Oamaru Cemetery.