4th March 1927 - St Peter's

Original image on Facebook

St Peter's

Canon Shorting, of St Albans, Secretary of the Diocesan Board of Finance, preached on Sunday evening.

He pleaded for the observance of the Bishop's week of prayer and self-denial, which is being held this year from March 6th to 13th. The money contributed in this way yearly, is used to relieve cases of urgent necessity amongst the clergy and their widows, of which he gave instances.

The remaining part of his address was an explanation of what is done with the parochial quota, which in the case of Layston, is raised by the Freewill Offering Scheme. He specially emphasised the help given by their means towards the training of promising young men, who feel the call of the ministry, but whose parents could not afford the long and necessary training for Holy Orders.

As there are now 5,000 less clergy than there were some years ago, the number ordained not making up the yearly wastage by death and retirement, this help is an urgent matter, supplementing the help already given by the C.P.A. and other societies.

It is hoped that new Free-will Offeringsubscribers may come forward as a result of the Canon's visit.

22nd April 1927 - St Giles' Wyddiall

Original image on Facebook

St Giles' Wyddiall

There were large congregations at the Easter Services at St Giles,' Wyddiall, the number of Communicants being over 50. The offerings throughout the day were in aid of the Clergy Pensions Fund.

At the morning service the lessons were read by Mr G. Scarborough Taylor.

In a stirring address, the Rector, The Rev. L.W. Wright, said that Easter was a time to rejoice in the possession of a life full of such infinite possibilities.

The Church was beautifully decorated, and the singing was much enjoyed.

22nd April 1927 - St Peter's

Original image on Facebook

St Peter's

The services on Good Friday and Easter Day were well attended, the number of communicants on Easter Day being very gratifying.

The Church was profusely decorated by Mrs Howard, Mrs F.W. Butler, Mrs Pateman, Mr F.W. Butler, and Mr S. Howard, and the services were bright, the joyful Easter hymns being sung by all.

For the first time for some years there was no Easter anthem, owing to the state of the organ. The organ has not been thoroughly cleaned since it was built, and it is hoped to overhaul it in the near future.

The collections on Easter Day were given to the Vicar as a personal gift, and amounted to £16 9s.

22nd April 1927 - The Catholic Church

Original image on Facebook

The Catholic Church

On Easter Sunday the Sacrifice of the Mass was offered in Buntingford at the Convent (7.45) and at the Parish Church at 9 a.m.

In wishing all a Happy Easter, Father Morgan spoke of the Happy Easter which our Blessed Lord brought to the two disciples on their way to Emmaus. "How our hearts burned within us as He talked to us," so said they afterwards. They had not recognised Him at the time, being too full of their disappointment over the Crucifixion of the miracle-worker on Calvary. But when He went with them into their house at their invitation, and in simple form offered again that Divine Sacrifice of the Mass which He had instituted only three days before, at that great moment their eyes were opened, and they knew Him.

He vanished immediately from their sight, but the joy of the Presence of Jesus went with them throughout their Eastertide. The same Easter joy will be ours if we walk with Him, and invite Him to be our honoured Guest.

At Benediction in the evening, the Regina Coeli was beautifully sung by Sisters from the Convent and St Francis Choir. Addressed to our Lady it is full of the glad spirit of Easter - 

"O Queen of Heaven, rejoice, Alleluia, For He Whom thought didst bear, Alleluia, Hath arisen as He said, Alleluia, Pray for us to God, Alleluia."

At the end of the Service was sung a beautiful old Catholic hymn, which is also known widely outside the Catholic Church - "Christ the Lord is risen to-day."

The Altar was prettily decorated with flowers given by parisioners, and grown in the garden.