Thoughtful Moments

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 8, Issue 70, 4 May 1945, Page 2

Thoughtful Moments

(Supplied by the Whakat

AN EXCEPTIONAL CHURCH

PARADE

Mr H. V- Morton, whose work is so well known to all of us ? was chosen as one of two British pressmen to accompany Mr Churchill to the conference witli President Roosevelt. which resulted in the Atlantic Charter. Although pressmen were in the final issue excluded from the actual conference Mr Morton has •9 written a most interesting account of Mr Churchill's voyage on H.M.S. "Prince of Wales" in August., 1941. Not the least interesting is the account of the church parade on board. "I met Mr Churchill walking the deck " says Mr Morton. "We * have a grand day for a church parade and I have chosen some grand hymns" he said. On the .starboard side, sailors! placed two chairs ? one for the President the other for the Prime Min--9 ister ? slightly in advance of others for the British and American chiefs of staff. In the centre of the quarter deck facing the four was a lectern draped with the Union Jack and the Stars and Stripes-. Mr Churchill walked about inspecting every pulling out the folds of the Union Jask or moving the chairs. The .President arrived, leaning on the arm of his son s stepping slowly but tall and erect. The British band played the Star-Spangled Banner and the guard presented arms. Then Mr Churchill as host shook hands and side by side they walked to the ■chairs with the chiefs of staff behind and the British chaplain and the American chaplain facing the lectern. British and American sailors stood side by -side and when their caps were oil" it was hard to tell which was which. There were

lie Ministers' Association).

OUR SUNDAY MESSAGE

prayers for the President and for the King, and then for the oppressed countries; and the lessons were read by the captain. Then the first of the hymns chosen by Mr Churchill went roaring out over the silent bay. "O God, Our Help in Ages Past." The .second of Mr Churchill's hymns was '"Onward Christian Soldiers," When the line "On to Victory" was sung ; the Prime ]\linistei was visibly affected, and his handkerchief stole, from its pocket. Mr Roosevelt had said -But you must have 'Kternal Strong to Save'. " u As the voices rose and iell in this hymn a situation that was almost intolerable in its uncalculated emotionalism reached breaking point," says the narrator. Then "slowly and solemnly over the hush" ed gathering came like a benediction those exquisite words that are ordered to be s.aid every day in the Royal Navy.

o Eternal Lord Who alone sprcadest out the and rulest the raging ol' the sea, Who hasfl compassed the waters with, bounds until day and night come to an end; Be pleased to receive into Thy Al" mighty and most gracious protection the persons ol' us. Thy servants, and the Ueet in which we serve. Preserve us from the dangers ol' the sea and from the violence ol' the enemy;, that we may be a security lor such as pass upon the seas upon their lawful occasions; that the peoples ol' the Empire may in peace and quietness serve our God; and that we may return in sal'ety to enjoy the blessings ol' the land ? with the fruits of our and with a thankful remembrance ol' Thy mercies to praise and glorify Thy Holy Name through Jesus Christ our Lord." The service was over.