Broken

Vernier Line Is

78 Years of Service in French Oceania

From Our Own Correspondent

Papeete, July 16.

DURING, a period of 78 years the Ver nier tradition has been, the very warp and woof of the fabric of Pro testant faith in the islands of French Oceania.

The elder Vernier began his long pas torate in the year 1867. When, in 1907, he relinquished the presidency of the church in the Colony, his son Paul was pastor in the Marquesas. The Reverend Paul Vernier later came to Papeete, where he served the church until his retirement.

His brother, the Reverend Andre Vernier, was pastor at Papeete until ill-health compelled him to return to France.

Now, the threads of that distinguished tradition are broken by the retirement of the Reverend Charles Vernier b,s Presid ing Pastor of the Protestant Church in Oceania, and his departure, with Madame Vernier, to France—June 18, 1945.

All three brothers were born at Tahiti.

Their intimate and scholarly knowledge of the native language and their deep understanding of the Polynesians them selves brought about a close sympathy and comprehension between them and their parishioners. The Polynesian word “Metua” (signifying “Father” or “Mother” —as the case may be) when given to any one outside the family circle, is the high est tribute of affection and honour the Tahitian can bestow.

The Reverend and Madame Charles Vernier have truly merited that accolade by 34 years of service which is beyond all valuation. Metua, such as these twain, are not the possession of any institution.

All whom they have served, all whom they honoured with their friendship— whether or no they are of the Protestant faith—have felt the deepest emotion at the parting.

Monsieur and Madame Vernier will pass a season with friends near Washington.

DC, and will then reside with their two surviving sons in France.