James DevlinPrint Page

The plaque was erected by friends to commemorate James Devlin, a former warden and trustee of the church who died in 1875. 

About the late Mr. James Devlin, senr., we take from the Australian Churchman published in Sydney, the following eulogistic remarks which all who know him will agree were well deserved :—"St. Ann's, Ryde.—This pretty little church presented quite a mournful appearance on Sunday last, being draped in black as a mark of respect to the memory of the late James Devlin, who was a trustee, and had also for very many years held the office of churchwarden. The Rev. J. G. Southby, the incumbent, preached an excellent sermon from the 12th verse of the chapter of Isaiah, "I,even I, am he that comforteth you."

Mr. Devlin had resided at Ryde for more than forty years, and had endeared himself to all classes in the community by his kind and genial disposition. He was open-handed, warm-hearted, and liberal to all the requirements for good to the neighbourhood. His aid to the church was substantial, and he took delight in promoting and advancing interests. He was also trustee and member of the local board of St. Ann's School, having given the land on which the school stands, about forty years ago; and during the whole period of his residence he was ever ready to help pecuniarily and otherwise in furthering the cause of education. To the poor in the district he was a good friend and to the rich—a pattern of benevolence and unassuming piety.

Mr. Devlin left Ryde about two years ago to reside on his station in the Murrumbidgee district, but he was not allowed to depart without some token of the affectionate goodwill of those among whom he had lived so long and by whom he was so much respected. The testimonial—costly and beautiful—and the affectionately-worded address presented at a public meeting of the inhabitants, were but the expressions of genuine respect and esteem for the worthy old patriarch and his estimable family. Expressions of regret proceeded from every mouth whilst speaking of his removal to a distance; but who shall attempt to describe the sorrow of the venerable gentleman's friends when the news of his death was promulgated amongst them early on Saturday last? We shall not attempt such a task. Suffice it to say that the name, fame, and reputation that this good man has left behind him are something more than mere words—something, indeed, that his posterity may well be proud of. His alms and good deeds have "gone up for a memorial before God," and he will be rewarded by his Heavenly Father, in whom he put his trust, accordingly ; his motto was "Let us do good unto all men," and he practised it."
Wagga Wagga Advertiser (NSW.), 20 November 1875. 

The Devlin Tablet Committee held a meeting at the office of the Clerk of Petty Sessions, Ryde, on last Saturday evening, for the purpose of winding up the account. The mayor, Mr. G. E. Herring, was placed in the chair, who stated that the tablet had been placed in St. Ann's Church at a cost of £43 5s., the same being erected over the pew formerly occupied by Mr. Devlin, and exactly opposite that erected to the late Rev. G. C. Turner, both being similar in size and design. A vote of thanks was passed to Mrs. Darvall and the collectors for the interest taken by them, and as the work had been satisfactorily performed by Messrs. Patten, Brothers, payment was ordered. The following is the inscription:- "To the memory of James Devlin, who departed this life at Wagga Wagga, 5th November, 1875, aged 68 years. For many years a trustee and church-warden of this church. A sociable, amiable, and benevolent Christian in life, his death will be long regretted by all who knew him. This tablet is erected by his numerous friends as a token of their esteem and regard.  
Sydney Morning Herald (NSW), 22 September 1876.

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