MEMORIAL SERVICE

Evening Post, Volume CXXI, Issue 20, 24 January 1936, Page 10

MEMORIAL SERVICE

HELD AT PETONE

TRIBUTES TO GREAT

MONARCH

An impressive united service in connection with the death of his late Majesty King George V was held on Wednesday evening in St. Augustine s Church of England, Potone, in the presence of a large and representative congregation. Captain Grace (Church Army, London) conducted the service and read the First Lesson, Psalm 46. The Second Lesson from John 14 was read by Mr. E. R. Vickers (Church of Christ) who also offered prayer. Appropriate hymns were sung and further prayers were offered by Major Lamond (Salvation Army). "We meet here tonight," said the I Rev. J3. E. Sage (Methodist), "in the | sacred hush of a world-wide bereavement. We join in paying tribute to the passing of a Sovereign beloved, whose kingly and personal qualities have won for him an honoured place in the hearts of his people throughout the far-flung British Commonwealth of Nations, and in the hearts of other nations of the world. Our late King has been called upon to wield the sceptre in troublous times, but throughout the 25 years of his 'illustrious reign he has never once failed to discharge his great responsibilities as a leader with wisdom, courage, and kingly grace. During a period of widespread upheaval which has witnessed 'the collapse of monarchies, the downfall of democracies, and the uprisings of dictatorships' the foundations of the British Throne have remained unshaken. While other crowns and thrones have perished to give place to other systems of. government the British Commonwealth of Nations has been bound by stronger ties of love and loyalty in.common fealty to a Throne that is broadbased upon a people's will. "The kingly qualities and personal charm of our late beloved King have combined to secure this result, and the sense of loss occasioned by his death is both sincere and widespread. The passing of a British King has not always been marked by such demonstrations of mourning. When George IV died the London 'Times' made this caustic comment, "The truth is there never was an individual less regretted by his fellcw-creatures than this deceased King.' When seven years later Queen Victoria drove to her coronation not a hat was lifted, nor a cheer raised as she passed through the silent crowds along the quiet streets. Yet with such queenly grace, wisdom, and ability did she wear the Crown, that her memory is still cherished and her influence remains fragrant.

Her son King Edward VII and grandson King George V have built worthily upon the foundations she so well and truly laid.

"The honoured King whose loss we mourn today has always fostered the family relationship amongst the various peoples of his far-flung. Empire. His chosen terms of reference have not been 'my subjects' but 'my people, my family.' He has ever shown a genuine interest in the welfare of all sections of his people, and manifested particular concern for the poor and needy. SECRET OF HIS GREATNESS. "The undoubted secret of his greatness has been in his strong Christian faith, and real personal piety. He has faithfully fulfilled his boyish promise made to the late Queen Victoria to read his Bible daily, and lie has sought the guidance and blessing of God in all his ways. "We call to mind his words at his coronation: 'The foundations of national glory are set in the homes of the people. They will only remain unshaken while the family life of the nation is strong, simple, and pure.' The home life of the Royal household has been pervaded by the uplifting influence of the family altar with its daily Bible reading and its purifying atmosphere of family prayer. The motive of service that has actuated King George's life, breathes in a memorable sentence in his Jubilee broadcast message: 'I dedicate myself anew to your service for the years that may still be given to me.' Little did we know then that the time for such continued service was to be so short, and that he would so shortly be called to higher service as a humble subject of the King of Kings in the unseen realm. May his promotion constitute a call to us to dedicate our lives more fully to the service of that Kingdom of God which is without frontiers and into which all nations are destined to bring their glory."

Fitting reference was also made to the bereaved Queen and to members of the Royal Family; and also to King Edward VIII in the acceptance of his great responsibilities as the successor of so worthy a father and King.

At the conclusion of the service the congregation stood in reverent stillness while the organist played the Dead March in '"Saul."

A retiring offering was received on behalf of the Cancer Research Fund.