THE CORONATION CELEBRATIONS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXIV, Issue 121, 24 May 1902, Page 2

THE CORONATION CELEBRATIONS.

THE SERVICE TO BE USED IN ANGLICAN CHURCHES.

The following is a copy oi' " the Form und Order (is-u:d by command of the Kiug) oF service reeommendrd for use in the churches of the Ohurch of England throughout H ; s Majesty's Empire on Thursday, June 26, 1902, tin; Coronation I) iy of tht ir Majesties K ug Edward and Queen Alexandra." The p-ayers througaout the office are those which will be used in Westminster Abbey. The service commences with a suitable anthem or hymn, ati'r which the priest will say: " Let us pray for the good estate of cu- Sovereign Lord, King Edward, and the Ohurch and people committed to his charge." Then follows the Li'any in a shortened form, including the suffrages for the Kiug, the Royal Family, the bishops and clargp, officers of State, and "all Thy people," and concluding with " that it may p!i ; ase Thee to. give to a*l nations unity, peace, and concord." The Communion Office is th°n commenced with a introit, aspecial colie/t being i. sorted for r.h» King praying thathmay bo granted " r-h9 spirit of Wisdom ard Gov6rnmeut." The Epistlo in I. I'e:er ii, 13, and the Gospel Sr. Matthew xsii. 15. After the sermon tho ministi r explains tho mo imug of the ritual and 'h i emblems of the Ooron ition ceremony in a prescribed form, commencing;: "Sirs,—l proclaim unto you Edward, tho son of Her Majesty the late Most Gracious Quean Victoria, as our undoubted Kin';." Then follows the prayer: " 0 Lord, Holy Father, Who by anointing with oil didst of old mako aud consecrate Kings, Priests, and Prophets," after which comes the appropriate anthem, "Zidok, the Priest, und Nathan, the Prophet, anoint-d Solomon King; and all the people rtjoiced and said : God save the Kins?, long live the King, the King live for wer " Then follow four short prayers for the King and tha Empire, and one for the Queen, after which the priest proceeds with the Communion Office without further alteration, closing with the usual Benediction. The whole service is very fine from ». liturgical point of view, It is deeply impressive and in every way appropriate to the occasion. The music, too, is very beautiful and expressive, wrhout being over elaborate or : oo difficul', and is thoroughly in keeping with kite solemn dignity of the wo.'ds of tho servic.