Tommy Atkins at Church.

Evening Post, Volume LVI, Issue 98, 22 October 1898, Page 4 (Supplement)

Tommy Atkins at Church.

A new parson who joined at a large home station (writes Captain Philip Trevor in the Nineteenth Century) was most anxious to improve tho general conduct of the parade service. Amongst other thingo, he decided to adopt the eastward position during the recitation of tho Creed. Only the choir, who in a garrison church are those inemhers of the band whose instruments are unsuitable for church music, would be affected, as they alone' occupied side pews. There was no aggrieved parishioner to consult, and the matter could be easily arranged at the weekly practice. But the chaplain was disappointed. The effect, however much it might have satisfied him as an ecclesiastic, displeased him as a soldier. His idea was to repeat the first two worda himself and make a pause; then, as. he spoke again, the choir were to turn as one man and proceed with the declaration of their convictions simultaneously. But from the chaplain's point of view the rehearsal was most slovenly, and he confided the fact to the sergeant-major, on whom Tie was paying a call next day. Then the sergeant-major advised. 'If I might suggest, sir, I'd just let thiugs be "as you were" this Sunday, and I'll step up next practice.' The chaplain gratefully acquiesced, and at the next practice the sergeant-major accordingly stepped. No possible circumstance or set of conditions can eradicate or even dull the military instincts of a eergeant-major. He had a short conversation with the chaplain, and .then addressed the choir. 'Now, men!' The mere sound of his voice was electric. No little band boy now lolled on the choir desk. The third fingers of the hands were on the seams of the trousers, and the heads ereofc. Even the man struggling with the bassoon sat to attention. The sergeantmajor proceeded: — 'When you 'ear the 'oly man say " Hi b'lieve " not a move— them words is only cautionary ; but when 'o starts on " Gord the Father " round yer go on yer 'eels.' Then to the chaplain — * Now, sir, you try.' The chaplain was wise enough to note that the sacred words had been uttered and received in perfect good faith, and without a semblance of profanity, so he thanked the sergeantj major and 'tried' forthwith. Success was instantaneous.