From our Correspondent — Somerset West, April 1883
A feeling of sincere sorrow has spread throughout the village and surrounding districts upon the announcement of the death of the Rev. J. A. Bailie, whose long and faithful ministry in the Cape Colony has now come to its earthly close. The Reverend gentleman expired at Somerset West after no fewer than thirty-seven years of earnest and self-denying labour in the service of the Church.
During the course of his ministry, Rev. Bailie became well known in several parts of the Colony, having successively devoted himself to the spiritual welfare of congregations and mission stations at Nisbett Bath, Lilyfontein, Simonstown, Wynberg, and latterly Somerset West. In each of these fields he acquired the esteem not only of his fellow clergy, but also of those amongst whom he laboured, irrespective of denomination or station in life.
Those acquainted with his work speak particularly of his quiet devotion to duty, his unassuming manner, and his readiness to minister alike to the poor, the afflicted, and the isolated settlers of the country districts. His ministry was marked less by public display than by steadfast perseverance and practical Christian service. Many families in the western area and beyond will recall his visits in times of sickness, bereavement, and hardship.
At Simonstown and Wynberg, where the population has in recent years much increased, Mr. Bailie was remembered as a diligent pastor who gave freely of his strength in attending to the wants of both townsfolk and seafaring men. At Lilyfontein and Nisbett Bath his efforts amongst scattered communities were attended with considerable difficulty, requiring long travel and personal sacrifice under conditions unfamiliar to many residing in the larger centres of the Colony.
In Somerset West, where he spent his closing period of service, the news of his death has occasioned expressions of regret from every quarter. Flags upon several public and private buildings were observed at half-mast yesterday, while numerous residents gathered in subdued conversation before the church grounds during the afternoon.
The passing of the Rev. J. A. Bailie removes from amongst us one of that older generation of clergymen whose lives were spent more in labour than in recognition. His career forms part of the quiet history of the Cape — a history built not only by public men and soldiers, but also by those who, in remote stations and growing villages alike, gave their lives to the moral and spiritual welfare of the people.
He leaves behind the memory of a faithful minister and a devoted servant of the Church, whose example of perseverance and humility will not soon be forgotten in the districts where he so long laboured.
