The Memorial Window in Irchester Church - Unveiling Ceremony
The public uncovering of the handsome new window that has just been inserted in the east end of Irchester Church by the members of the Oakley Hunt, to the memory of two of their former masters, the late Mr. E. W. Arkwright and Mr. T. A. Macan, took place yesterday (Thursday). The committee making the arrangements were:— Capt. Browning, Hinwick; Messrs. J. F. Hatfield-Harter, Cranfield Court; W. F. Higgins (hon. sec. to the Hunt), Turvey; F. S. Wigram, Elstow; T. B. Turnell, Irchester; Rev. H. H. Slater, Irchester; and the Rev. J. Copner, Elstow; with Mr. W. Hirst Simpson (hon. sec. of the committee), Higham Ferrers. As we previously reported the window cost £250, and represents the nativity, annunciation, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Christ, and it has been very beautifully designed and executed. Amongst those who visited the church on Thursday were:— Messrs. Arthur Arkwright, Broughton Ashley; H. H. Green, Felmersham Grange; H. Sartoris, Rushden Hall; R. B. Orlebar, Poddington; Campbell Praed, Wellingborough; J. Green, Little Irchester; W. Pope, Stanwick; J. Osborne, Burton Latimer; Guy Ripton, Odell; T. B. Turnell, J. C. Eady, J. Austin, J. Ball, E. Parsons, G. H. Turner, and G. Fortescue, Irchester ; Misses Arkwright, Mark Hall, Essex; Capt. Browning, Hinwick; Dr. Crew, HighamFerrers; Col. Joslin, Bedford; besides the three gentlemen who unveiled the window:— Captain Frank Arkwright, Mr. Herbert Arkwright, and Mr. Julius Arkwright, sons of the late Mr. R. W. Arkwright. The service was conducted by the vicar (Rev. H. H. Slater), the organist (Mr. J. Ward), first playing Hutchinson's Andante. The hymn "Let Saints on earth in concert sing," was then sung, and the three gentlemen mentioned above then proceeded to the window and drew up the curtain. The Litany was then read, and this was followed by the singing of Berthold Tours' anthem "In thee, O Lord, have I put my trust," Psalm xxxi., 1 to 4. The Vicar then read 1 Corinthians xv., taken from the burial service, and the singing of the hymn "The Saints of God their conflict past, &c.," and the Benediction concluded the service. During the last hymn a collection was taken and realised £5 6s. 7½d. As the congregation left, the organist played Mendelssohn’s “O rest in the Lord.” A large number afterwards more closely inspected the window which was greatly admired by all.