THE CHOIR OF WESTMINSTER ABBEY.

Mataura Ensign, Issue 1049, 24 June 1902, Page 3 (Supplement)

THE CHOIR OF WESTMINSTER ABBEY.

The Dean of Westminster brings the Sceptre and Rod to the Archbishop, and the Lord of the Manor of Worksop (who claims to hold an an estate by the service of presenting to the King a right-hand glove on the day of his Coronation, and supporting the King's right arm while he holds the Sceptre with the Cross) delivers to the King a pair of rich gloves. The gloves are put ou. The Archbishop delivers the Sceptre with the Cross into the King's right hand, saying : " Receive the Royal Sceplre, the ensign of kingly power and justice."

The coronation chair stands just behind the altar screen. She had all the royal makings of a queen ; As holy oil, Edward Confessor's crown, The rod, and bird of peace, and .ill such emblems Laid nobly ot> her: which perform'd, the choir, With all the choicest music of the kingdom. Together sung; the " Te Deum.'' The coronation of Anne Boleyn in Shakespeare's " Henry VlU.''

"Our gracious King: we present you with this hook, the most valuable thing that this world affords. Here is wisdom, this is the Royal Law ; these are the wise oracles of God. Blessed is he that readelh, and they that hear the words of this book, that keep, and do, the things contained in it. For these are the words of Eternal Life, able lo make you wise and happy in this world, nay, wise unto salvation, and so happy for evermore, through faith which is in Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever. Amen." The King returns the Bible, which is placed on the Altar, the Archbishop pronounces the Benediction, and the Choir sings u Te Deuin." THE ENTHRONISATION. The King, and the Queen with him, are now enthroned, and the Archbishop delivers a solemn exhortation. THE HOMAGE. The Peers of Great Britain, of Ireland and Scotland advance in order of their rank, and pay homage to the King, kneeling at his Throne. (The first to pay homage is the Archbishop of Canterbury and the other Bishops, thus : " I, Frederick, Archbishop of Canterbury (and so every one of the rest, 1 bishop of repeating the rest audibly after the Archbishop), will be faithful and true and faith and truth will bear, unto you, our Sovereign Lord and your Heirs, Kings or Queens of the Vnited Kingdom of Great Biilain and Ireland. And 1 will do, and truly acknowledge the service of the lands which I claim to hold of you as in right of the Church. So help me God.''

The IVince of Wales follows, then the Duke of Connaught, then the other Princes, according to their affinity, and then the Dukes, Marquises, Earls, Viscounts, and Barons of the United Kingdom, and of Ireland or Scotland. They remove their coronets when touching the Royal hand. THE CONCLUDING ANTHEM. * This is the day which the Lord hath made, we will rejoice and be glad in it. " Lord grant the King a long life, that his years may endure throughout all generations. "He shall dwell before God forever; 0, prepare Thy loving mercy and faithfulness, that they may preserve him. " Blessed be the Lord thy God, who delighteth in thee to set thee on the throne." and all the people shout: — " God save KING EDWARD." "Longlive KING EDWARD." "May the KING live forever." THE COMMUNION. The Communion is conducted by the Archbishop, and, being ended, the Coronation is over, and the Kiug and Queen leave the Abbey, and drive through the streets with their Crowns on. From the time of his Accession to his actual Coronation the King's Crown is carried before him, and he may only wear it after he has been publicly crowned, as stated