13th May 1910 - Standon, Death of King Edward

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Standon

The news of the King's death was not known here until the arrival of the morning papers on Saturday. It caused a painful shock, and cast a gloom over the village.

The Union Jack was hoisted at half-mast on the Church tower, and a like sign of mourning was shown at Messrs. Chapman's Mills. In the afternoon the Church bell was tolled.

The service at the Parish Church on Sunday morning was of an impressive character. The Rev. S.F.O. Huddy read special prayers and announced that a memorial service would be held in the Church for the late King as appointed by authority. Preaching from the words "For death is come up into our windows and is entered into our palaces" he spoke of the deep mystery of death which had entered into the palace and removed their beloved King, who was so very human in the sympathetic welfare of his people, and who in the cause of peace with foreign nations had earned in his all too brief reign the glorious name of "Peace-maker." Their great King's work was done, and he was at peace, for God's finger touched him and he slept.

After the hymn "Lord of the world above" had been sung, the Benediction was pronounced, and then the organist, Mr J. Chapman, played Handel's "Dead March in Saul" while the congregation stood.

There was a large congregation, and nearly everybody wore mourning. The "Dead March in Saul" was also played at the evening service.

13th May 1910 - Puckeridge, Death of King Edward

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Puckeridge

The Rev. J.F.R. Pledger, of Barkway, preached at Braughing Chapel on Sunday morning. He also was the special preacher at Puckeridge Chapel in the afternoon, and at the Century Hall in the evening. 

At each service he spoke of the sad news of the death of the King, the great good he had done for the country, and the effect of his wisdom on the rulers and governments of the world. To Nonconformists he was always a genuine friend.

At the Century Hall service, the congregation sang the well-chosen hymn for the occasion, "Till He come."

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.

13th May 1910 - Braughing, Death of King Edward

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Braughing

When the news of the death of the King was known in the village, it caused sincere regret. The flag was hosited at half-mast on the Church tower, and the bell was tolled for one hour.

At the Sunday morning and evening services at the Parish Church, there were good congregations, and the Vicar, the Rev. S.M. Stanley, referred sympathetically to the Country's great loss.

In his morning sermon, founded on the Psalmist's words "Suffer me that I may speak &c.," he dwelt on the chief characteristics of the King. Their late King was a worker, for he was the hardest worked man in England, his refined and elegant manners and courtesy in his relations with men and people, caused him to be known as the finest gentleman in Europe, and his successful efforts for peace have won him the supreme distinction and deserved title which will be enshrined in history for all time of "Edward the Peacemaker." 

The Dead March in "Saul" was played at the close of each service, while the congregation remained standing.

[Transcriber note - King Edward VII died on 6th May 1910.]