Cudgegong Valley History Project

Headstone reads:
In memoriam
Abel Harris
Who died
April 21st 1879
Aged 54 years
In the midst of life
we are in death
Also
Marian Harris
Relict of the above \Who departed this life
August 18th 1894
Aged 75 years

Late Mr Bruse Bisley.

(By Our Special Reporter).

The service at the Methodist Church in Rylstone last Sunday evening was attended by a large and representative gathering of all denominations, who had assembled to pay a further tribute of respect to the memory of the late Mr. Bruce Bisley. Itwas made the occasion of unveiling of a beautiful white marble tablet bearing his loving parents token of their love and affection for him - a dutiful son and loving ber in the large family of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Bisley. of Northam, Rvlstone.The congregation comprised many of the young man's old and young personal friends. The service throughout was most impressive. Adults and young people mingled in a spirit of devotional remembrance of him who had been a conspicuous figure fromboyhood to manhood in the community. The singing of the old hymns brought holy and devoutly touching sentiments to the hearts of the worshippers. The Rev. Owen Evans, after prayer, descended from the pulpit, and proceeded to side southern sideof the Church where the beautiful tablet had been placed. Solemnly drawing aside the draping which covered the tablet, he said that the significance of tho unveiling would be well known to all present at that service. He was not going to recallsad memories, rather would it be happy thoughts of one who had displayed a splendid character. Neither was the memorial intended to mark any sad event, so much as it was to witness to the love and esteem of those to whom the deceased was sodear, it was erected by his parents, and in that outward expression of remembrance every one in the congregation must willingly join. In days to come, as well as on that evening, the tablet would be a fitting reminder to those who knew the lateBruce Bisley, of his splendid physique, his fine personality, and nobility of character. It was fitting also that such a tablet should be erected on the walls of their church, which, had been so powerful a force in the building up of theirdeceased friend's moral character and spiritual out-look. And yet no marble tablet, however costly and elaborate, could adequately set forth the true memorial of their dear ber. 'Not in cold marble does the image lie. The real, the true, thelasting memorial is carved in the hearts of those who knew him best. Such is the permanent memorial, unending, unfading, undiminished, shining on through endless ages till the day breaks and the shadows flee away.' In solemn accents the rev.gentleman concluded 'I unveil this tablet sacred to the memory of the late Sydney Bruce Bisley, to the glory of God, and in the name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost. Amen.' The wording of the inscription reads as follows:'In loving memory of Sydney Bruce, sixth son of Henry and Emily Bisley, who lost his life in a gun accident at 'Northan,' Rylstone, on 19th October, 1921, aged 29 years. 'Until tho Morn Breaks.' Erected by his loving parents. (Mudgee Guardianand North Western Representative Monday 10 April 1922, p. 10).

DEATH OF MR. BISLEY, SENR. A Respectable Citizen. The death occurred of Mr. Bisley, senr., father of the well-known Rylstone family, at his residence on Friday last. The deceased had been ailing for some time, but his weight of years (he being seventy-six years of age) was against recovery. The late Mr. Bisley was of a retiring disposition. He reared a large family, all of whom are honored members of the district and have made good in life. His remains were interred in the Methodist portion of the Rylstone cemetery, a large number of friends and relatives paying their last respects by attending the funeral (Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative, Thursday 26 July 1923, page 13).