Who was Nellie Payne?

Prayer desk, St John’s Church, Ross. Carved 1928.

DB26

The Mercury, Monday 31 December 1928, page 3 transcript.
“ST. JOHN’S CHURCH, ROSS
THE LATE R. C. KERMODE.
DEDICATION OF MEMORIAL.
On Christmas Day the rector (the Rev. F. A. Carr) conducted services at St. John’s, Ross. Holy communion was celebrated at 7 a.m., and morning prayer, holy communion at 10.30 a.m.

During the latter service the rector dedicated a beautifully carved oak prayer desk and seat to the memory of the late Robert C. Kermode. The rector preached from the text, “The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light; they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined” (Isaiah lx., 2 and 3).  He pointed out how this prophetic utterance was fulfilled in the Lord Jesus Christ, whom God in His wonderful love sent into the world to become the saviour of all mankind. And in his own words (Jesus) declared that “I am the Light of the world.” This is the message which occupies our own thoughts, and the thoughts of millions of God’s children throughout the world today.

The preacher emphasised what was only too well known about the life and work of the late Robert Kermode, who during the whole of his life had been a most devoted fellow helper in the extension of the kingdom of God, not only in his own parish, but in the many parts of the world where the great Church Missionary Society is doing its glorious work of bringing the gospel to millions who dwell in the land of the shadow of death. The late Robert Kermode had been chairman of the Church Missionary Society in Tasmania for some years; he was noted for his evangelical zeal and fervour. His generosity and kindness to all who had the privilege of knowing him would always be remembered. Especial interest was taken by him in the children of the Sunday-school. His was a  most useful life, lived in quietness, and in the continual conscious fellowship of his Saviour, Jesus Christ. He was also a man who had the courage of his convictions; he was one who, indeed, possessed the spirit of discernment, and for this he earned the highest respect and esteem”.