The Meeker herald., 1897-06-26
IN vICTORIA's HONOR.
SOLEMN SERVICES IN LONDON.
Of EsgIasa-Ths 0aese Attsads st
WlaAsox.

London, June 2O.-Queen Victoria be
gan the celebration of her Jubilee to-
day, a. was befitting her entire career
before the altar of her Creator.
Throughout London. the United King
dom and the empire, In every cathe-
dral. church or chapel OF the estab-
lished church Of England, was held
services similar to those at st. Georges
chapel. Windsor. where her majesty
paid her devOtions and offered solemn
thanks to God.
The announcement that the services
at st. Georges chapel would be pr.
vate and for the members OF the royai
family prevented the gathering OF
large crowd. The scene WAS most I'M
pressive and the service very simple.
Her majesty sat in the chair of state
Immediately in front Of the communion
rail and Just behind the brass plate
whose Inscription designates the spot
which was the temporary place of in
terment of the prince consort.
The Dean of Windsor, wearing the
insignia of chaplain of the Order of the
Garter. Officiated. assisted by the Lord
Bishop of Barry and several canons.
Punctuauy nj IL O'Clock amlu me
soft strains Of an organ voluntary, the
Queen arrived from the clolsters at
the entrance. Assisted by her Indian
attendant. she walked slowly to the
chair of state, the congregation stand
ing. She was dressed NIL in black. ex-
cept for white tuft In her bonnet.
Empress Frederick of Germany, at
tired in deep black. took the seat at
the right of the Queen. while the Duke
OF Connaugbt. wearing his Windsor
uniform, seated himself at her left. The
no tttxar. ...kl I.,l.t Ind nV.I
looked very like Il simple family Of
wOrshipers.
There was no sermon: but special
hymn written by the Right Rev. VIII
liam Walsham lord bishop OF Wake
field, with music by Sir Arthur Sulli-
van. was sung at her majesly's request.
Before the benediction. the following
special thanksgiving was offered:
20. Lord. our Heavenly Father. we
give thee hearty thanks for the many
blessings which thou hast bestowed up
on us during the sixty years of the
happy reign OF our gracious Queen.
Victoria. We thank thee for progress
made in knowledge of thy marvellous
works. for increase OF comfort given to
human life. for kindlier feeling be
tween rich and poor. for wondrous
preaching OF the gospel to many ma
tiOns. and we pray thee that these and
thy many gifts be continued 10 us and
our Queen, to the glory Of thy holy
name, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen"
The choir OF st. Georges chapel rep-
dered the musical portion OF the ser
vice, Sir Walter Parrett presiding at
the organ. The service lasted forty
minutes, the Queen remaining seated
throughout and following closely the
special prayers and hymn.
At the end there was a pause. The
Queen. with bowed head. continued in
silent prayer Then followed a touch
Ing scene, which will ever linger In the
memory of those who witnessed It,
Ss.s-.-ss.e -L,-..-i.,-i~i----h-
bowed low at her side. the Queen
kissed her on both cheeks. The Duke
OF Connaught aud the others of the
family followed, receiving. on bended
knee, a similar token OF affection. In
many cases the recipient was kissed
several times.
The Queen was profoundly moved,
and tears rolled down her cheeks. At
last. and evidently with great reluct-
ance. she beckOned her Indian attend
ant, and, leaning on her arm. passed
slowly out OF the chapel. the entire con-
gregation standing. the soft light fall
ing through the multi-colored windows.
and the exquisite strains OF the organ
rising and swelling beneath the Gothic
hammered roof. 1t was scene never
to he forgotten. and thrilled all present
with strong emotions.