RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 858, 2 July 1910, Page 9

RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY.

A CREAT HONOUR. ARMY AND KING'S DEATH. The great honour that was done to tho Salvation Army's Regent Hall Band when it was allowed t-o piny hvmns at Buckingham Palacc after the late King's death is thus referred to ill the English "War Cry":—Tho story is taken up from when tho ser-geant-major of the corps asked permission of an official for the band to play near the Palace, and is considerably abridged. "I represent tho Salvation Army Regent Hall Corps," the sergeantmajor said, "and, being the nearest corps to Buckingham l'alaco, wo are very anxious to give expression to the deep sympathy we feel for tho Royal 1 amily in their grief. Wo should like permission for our band to march in front of the Palace this afternoon, and to play 'Nearer, my God, to Thee,' which, wo understand, was\King Edward's favourite hymn." "A most worthy object," replied the ; olnciaJ. "Tell your officer to* write his request, and send you back with it.. Bring it to tho Royal entrance, and ask for Lord'Knollys." This was done, and a Court official stated to -the messenger: "You are .from tho Salvation Army? I have to tell you that Queen Alexandra was deeply touched by the request made in the letter that was sent on behalf of thc i Salvation' Army, and that her Majesty wishes you to bring your band into tho Palace grounds this afternoon at four o'clock."

The band (.'Kmc, with, draped colours, m the afternoon, followed by Salvationist soldiers, and some members of their regular congregation, about 300 people m all. In duo courso the procession turned through the gates of tho Royal Park into the Mall, at the end of which was' Buckingham Palace. 'Hero the sight of the procession will never be forgotten by those who saw it. Distinguished occupants of passing motor-cars looked with amazement to soo a Salvation Army band playing in the Mall! Many would not believe it was the Salvation Army at all. , "Permission," they said, "would never be given." "It cannoc-.be tho Salvation Army Band," said others. "General Booth has not got a band like that." We were nearing tho wide open gates of the Palace, and the people, thinking we were marching along the front, formed a rough semi-circlo'to watch us. There wero probably 10,000 present. As we drew near the.crowd still remained, and wo began to wonder if, after all, we were going in. At last, at a signal from the Police Superintendent, the astonished people were parted, and an inspector beckoned us through the gates. Hero tho rear .of the procession was separated from the band. Passing into the courtyard the men took off their caps, and marched to a spot indicated beneath aij open window. Hero wo formed a circle, and stood at attention, as we were five minutes before the stipulated time. During those minutes the stillness of the crowd was as the ■stillness of death. .

iVt four o'clock Major Barrett prayed that the hymns and music might be a , comfort to tho Queen aud members of the Royal Family. Then tlio band commenced with "Nearer, my .God' to Thee. With subdued baud accompamment, tho words were clearly heard. After a few minutes' silence a second hymn, "Abide with me," was begun. A window of the Palace crept up, aud two or three dim forms could be seen inside one of, thorn a lady—but too' tar away and- too indistinct to be recognised. Some .of the women, crying softly .in the press before the gates, joined, m the hymn with tremulous voices.

Ths last, verse rang out triumphantly lh the hushed afternoon, and ended in a . glorious fortissimo, telling of tho victory after Death—of hope and glory. It was all touchingly beautiful,' aud not one m all that close-packed crowd by tho railings was ashamed of his tears.

Another five minutes' interval, theiv tho Band played, "The Church's'one i< oundation, ' to the tune, "Aurelia." } r . s was being played (says the Major) a messenger from the Palace asked me to step iusido. Taking Mrs. Barrett with me; I followed the messenger to the quadrangle within tho •, all l saiv a high official, who said lJiat Queen Alexandra wished him to inform us that sho desired me to thank- tho bandsmen for the beautiful hymns they had played, and for tho sympathy. that had been shown. 11 I replied that we wore most grateful for the pnvdege, and that we and our comrades all over the world would continue to pray for her.Majesty. Then, after a few words of prayer wo marched out of the Palace grounds playing and singing, "Lead, Kindly Light, to the stately old tune of Sandon."