27th Jan 1928 - Death of Mr Herbert Elliott

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Death of Mr Herbert Elliott

The death occurred on Monday, January 23rd, of Mr Herbert Elliott, son of the late Rev. George Fraser and Mrs Elliott, of Tyneholme, Buntingford.

He was laid to rest in Layston Churchyard on Thursday (yesterday) afternoon, the funeral being conducted by the Vicar, the Rev A. Howard.

Always delicate, he bore his suffering with unflinching courage, and his winsome disposition and simple faith endeared him to all those with whom he came in to contact. "One of God's little ones; pure in heart, brave in spirit."

13th May 1910 - Buntingford, Resignation of the Rev. G. Fraser Elliott

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Buntingford

Resignation of the Rev. G. Fraser Elliott

We understand that the Rev. G. Fraser Elliott has resigned the pastorate of the Buntingford Congregational Church, and concludes his ministry at the end of June. 

For nearly 13 years he has actively and faithfully discharged his duties as Pastor. It is generally hoped that he will not be leaving the neighbourhood. Only recently the Layston Parish Council re-appointed him one of the Layston School Managers, and he is also a representative trustee of the Buntingford Charities.

During his pastorate in the town Mrs Elliott has been of the greatest help to him in varied and useful work as a minister's wife. She has conducted during the past ten years a Coal Club for the benefit of the working classes, which has been much appreciated, and has had an average of 50 members. Other useful institutions which she established in connection with the Congregational Church, and which have flourished under her special care, have been the Girls' Guild and Magazine Society. 

The Rev. G. Fraser Elliott has had a lengthy experience in the ministry, and can look back to no less than 36 years' strenuous work as a Congregational minister.

13th May 1910 - Buntingford, death of King Edward

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Buntingford

As soon as the sad news of the King's death was known at Buntingford it caused the most profound sorrow.

The ancient town bell was tolled. On Sunday, at St Peter's, besides the morning and evening services, there was a children's service, and also one for men. At every service the Vicar, the Rev. A. Howard, feelingly alluded to the passing away of the good King. 

In the morning he preached from the words, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." He showed it was a time of personal trouble, family trouble, trouble for the Church of England which had lost its head, trouble for the Nation, which could ill spare such a wise ruler at the present time, and also trouble to our Empire, States, and people over the seas, which looked to King Edward as their guiding friend.

Of the King's charactertistics he dwelt mainly upon his tender love for the poor and feeble and his consistent endeavours to promote peace within the borders of his dominions and among the great powers of the world. The sorrow of the national was truly genuine and heartfelt for their noble monarch, whose end was peace.

"O God our help in ages past" was fervently sung at the services. The "Dead March" in Saul was played by Miss Woods at the end of each service while the congregation stood, most of whom were in mourning. 

- At both services at the Congregational Church, the Rev G. Fraser Elliott referred sympathetically to the death of the King, and prayers were offered for the bereaved Queen. At each service too Mrs Sutterby played the "Dead March" while the congregation stood.

The School flag was hoisted at half-mast. On Sunday two patrols of the Buntingford and District Boy Scouts, numbering in all 21, and each wearing on the left arm an armlet of crepe, paraded at their headquarters in High Street and marched to St Peter's to attend the morning service. To see these orderly well-behaved lads grieving with their elders was a touch tribute of reverential respect and esteem for the dead King, who took such a warm interest in the Scout movement.