CORONATION SERVICE

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 429, 10 May 1937, Page 4

CORONATION SERVICE

Holy Trinity Church A special Coronation service was held at Holy Trinity Church last night. Among the 'argo eo-gregaticn were Mr W. J. Polson, MZP., the Mayor, Mr J. W. McMillan and members of the Borough and County Councils. Major A. W. White represented the Defence Lepartment. “The Coronation is essentially a religious ceremony; by it His' Majesßy the King is consecrated to a high and noble office, but with him is consecrared the nation,” said the Vioar, Rev K. J. McFarland, in his sermon. “The Coronation ceremony is without exception the world's greatest pagean', but underneath it throbs the real heart of the Empire's unity," said Mr McFarland. “The central point of the service is the anointing of the King—his consec.ution to & high and noble office. It is essential, ly a religious ceremony and with the King is consecrated the nalion to be a people of God.” After describing the various parts of the ceremony Mr McFarland laid stress on the vital importance as a symbolic act of -.110 pacing of the Crown of St. Edward on the King’s aer.d. “The crown is the roost pre. clous thing in the Empire," he said. ’The world Is at present watching the greatest and noblest experiment in the history of Kite world. A group of nations has agreed to live together in brotherhood and unity with the only bond the symbolic placing of the. Crown of England on the King’s head. “The ceremony on Wednesday will be one of the most important events in the history of the Empire. Take It .’.way and' It is difficult to tee what holds the commonwealth of nations together. The first public act of tho King after ttie crown is placed on his head Is to kneel humbly before «he altar, receive Holy Communion and there humbly acknowledge that his duty towards his subjects is complete only when he realitos his duty to God ‘‘With the King should be consecrated the nation," continued' Mr McFarland, “and we need it. We know perfectly well we need to cazeh afresh a vision of our duty; we know the world is facing a great crisis. The luture is one of great opportunity Or one of great dread. It lies in the hands of the British Empire which it ■is to be. “There is much in our life to.day that causes, great disquiet. There is abroad a failure to realise our to God and our neighbour. There is arising that grim spectre, the force and domination of war. If the nation will approach the Coronation in bhe same spirit as do the King and Queen and consecrate themselves to a high and noble ideal, putting aside all ignoble things, the world could go on from Et reng h to strength following the lead of Brita'n. Th-re are mighty forces opp >se I to righteousness, but truth would prevnil “When we shout ‘God Save the King,’ let us realise,” said the vKar in conclusion, "that God’s salvation of the King Is God’v salvation of the Empire and of the world."