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.

19th Feb 1926 - Church Sunday School

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Church Sunday School

The Sunday School Sunday was observed on Sunday last at St Peter's. In the morning the children occupied a prominent place. Children's hymns were sung, and the sermon by the Vicar, on Ephesians vi. 1-4, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord. Fathers...bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord," was such as the children could not fail to understand.

In the afternoon a service was held, when the parents were largely represented. The Prize-giving will be held today (Friday) at "The George" Assembly Room at 7, to which all parents and friends of the children are warmly invited. Mr B. Thody is kindly giving a lantern entertainment after the prizes have been given.

Lent services will be held throughout Lent on Thursday evenings (for the most part) at 7. The preachers on February 25th will be the Rev. A.G. King.

12th Feb 1926 - St Peter's

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St Peter's

The Vicar, the Rev. A. Howard, was away from home last week, and the special preacher at the morning service was the Rev. F. Hanna, of the Colonial and Continental Church Society.

The preacher, who is a missioner and represents this Diocese, referred to the work the Society carried out among the settlers in Australia and New Zealand. He also gave a very stirring address to the children during the afternoon.

The collections, which were in aid of the Society amounted to £3.

At the evening service the sermon was preached by Mr H. May of Wyddiall.