EMPIRE’S THANKSGIVING

Taranaki Daily News, 9 July 1929, Page 9

EMPIRE’S THANKSGIVING

KING ATTENDS SERVICE MEMORABLE SCENE AT ABBEY THOUSANDS LINE STREETS By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. Australian Press Association. London, July 7. The service at Westminster Abbey at which the King and his family returned thanks for his Majesty’s recovery was, as the King expressly wished, a, simple attendance in church, where he could join his people in thanking God for “His good providence.” Hundreds of thousands lined the route From the Palace to the Abbey. The King, in an open carriage with Queen Mary beside him, looked strong and well. He smiled delightedly at the acclamations from the dense crowds. Opposite their Majesties sat the Prince of Wales, upright, alert and smiling happily. The officers of State and diplomats waited in tho centre of a great concourse in which every part of the King’s Dominions was represented. The Labour Prime Minister and his colleagues were tn the choir, together with rulers from tho Far East, bronzed colonials and great military and naval leaders. Some of tho congregation had waited from last night. Their Majesties were met by the Dean of Westminster, the Archbishop of Canterbury, canons and lay officers. Standing in tho chancel, the King had Queen Mary on his right and behind him stood tho Duke of Connaught, the Princess Royal, Princess Victoria and Viscountess Lascelles. As tho roll of the drums died away tho voice of the Dean rang out from the chancel. It was simplicity again, for in three sentences ho spoke of the hopes and aspirations of the Empire. “God save the King. God save the Realm. God give us ' thankful hearts.” Then silence again; then a thrilling fanfare of trumpets; . then the singing of the National Anthem.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, in capo of green, stepped forward slowly while the King knelt and bowed his head over the scarlet bound book of service on the desk before him and with his family joined in tho prayers. The trumpets and the organ shrilled again and there arose the solemn To Deum. While the congregation knelt, the Archbishop of Canterbury, grasping the crosier, raised his right hand while every head was bowed for the Benediction.

Slowly the Royalties left the chancel as simply as they came and stepped into tho landau to meet a great wave of cheering from countless thousands. The Abbey bells pealed joyously and there were cries from the crowd of “God bless you.” The King showed that he was deeply touched by the spontaneous expression of loyalty and devotion.

When they returned to the Palace, their Majesties stepped on to the balcony and remained there for five minutes acknowledging the cheers. The King, who was bareheaded, was obviously affected as he bowed and turned to the Queen who waved her hand as both disappeared. Six thousand devout Roman Catholics filled Westminster Cathedral, where High Mass was celebrated with a “Te Deuin” and also special prayers of a moving character. The congregation, at the request of King George, included King Alfonso, whom the Spanish Embassy staff greeted. He assisted at the Mass. Every section of the community was represented. Hundreds, including the Lord Mayor, were present at the service at St. Paul’s Cathedral conducted by Dean Inge. THE KING’S GRATIFICATION. “COMPLETION- OF SACRIFICE.” Received July 8, 9.30 p.m. United Service. London, July 8. Lord Stamfordham, the King’s private secretary, has sent the following message to the Archbishop of Canterbury: “The King returned from Westminster Abbey with a feeling of thankfulness and satisfaction that his earnest desire to join his people in an act of thanksgiving had been accomplished. “To the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Dean and Chapter of Westminster, and to all responsible for carrying out the service, His Majesty expresses his heartfelt gratitude. The whole ceremony displayed reverence, dignity, and the beauty of holiness, which, with the setting of the glorious Abbey, seemed to complete the sacrifice of thanksgiving offered by the King and his people for all the benefits received at the hands of God.” Throughout India, says a Calcutta cable, thanksgiving services were attended by large congregations. Collections were made in aid of the Viceroy’s thanksgiving fund. A Mexico City cable says Pascual Diaz, the new Archbishop of .Mexico, made his first public appearance on Sunday, when he said Mass especially for British Roman Catholics. He preached a special sermon, giving thanks for the King’s recovery.