AT ST. PAUL'S PRO-CATHEDRAL.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 821, 21 May 1910, Page 6

AT ST. PAUL'S PRO-CATHE-DRAL.

IMPRESSIVE SERVICE. A CROWDED CONGREGATION. A solemn momorial service was hold in. St. • Paul'B Pro-Cathedral yesterday morning. Tlio building was crowded in every part, and late comers were unable to gain admission. His Excellency tho Governor (Lord Plunket) was present, with his personal staff. Appropriate drapiiigs had been placed within the church Sot tho occasion. Thoro were purple hangings and bkek banners in the sanctuary. The altar rails, choir stalls, and principal pillars wcro draped in black, with white chrysanthemums. A violet velvet bier, with tho inscription "Edward VII" hi wbilo im-1 mortolles, stood beforo the altar, and was a cushion covered

with the Union Jack, upon which rested a royal crown of crimson velvet and white immortelles. 'fha altar (lowers were white azaleas and violote. A short sermon, was preached by Archdeacon Faneourt, the Bishop's Commissary. Tho Uev. T., H. Bprott, vicar of tho parish, assisted in the servico, and the other clergy present were: Tho Hevs. E. Tuckuy, G. P Davys, A. W. Compton, J. D. Jenkins' and H..Tobin. Mi-. Clarkson sang: "I Am tho Resurrection and tho Life" (Robert Parker) as a bass solo, and the tenor solo, "Then Shall tho Righteous Shine Forth," was sung by ilr. J. Searle. The anthem, "Wreaths fox Our Graves," (Arthur Sullivan) was rendered-by the choir. In the course of his sermon, the preacher said: "Words are hardly adequate to eipross what lies at the bottom of the hearts of such as are gathered here to-day, of such as will throng the streets of London with bowed heads and reverent demeanour, of such as those who will take part in all those solemn services that are being performed to-day. Words, I say, can scarcely be found adequate to express the feeling that lies deep down in our and their hearts. It is one of deep sorrow for a great bereavement. Wo have had taken away from us tho' great Kiug, the good King—great as is witnessed, if wo needed any testimony, by those who have gathered today, crowned heads," representatives of great kingdoms and groat empires, from all parts of the world, that they may take part in paying the last token of respect and honour to him whom they deem foremost among men, and deserving such meed of honour at their hands. How worthy Lβ was of love and honour! The foremost aim and

object of his life whilo he sat for nine years and a half on the Throne, was tho promotion of peace and goodwill among men. By that it is that he will be known and judged in history. It is no mere passing title that he has gained—Edward tlie Peacemaker. Ho was good also because he always made it his object and his care to take into his_ thought and consideration, tho good and welfare, the peace and happiness of those over whom ho reigned. He loved his subjects, and thought of them as a father might think of them. He always cared for the poor, tho suffering, and tho sick.' Every object of this kind had his hearty and loving support.

"God, whose wisdom and knowledge are infinite, has seen good to call him away from tho scene of his labours and giye him rest and peace, after all the'noises and care and labour of his reign. God sees further than we do. It may be better for us and for tho world that. Godshould take him thus. We know not whether it be, in the eternal counsels, determined that his death shall work more peace than even his life has done. It is a great and noblo example that he has left, an example that must have an effect in tho years to come, an example of the reign of one who has been gentle, kindly, loving, and courteous, as well as firm and strong. We thank God for that reign and for all the blessings given to us .and to the world in it. Wo thank Him also that he lias given us a new King who has been closely associated with his father during his wholo reign, a King whom ho taught and instructed so as to help him in the many difficulties of ruling over so great and mighty an Empire, and ono who has shown sympathy with all parts of the Empire, and in all his conduct and all he has uttered since his father died, has given us an earnest that, he will bo a truo, faithful, loving, and wise King. We pray God to bless and help him, and to bless and comfort and cheer all those who were close to him whose death we are mourning, and who mourn him as no others can. We leave them in God's hands, we commend them to Godls keeping, and pray Him to have mercy upon them."

After the sermon, prayers for the King and Royal Family wcro said by Archdeacon Fanoourt, who also pronounced the Benediction. , The Dead March in "Saul" was played by the organist, Mr. R. Parker.