Engagement
The engagement is announced between the Revd. Frederick J. Cole, Minister of Buntingford Congregational Church, and Miss C. Edith Nevill, daughter of V. St. John Nevill, Eqs., of Cottered.
The marriage will take place shortly.
Showing posts with label Congregational Church. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Congregational Church. Show all posts
5th August 1927 - Congregational Church Garden Fete
Buntingford
Congregational Church
Garden Fete
To those who are more immediately concerned in organising it, a garden fete is always a very anxious affair - until it is over!
The one held on Wednesday, the 27th inst., in connection with the Buntingford Congregational Church, was no exception to the rule, for the very intermittent downpours which continued throughout the day constituted and additional cause for apprehension.
But although contingent arrangements had been made for holding in the Schoolroom as many of the attractions as possible in the event of decidedly unfavourable weather, it was decided to carry on as previously intended. It is gratifying to know that both numerically (more particularly as the day wore on) and financially the event was a success.
The fete was held in the beautiful grounds of Layston Cottage, Buntingford (by the kind permissions of Mrs H.S. Ashford), and was opened at 3 p.m. by Mrs Greg, of Coles, Buntingford. Prayer was first offered by the minister, who introduced both Mrs Greg and the Rev. A.G. King, Rector of Westmill.
Mrs Greg's was a gracious and happily worded little speech, and both the opener of the fete and her supporter acknowledged the welcome extended to them. Little Nora Piggott presented Mrs Greg with a bouquet of very sweet flowers, and an expression of cordial thanks to the visitors was very heartily endorsed by those assembled for the opening.
It is practically impossible to give a complete list of all those who assist on such an occasion, by the following is as accurate a list as possible of the various helpers at the stalls, to which the friends now dispersed:
Stalls - Ladies' stall, Miss Dodd, Miss E. Dodd, Mrs Benstead, Mrs Cornwell, Mrs Scott; L.M.S. stall, Miss Edith Careless, assisted by Sunday School girl scholars; pound stall, Mrs Blaxill, Miss Doris Camp; fruit and vegetable stall, Miss Chrissie Norris, Miss Eileen Cutts; sweets stall, Mrs Halls, Miss Bolton, Mr and Mrs L. Smith; jumble stall, Mrs Baker, Mrs Ward.
Side attractions - Clock golf, Mr R.F. Dellow; weighing machine, Mr Scrivener; spinning arrow, Mr Scrivener, Mr C.L. Tutty, Mr Henry Clark; bran tub, Miss Winnie Ward.
During the afternoon, tea were very daintily served, those responsible for the catering, &c., being: Mrs C.L. Tutty, Miss Blanche Langham, Miss Edith Careless, Miss Mabel Cornwell, Miss Marjorie Cornwell, Miss Dolly Street, Mrs Hills, Miss Georgina Hills, Miss Nellie Howard, Miss Kathleen Smith, Miss Kitty Reed, and Sunday School girl scholars.
Miss Emily Benstead and Miss Dolly Street did duty at the lemonade stand. Ices, too, made a very welcome appearance, Miss Nora Ashford meeting the needs of customers.
There was again quite a number of competitions, &c., and the following is the list together with the names of those in charge (the names of the donors of the prizes are inserted in parentheses):
Stop-watch, Mr Henry Clark; cake-guessing (Mrs Mead), Miss Dorothy Saunders and S.S. scholars; duck guessing (Mr A. Dray), Leonard Saunders and Eric Halfhide; doll guessing (Mrs Squires), Miss Nora Piggott; steak and kidney pie (Mrs Peacock), Cyril Saunders; game of skill, Mr J. Cutts; jelly-eating, Miss Langham; pins guessing (Miss K. Minns), Miss Minnie Ashton and other S.S. girl scholars.
For the musical part of the proceedings, Mr A. Dray kindly lent his gramophone during the afternoon, the charge of which was undertaken by Harold Starr and Sidney Saunders; whilst in the evening the Standon Orchestra, under Mr A. Hedges, was in attendance from 6.30 p.m. and played for the dancing, which latter took place very soon after on the lower lawn, Mr Leslie Smith acting as M.C.
Mr Newson rendered great help in exacting toll at the gate, and was relieved by Mr W.H. Smith.
Just before 10 p.m., the minister announced the results of the various competitions, and the list of winners is appended:
Of lady's wrist watch, Mr Leslie Smith; of the clock golf prize, Mr S. Daniels; of the cake, the minister; of the duck, Nurse Davies; of the doll, Mrs Woods; of the pie, Miss Helen Fraser; and of the needlework box, Miss Minnie Ashton.
The minister expressed the great thanks of all to Mrs Ashford for throwing open the grounds as she had done, and this was very heartily confirmed. He said how grateful he was to all who had so willingly given any assistance whatsoever towards making the event so successful. There was a final dance, and the National Anthem concluded the proceedings.
As already indicated, it is impossible to enumerate the helpers on an occasion such as this for their name is legion, but in addition to the stall-holders and those mentioned above, all of whom rendered splendid service on the grounds, mention must be made of the help given in removal of furniture, &c., both before and after the day; of the assistance rendered on the grounds by Mr Pledger; of the splendid response to the appeal for provisions and for articles for the stalls; and of the help of Mr S. Daniels (Messrs. Moss & Sons, Ltd.), the motor greatly facilitating the conveyance of furniture, &c. To each and all, as also to the Workmen's Club for hire of tables, and to the Rev. L.W. Wright for materials, grateful thanks are proffered.
As a result of the fete, it is estiamted that the gross receipts will approximate to £43, and the nett proceeds to £33. J.C.
27th August 1926 - Congregational Church Garden Fete
Congregational Church Garden Fete
On Wednesday, August 18th, a Garden Fete was held in the grounds of Layston Cottage, Buntingford, by the kind permission of Mrs H.S. Ashford, and was opened by Mrs H.H. Williams, of Aspenden House.
The morning weather had been a little unsettled, though not such as to make necessary a revision of arrangements, but about 2 p.m. there began a steady rain, giving not a little anxiety to those more immediately concerned, and damping the ground but not their ardour.
However, the inclement weather conditions cleared, and at 3 p.m. - the time fixed for opening the Fete - the sun began to shine and hopes to rise, and everything was proceeded with as was previously intentioned.
At the commencement of the opening ceremony on the lawn, the Minister offered a brief prayer, and in a few remarks said how grateful they all were to Mrs Ashford for her kindness in placing the grounds at the disposal of the Church for the purposes of the Fete; and that it was very kind also of Mrs Williams to respond so readily when approached to be present.
Mrs Williams, in a very pleasing little speech, said how glad she was to come; hers was a real interest in the Congregational Church at Buntingford, and some of her best friends were associated with it.
A happy allusion to the many willing helpers, and Mrs Williams then declared the Fete open. Before the assembly dispersed to the various attractions, Miss Barbara Aylott presented Mrs Williams with a bouquet of beautiful flowers, which was graciously acknowledged. She was then warmly thanked for her presence and her kindly words.
The following is the list of stalls, together with the names of those in charge:
Plain and fancy articles and white elephant, Mrs J.L. Cornwell, Mrs Feasey, the Misses Dodd, Miss Dorothy Saunders;
pound, Mrs Blaxill, Mrs Benstead;
fruit and vegetable, Miss Eileen Cutts;
jumble, Mrs Baker, Mrs Ward, Mrs Haley;
sweets, Miss Dolly Halls, Miss Chrissie Norris;
gingerbeer, Mrs J.W. Sutterby, Miss Alice Franklin, Misses Minnie and Nellie Harradence.
During the afternoon teas and refreshments were attractively served on the lawn by Mrs C.L. Tutty and Miss Blanche Langham, assisted by Mrs Halls, Mrs Hills, Mrs Langham, Mrs Scott, the Misses Annie Quick, Doris Camp, Mabel Cornwell, Marjory Cornwell, Kathleen Anderson, Alice Franklin, Georgina Hills, Marjory Howard, Freda Rayment, Grace Roblett, Dorothy Saunders.
The following were the competitions, together with the names of those in charge:
Bowls, Mr J.L. Cornwell;
clock golf, Mrs W.J. May, Mr Bert Dowler;
mystery parcel, contents of, Miss Winifred Ward, Miss Dorothy Saunders;
iced cake, weight of, Miss Freda Rayment, Miss Ada Wallace;
stop-watch, Mr Henry Clark, Mr Bert Dowler;
duck, weight of, Mr William Howard;
sweets, number in bottle, Misses Gertrude and Nellie Howard;
pins, number in cushion, Misses Barbara Aylott and May Ansell;
jelly-eating, Miss Chrissie Norris;
basket of fruit, weight off, Mr H. Cutts, Misses F. and D. Harradence;
balloon race, Mr Herbert Cutts, Mr Henry Clark.
At the spinning jenny, business was brisk, Mr C.L. Tutty, Mr Leonard Smith, Mr Harold Starr and Mr Sidney Saunders superintending, while the Misses Frances and Daphne Harradence soon sold their basket of sweet peas. Mr F.W. Butler and Mr W. Budd rendered steady service in exacting toll of all comers at the gate.
For the musical part of the proceedings, gramophone selections were played during the afternoon, Mr Arthur Dray having kindly loaned his instrument, and Miss Emily Benstead and Miss Nellie Howard doing duty in extracting the music, while in the evening the members of the Standon String Band, under the able direction of Mr A. Hedges, played admirably for the dancing which took place on the tennis lawn and in which many took part, Mr Leslie Smith acting as M.C.
In addition to those in charge of stalls, &c., mentioned above, who gave further help in many other ways on the grounds, great assistance was given also by Mr Bert Thody, Mr A. Clark, and Mr Pledger, and by many others. Everybody worked with a will and with keen interest, and to all these helpers and to the many both directly and indirectly associated with the Buntingford Congregational Church, who contributed their time, service, gifts, the best thanks are due; also to Messrs' Moss's Ltd. (Mr S. Daniels) for motor conveyance, and to the Buntingford Working Men's Club for tables to augment school furniture.
Towards the close interest ran high, caused by the assembling for the announcements by the Minister of the prize-winners, the names of the latter being:
Mr W. Budd (weight of the duck), Mr Herbert Cutts (weight of fruit), Miss Nellie Howard (weight of cake, winning the draw), Mrs Charles (number of sweets), Miss Emily Benstead (stop-watch), Mrs Peacock (number of pins), Mr Stanley Smith (clock golf), Mr Sutterby (jelly-eating), Mr Herbert Howard and Mr Stanley Warren (bowls).
The mystery parcel was proof against all guesses, and was no one thought of the correct contents the dozen eggs were sold for the funds. The result of the balloon race will be made public later.
Three cheers were given for Mrs Ashford, there was a last waltz, an announcement of the approximate financial results, a word of thanks to all who had assisted, and "The King." Thus concluded a Fete thoroughly enjoyed by all. "So," as friend Pepys would say, "to bed."
There was a very good attendance, some 200 passing through the gates. The financial realisations were also very satisfactory, the gross receipts amounting to (approx.) £40, and the nett proceeds to (approx.) £31.
John Cole.
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Transcriber note - Balloon race results were published in September.
20th August 1926 - Congregational Church Sunday School
Congregational Church Sunday School
On Wednesday afternoon in last week, the Buntingford Congregational Church Sunday School held their annual outing.
The scholars, accompanied by the teachers and friends, journeyed over to Coles' Park, a field and barn having been placed at their disposal through the kindness of Mrs Greg.
The rain had cleared, and a very enjoyable time was spent.
Tea was served by the teachers in the barn, and during the afternoon and evening the scholars took part enthusiastically in various games, treasure hunt, &c., arranged by Mr Herbert Cutts, assisted by the other teachers, for which prizes were given.
The transport arrangements were undertaken by Mr E.J. Sparkes, of Buntingford.
13th August 1926 - Pretty Wedding
Pretty Wedding
Monk-Jones - Ashford
There was a large attendance at the Buntingford Congregational Church on Wednesday last, when the marriage took place between Miss Elizabeth Sharland Ashford, youngest daughter of Mrs and the late Mr H.S. Ashford, J.P., of Layston Cottage, Buntingford, and Mr Norman Monk-Jones, B.A., of Bishops Stortford College.
The officiating clergy were the Rev. H.C. Carter, M.A., of Cambridge, and the Rev. John Cole, of Buntingford.
The bride, who was given away by her uncle, Mr E.J. Ashford, wore a bridal dress of white crepe de chine, grey shoes and stocking, and black hat, and carried a bouquet of blue cornflowers. She was attended by her sister, Miss N.J. Ashford.
The duties of best man were ably discharged by Mr A. Monk-Jones, brother of the bridegroom.
Mr H. Cutts was at the organ, and played Mendelssohn's "Wedding March." The hymns sung were "The King of Love my Shepherd is" and "Praise my soul the King of Heaven."
A reception was held at the home of the bride, and was attended by upwards of 70 guests. Later, amid hearty congratulations, Mr and Mrs Monk-Jones left for their honeymoon, which is being spent in Brittany.
The wedding presents numbered over 100.
6th August 1926 - Buntingford Local Association of Boy Scouts
Buntingford Local Association of Boy Scouts
The Annual Rally in connection with the Buntingford and District Local Association of Boy Scouts was held on Wednesday in last week at Longmead (by king permission of H.C. Marshall, Esq., J.P.) There was keen competition and the rally was very successful.
The following three troops competed - Buntingford, Brent Pelham and Furneaux Pelham.
A 3 o'clock the scouts, who were in charge of District Commissioner Major M.E. Barclay, paraded on the Market Hill and then marched to "Longmead," where they competed for the Shield, which was previously held by the Brent Pelham Troop.
As will be seen by the following list, Buntingford and Brent Pelham each gained 75 out of a possible 90 marks, and therefore will hold the shield for six months each.
Buntingford
Turnout - 17
Ambulance - 15
Signalling - 16
Tent Pitching - 17
Fire Lighting - 10
Total - 75
Brent Pelham
Turnout - 18
Ambulance - 14
Signalling - 20
Tent Pitching - 15
Fire Lighting - 8
Total - 75
Furneaux Pelham
Turnout - 16
Ambulance - 11
Signalling - 18
Tent Pitching - 14
Fire Lighting - 9
Total - 68
Marks possible 90.
The judges were Dr Campbell, Mr E.E. Dennis and Mr G. Last, and Messrs. A. Lake, F.W. Butler, A. Freeman and E.J. Totman acted as stewards.
Mrs Marshall kindly presented the shield to the winning troops, and the scouts thoroughly enjoyed the other sports which took place.
Mr E.E. Dennis (Hon. Sec and Treasurer) thanked Mr and Mrs Marshall for their kindness in placing the meadow at the disposal of the Association, and also for the excellent tea which had been provided.
Major Barclay also spoke of the great interest Mr Marshall had always taken in the Scout Movement in the district.
Cheers were then given for Mr and Mrs Marshall, Major Barclay (Secretary) and helps.
Special thanks are due to Messrs. G. Handy, H. May, S. Daniels, E.G. Thody, B.E. Thody, Harry Clark and the Buntingford Congregational Church for loan of materials.
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We have been asked to mention that Scoutmasters are still wanted. More troops could be found if Scoutmasters can be obtained.
10th September 1926 - Balloon Race Results
Balloon Race Results
The results of the balloon race in connection with the Congregational Church Garden Fete, which was held at Layston Cottage on the 18th ult., were made known on Tuesday in last week.
Seventy-three balloons were dispatched by Mr H. Cutts, all of which took a N.E. direction. Many doubtless dropped into the North Sea.
The prizes, consisting of pretty china dessert sets, which were kindly given, were won as follows:
1, Mrs Gulick, Red House, Buntingford, whose balloon ascended from the fete ground at 3.45p.m., and three hours afterwards came down at Great Yarmouth.
The finder with commendable promptness posted the card the same evening, and it reached Mr Cutts the next morning. It was a very speedy flight.
Mrs Mottram, High Street Buntingford, won second prize. Her balloon descended at Ipswich, and Mr Cutts received the attached card notifying the fact a week after the fete.
25th February 1927 - Lantern Lecture
Lantern Lecture
On Tuesday evening, Mr J.W. Harvey again visited the Congregational Schoolroom and gave another of his lantern lectures. The titles of earlier such lectures have been "Christie's old organ," "Poor old Joe," "Strike while the iron is hot." The one this week was entitled "Uncle Tom's Cabin."
It was shown to two large gatherings; first to the young folks and then to adults, and the lecture and story was very much appreciated by all present.
Mr Harvey and Mr M. Smith operated the slides, and the Minister read the story.
At both meetings a very entertaining hour was spent, and appreciation shown in the usual manner. A collection was taken at each gathering for the funds of the Colportage Association, and the Benediction and Doxology concluded the meetings.
The hymns sung were "O God, our help in ages past," and "Count your blessings."
25th February 1927 - Congregational Church Sunday School Prize-Giving
Congregational Church
Sunday School Prize-Giving
On Thursday, February 17th, a very happy evening was spent in the Congregational Schoolroom, the occasion being the annual Prize Distribution in connection with the Sunday School.
Early in the evening the scholars assembled for games and refreshments, and teachers and scholars enjoyed a social hour-and-a-half.
Parents and friends of the scholars having joined the company, the Minister proceeded at once to distribute a number of book prizes gained by scholars for regular attendance during the past year.
After the distribution, he urged the young people to win not only book prizes, but also the greatest prize - Jesus Christ.
A lengthy programme was next carried through, consisting of a number of miscellaneous items:
Songs (by Miss Blanche Langham, Miss Dorothy Howard); pianoforte solos (Miss Langham, Miss Kathleen Smith); dialogue (Miss Dorothy Saunders, Miss Minnie Ashton); recitations (Miss Winning Conyard, Miss Dorothy Saunders, Miss Gertrude Howard, Miss Minnie Ashton, Miss Freda Howard, the Minister); whilst other contributors to the programme were Mrs G. Saggers (humourous readings) and Mr B.E. Thody.
During an interval a collection was taken for the Sunday School, and the scholars joined in the singing of a number of hymns from their School Hymnary.
The Benediction and Doxology concluded a very enjoyable evening.
25th March 1927 - Congregational Sunday Schools
Congregational Sunday Schools
Sunday School Week
In connection with the Congregational Sunday Schools of the country, last Sunday began "Sunday School Week," an effort to arrest the decline in the number of scholars attending the Sunday Schools.
Last Sunday evening at the Buntingford Congregational Church the Minister devoted the service to stressing of the scheme and, after referring to the beginnings of the Sunday School movement in England, emphasized the importance of the Sunday School, its work and teaching, to the child, the Church and the nation.
18th March 1927 - Congregational Church Social
Congregational Church Social
A very pleasant time was spent in the Congregational Schoolroom on Thursday in last week, the occasion being a social.
There was a very good gathering, and in an opening remark or two, the Minister referred to the various phases of Church life, including the devotional or spiritual and the social sides. The room had been attractively decorated by Mr H. Cutts.
A lengthy programme of miscellaneous items was carried through, consisting of - pianoforte solos (Miss Blanche Langham, Miss M. Ashton); solos (Miss Emily Benstead, Miss Langham, Miss Dorothy Howard); recitations and humourous readings (Mrs G. Saggers, Miss Langham, the Minister).
A sketch entitled "Our at-home day" caused much amusement, the various parts being taken by Miss Benstead, Miss Edith Careless and Miss Kitty Camp, and the item being very well performed. The introduction of Community singing marked a change in the usual programme, whilst two competitions were provocative of much fun.
The response to the appeal for refreshments was splendid, and during an interval these were now served.
At the close there was an announcement of the competition result together with an expression of thanks to all who had helped to make the evening a success. Best thanks are certainly due to the many who kindly contributed towards the refreshments; to the members of the Ladies' Committee, and other lady helpers who in many ways rendered splendid service in connection with the social; to those who assisted in the entertainment and sketch and duties relevant; to those who had worked "behind the scenes," and to all who helped to make the social so successful.
The proceeds of the evening were on behalf of the Church funds.
The singing of Auld Lang Syne brought the social to a conclusion.
11th March 1927 - Congregational Church Notes
Congregational Church Notes
The preacher last Sunday was Mr John Patmore, who at short notice conducted both morning and evening worship, and whose very helpful services were very much appreciated.
On Tuesday evening, March 8th, a visit was paid by Miss Simmonds, who for over 30 years has worked in India under the London Missionary Society.
Miss Simmonds spoke on her work among the women and girls in India, and her visit was very much appreciated.
4th March 1927 - Organ Recital at Congregational Church
Organ Recital at Congregational Church
A Delightful Programme
Mr E.E. Dennis gave another of his organ recitals at the Congregational Church on Tuesday evening. There was a good gathering, and the programme was much enjoyed.
The soloist was Mr S. Daniels, who was at his best.
Mr Dennis chose for his recital the following:
"Spring Song." - Hollins
"Evening Song" - Gos-Cusstard
"Catherdral Music" - Wareing
"Barcarolle" - Hoffman
"Minuetto" - Guillmant
Variations on an air in F - Lemare
His "Evening Song" was beautifully played, as was the "Minuetto."
Mr Daniels' items were delightful. He chose "It is enough" (from Elijah), and "The trumpet shall sound" (from the Messiah). His accompanist, Mr E.E. Dennis, gave him every support.
Altogether it was an excellent programme.
15th April 1927 - London Missionary Society
London Missionary Society
Sunday last week was L.M.S. Sunday at the Buntingford Congregational Church, and the visiting missionary was Rev. Thos. Tester, who has spent 25 years in Madagascar, under the Society.
Mr Tester preached at the morning service, and also conducted evening worship, speaking as well in the afternoon to the Sunday School scholars.
His accounts of his life and work in that far-off island were very interesting, and altogether an inspiration to those who heard him.
10th June 1927 - Organ Recital
Organ Recital
Last Sunday evening and organ recital was given in the Buntingford Congregational Church by Mr W.S. Dellow, of Roydon.
Mr Dellow played a number of selections, and the recital, which lasted for half-an-hour, was very much enjoyed.
The Minister expressed the thanks and appreciation of the Church, and an offering was taken for organ expenses.
3rd June 1927 - Congregational Sunday School Anniversary
Congregational Sunday School Anniversary
Sunday, May 29th, was the occasional of the Buntingford Congregational Sunday School Anniversary.
The services in the morning and evening were conducted by Mr C.V. Skipp, of London, E.C., who also addressed the scholars at a young people's service in the afternoon. Mr H. Cutts was at the organ.
The scholars, trained by Miss Blanche Langham, sang well the special hymns selected for the occasion, these hymns being taken from the Sunday School Hymnary.
Offerings at all services were taken for the Sunday School Funds.
3rd June 1927 - Congregational Church Anniversary
Barkway
Congregational Church Anniversary
On Thursday, May 26th, very uplifting services were held at the Barkway Congregational Church in connection with the Church Anniversary.
In the afternoon Divine Service was conducted by Rev. C.G. Thompson, B.A., of Bedford, who preached on "The meaning of Home," basing his remarks on the story of the Prodigal Son.
Tea followed.
The Rev. John Cole, of Buntingford, presided at the public meeting in the evening, and spoke on "The Church - the Body of Christ."
Mr G.C. Wilson, of Hormead, offered prayer, and a very helpful and practical lecture was delivered by Rev. C.G. Thompson on "Psychology in Everyday Life."
At the close, Rev. W.E. Mawby expressed the thanks of the Church to the speakers.
Offerings and proceeds were on behalf of the Church Funds.
16th November 1923 - Armistice Day
Buntingford
Armistice Day
Armistice day at Buntingford was celebrated in a very solemn manner.
At 10.30 a.m. a procession was formed in Church Street. The procession comprised the Town Band, under Bandmaster E.Smith; strong muster of Ex-Service men, under the command of Captain G. Scaborough Taylor; the Buntingford troop of Boy Scouts, under Scoutmaster C. Miles; Girl Guides, in charge of Miss N. Ashford; and a section of Special Constables.
The procession marched to the town War Memorial, where the Ex-Service men and other bodies took up their allotted positions. The Rev. A. Howard, the Rev. Byers-Jones, Mr F.J. Cole, and the Buntingford Corps of the Salvation Army joined the parade at the War Memorial.
A large number of townspeople took part in the memorial service, which opened with the hymn "O God, our help in ages past."
The following a stirring address by the Rev. A. Howard, who said: "We are assembled here this morning around our War Memorial, first to thank God for victory and peace, and to remember the truth of the words on the Memorial on the wall of St Peter's, "Theirs is the Victory." Then we must remember and be thankful for the splendid courage of the men who laid down their lives for their King and Country, their home, and we hope also, their God.
We need to pray that we may show our gratitude by leading fearless, selfless, Christ-like lives. That those still sorrowingg over the empty place, or places, in the home may be comforted by the "Father of mercies, and God of all comfort." We will pray, too, specially for the Ex-Service men and others still suffering in various and grievous ways from the effects of the unspeaklably awful war."
He concluded with the striking words of General Smuts: "We semm once more to be hanging [?] into a dark night, and the outcome of the new adventure is hid from everyone but God. Yet I have a conviction that out of all this evil, good will come. The great moral causes of humanity were born not in victory but in defeat, and they are all being defeated today."
The Church paper from which called comments as follows: "What braver text could there be on which to found an appeal for the re-dedication of our country to the will and purpose of God in faith, that his kingdom will come."
After the address, Captain G. Scarborough Taylor read out the names of the glorious dead, whose names are perpetuated on the War Memorial. At stroke of 11 a.m. the Ex-Service men, Boy Scouts, and Girl Guides were called to attention, and the two minutes' silence observed.
After the hymn "Fight the good fight" had been sung, prayers were said by Mr F.J. Cole, the new minister at the Congregational Church.
A large number of beautiful wreathes were laid at the base of the Memorial. The Ex-Service men's wreath consisted of laurel leaves and Flanders poppies, tied with the national colours. Other wreathes were from the members of the Congregational Church, the Buntingford troop of Boy Scouts, the Girl Guides, the Senior School and the Special Constables.
After saluting at the foot of the memorial, the parade marched up to the Market Hill. The band played the National Anthem, after which the parade dismissed. Many persons attended the Special services which were held at St Peter's, and at the Congregational Church, immediately after the ceremony.
The Boy Scouts Shrine, which throughout the year has tributes of flowers, due to the kind attention of Miss Lushington, was specially decoated with evergreen and Flanders poppies.
A special Memorial Service was held at the Congregational Church during the evening. There was a croweded congregation, and the Buntingford Town Band accompanied the hymns.
The new minister, the Rev. F.J. Cole preached an inspiring sermon. He took for his text "Oh, for a drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem that is by the gate." The collection at the evening service amounted to £3 4s., which was devoted to Church funds, and the British Legion Local Relief Fund.
2nd November 1923 - New Minister
New Minister
Mr F.J. Cole commences his ministry at the Buntingford Congregational Church on Sunday next.
A very hearty invitation is extended to all friends to attend the services on that day to welcome Mr Cole.
A social evening will be held on Thursday, Nov. 8th, to give friends a further opportunity of meeting Mr Cole.
We offer our best wishes to the new minister.
18th June 1926 - Buntingford Congregational Church
Buntingford Congregational Church
Church Anniversary Services
Very successful and encouraging services were held on Wednesday week at the Congregational Church in connection with the Church Anniversary. There were very good congregations, including visitors from the neighbouring Churches.
Rev. W.T. Hailstone (Braughing), Rev. W.E. Mawby (Barkway) and Mr J.W. Harvey (Wood End) were also present. Mr Herbert Cutts was at the organ.
In the afternoon Divine Service was conducted by the Rev. T.H. Cooper, M.A., of Bushey, Herts., and Chairman of the Herts Congregational Union. Taking the texts, Rom. xiv. 7, "None of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself," and Genesis xxxii. 24, "And Jacob was left alone," Mr Cooper preached on the following lines: One of the greatest reasons for attending church services is that we may see life in its proper setting and proportion.
Day by day we are confronted with whatever makes our life's work. But we have spirits to be trained, and a real kinship with God Himself; then it is necessary that we start apart from life and look at it from the standpoint of Eternity and of God.
We go into the House of God that we may look at life from that deeper standpoint which makes us aware of ourselves also to those Churches which, in the wider Congregational life of the county, he would visit as Chairman. He extended a cordial welcome to Mr I. Bell, of Puckeridge, who was to be the Chairman for the evening meeting; and to the Ministers and other friends from the surrounding churches.
At the evening public meeting Mr Bell made an excellent chairman, and though he contended that speaking in public was not his strong point yet he carried out the duties of his office very ably.
Mr Mawby produced a deep impression by his earnest address, which was along the lines of the Ministry and the Pew. The Ministry was a life of continual discovery; there should be a "Fellowship" existing between Pulpit and Pew. He appealed for life to be lived from the supreme standpoint of Christ. We must never lose our place in the visible Church, and since we are the salt of the earth we must see to it that the salt never loses its savour.
Mr Cooper said that an anniversary occasion ought to be a time for a retrogression to Jesus Christ, so that we might maintain the purity of the tone of our lives, and be reminded again that to serve Him is the most inspiring thing in life.
Sometimes amid the problems of life, we seem to be making no impression, but we must take heart and courage and keep plodding on where God has placed us. As we get back to Christ we shall be more fruitful in service and more loyally His followers...The Christian Church rightly understood is none other than the Body of Christ; of this Body Christ makes use; He wants to do through the Church the same kind of thing that He did when He was here in the flesh.
The Church's concern will be primarily the spiritual interest of the community; she is also called upon to bear witness for her Lord, and it is in so far as the witness of everyone is added together that the music of life rises to God in sweetness. So we must keep the tone of our Christian service pure by caring for the things Jesus Christ cared for. So shall the Church be a true Church of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
During the meeting the Minister reported on the work of the Church and Sunday School, and at the close expressed the deep thanks of the Church to Mr Cooper, Mr Mawby and Mr Bell for their most helpful services and inspiring messages; to the Ladies' Committee, and whose who had assisted them in the preparations for the tea; to Mr Cutts, and to all who by time, service or gifts had contributed to the success of the occasion.
Offerings were taken during the day, and the financial results were also very satisfactory. The Benediction brought a most uplifting and encouraging Anniversary to a close.
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