QUEEN ALEXANDRA'S MEMORY

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 2309, 30 November 1925, Page 2

QUEEN ALEXANDRA'S MEMORY

IjMI'IIESSI'VJC SERVICE AT ALL HAUNTS. A (special memorial service In honour oi’ -Queen Alexandra was conduct od yesterday afternoon in All Saints' Church by the Council of Churches. Canon J/aucourt being the oltlclathift mirdotor. The building was crowded for besides the general congregation a Mpec.al church parade was hold oi the Milliaiy Forces, Boy Scouts and Girl Guides. Appropriate hymns wore selected and Mr Holmes Kunnlcloii presided at the organ. “This aftornoop wo havo mot together lor a solemn and sad occasion um loyal subjects of our King to mourn ami sympathise with him In the lose of his dear Mother," stated Canon Fancourt in his address. Honour was to ho paid to one’ who was not only Queen In person but Qnoon In soul, for Queen Alexandra was one of the sweetest of women ami who had endeared herself throughout her long life tu the hearts of the British people. “Tho late Queen Mother was the oldest daughter of the King of Denmark when at tho ago of nineteen years she landed In England to bo the bride of tho late King Edward whom sho married at Windsor on March 10, 1803. From tho outset everybody was charmed with her, and that charm was real, It never forsook her for its strength lay In a heart of love, which gave ns only love can give herself to all, In loving service, "There la no being who has boon blessed with such a swoot and faithful consort as King Edward VII. Throughout his life, ho was supported by a faithful and true wife, to whom lie was more deeply Indebted than posterity will over he able to realise, for as a true wife sho wielded her Influence quietly and unobtrusively, yet none the less powerfully. In God’s deep counsels that work la known, for Alexandra cared not for notoriety, the greater part of her life was spendt In a secondary position. For 37 years, Princess of Wales, only 3 years old she reign with her King as hla Queen. Then after 4(1 years of married life she was bereft of her husband, again placed in a secondary position as Queen Mother sho 'lived a quiet unobtrusive life (or fifteen years, spending herself in forwarding woiks of mercy for tho slok and afflicted. Her first great witness Is that

dlfllcult task which so few can Inara of taking tho second place, living 11 willingly and lovingly, using to tho full the opportunities presented tc her. A Real Mother. “Find as wife and then an Mother sho presents herself to us. A real mother U her children and one who was deeply beloved by her sens and daughters. Motherhood is tho greatest honour God has bestowed on mankind. and that inestimable gift Is conlined to women only. Man may have Fatherhood, but never the opportunities of motherhood with till its sweet love and care of God’s little ones. “Tho witness of the greatness of Alexandra Mauds in the King sho hsa given to tho British nation. A King who by hie life and character has won tho respect of the British nation. A King who, when other Kings lost their thrones In tho great upheaval of Europe, bound the British nation in greater love and affection to their monarch —whence lies the powor of our King? In his character. That character was inculcated, cultivated and graduated at his mother’s knee under tho shadow of tho Almighty. Alexandra lived to see tho own son triumphant in the turmoil, whilst one nephew fell a victim te an unknown tragedy, and another an exllo from his kingdom. God bless her for this her greatest work. "Nor was her life free from anxiety, and sorrow for twice sho watched by tho bedside of her husband upon whom tho shadow of death fell and yet to see him twice saved. Again called upon to sec her eldest beloved son, delicate from childhood and yet brought to the prime of manhood, only to be suddenly taken away by the hand of death. On January 19, 1892, in the loss of the Duke of Clarence and Avondale. Alexandra suffered that keenest anguish of a mother’s heart, tho loss of her first born. How bravely and nobly she bore It, how quietly and unobtrusively those who lived at that time will know right well. Service to Others. ‘‘■Whence the solace of this sweet life? It is in the service of others Queen Alexandra Is noted in history as one who throughout her life displayed deep interest in philanthrope agencies, especially in the London Hospitals, and participated actively in the efforts made to succour the wounded soldiers and to support the widows and orphans of those who fell in the South African War and the late war. Her memory will be perpetuated in that great work which she initiated of “Hose Day”. Personally she lived to visit and cheer the sick and afflicted in tho hospital and so brought herself into direct contact with the cause which was nearest tc her heart. A Personal Tribute. “Once when I was a curate in the worst slums of Liverpool a detective waited upon me," remarked Mr Fancourt, "He desired to know if I had any information I could give him about a certain woman, and then he divulged his reason. This woman had .written an annealing latter to our.

King who was then Prince of Wales. On the back of the letter were written these words ‘You ought to look Into this, G.’ It surprised me that such a letter should reach the Prince, still more that he personally should read and note for enquiry. The detective said, ’Wo have a lot of work, like this, and if they are discovered to be genuine, they arc always helped from the Royal palace. I might tell you that Queen Alexandra is especially kind and liberal with such appeals which are written to her and many receive relief from her, in money.’ A personal witness is worth more than volumes of praise and today for tho first time after nineteen years I publiclyy divulge it to the witness of that sweet woman whom we are honouring.” “Brothers and sisters, a sweet dear soul which has reigned in the highest sphere of our Empire has passed from this life to a greater and higher life. She carries with her, all that is in that soul and I ask you to reflect on what greater glories and service await such a soul In that life. Could she carry anything greater-—is not the sweetness —something of the sweetness of our Savour Jesus Christ? Is It not something of the greatness of the Christian character which go many of us miss? Is there a greater witness and legacy which our late Queen mother could have left us to inculcate In our own lives? God help and bless our nation to follow it and make the world a sweeter place to live in:" • The service was brought to a close with Mr Runnicles playing "Chopin’s Funeral March.”