PEACE THANKSGIVING SERVICES.

Feilding Star, Volume XXIII, Issue 1459, 10 June 1902, Page 2

PEACE THANKSGIVING SERVICES.

» — A Stately Procession. Felegraph. Press Aesociatior. Copyright. London, June 9. In connection with the thanksgiving services crowds gathered outside St. Paul's at 2 o'clock in the morning. The unreserved space was absorbed immediately the doors were opened at eight o'clock. The Lord Mayor, at Temple Bar, surrendered the city sword to the King, and afterwards met their Majesties outside the west entrance of the Cathedral, where the Bishop and Dean received them. A stately procession was then formed, consisting of the gownsmen, band, surpliced choir, clergy in splendid robes, sheriffs of the city, the Lord Mayor, bearing a pearl sword ; the King and Queen, Bishop and Dean, Prince and Princess of Wales, and other Royalties following an uplifted cross, and singing " Onward Christian Soldiers." The procession proceeded to the middle aisle, the King and Queen kneeling beneath the dome, the King in a Marshal's uniform, and the Queen in black lace touched with purple. An impressive sermon was delivered by the Bishop of London. The Bishop's quotation of Rugkin's reference to the Crimean dead brought tears to the eyes of many, Lord Roberts, General Buller, members of the Ministry, and many legislators, were present. Cardinal Vaughan, preaching at Holloway, and Dr Parker at the City Temple, referred gratefully to the touching noble services which the colonies had rendered during the war. Thanksgiving services were held in many of the Anglican churches in Cape Colony, similar to the services in the churches and chapels throughout Britain, and at the Embassies abroad. Many Americans attended the services on the Continent. An impressive peace ceremonial was held in the Public Square at Pretoria on Sunday forenoon. Six thousand troops lined the Square. Lord Kitchener attended as well as Generals lan Hamilton, BadenPowell and Lady Methuen, who appeared on the Platform in front of the Government buildings, and presented medals to the nurses, and Victoria Crosses to the officers and privates. Then the army chaplain, and a surpliced choir, with banners and crosses, marched in procession, singing hymns, and reciting prayers. The Arch-Bishop of Capetown referred to the bravery of the Boers in the field. Then followed the ''National Anthem," and Kipling's " Recessional hymn." Lord Kitchener called for cheers for the King. The great crowd heartily responded, and the troops cheered Lord Kitchener.