The Blessing of Rushden Vicarage

Bishop of Peterborough at Private Ceremony

The blessing of the new vicarage

Many years’ devoted effort by worshippers at St. Peter’s Church, Rushden, culminated on Sunday, when the Bishop of Peterborough (the Rev. Dr. Claude Blagden), carried out the blessing of the new vicarage in Wellingborough-road, the residence of the Rev. P. Barwell and Mrs. Spriggs.

The service, held at 12.30, was of a simple character, yet beautiful in its unpretentiousness. The first part was held in the hall of the vicarage, where, after the opening words, “Let the Lord bless the inhabitants of this house and the children of it,” spoken by the Bishop, prayers were offered, and Psalm 121 was recited. A portion of St. John 14 was read for the lesson, after which the congregation assembled in the drawing room.

Further prayers were offered and the Bishop read a formal address of the blessing, the congregation joining in with the words: “The Lord is my strength and my song, and is become my Salvation. In God I have put my trust. I will not fear what flesh can do unto me. I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff comfort me.” The Bishop then blessed the vicarage with the sign of the Cross.

Afterwards, Dr. Blagden shook hands with the small company of representatives of the congregation who were present, most of whom hold responsible church offices.

Situated on an ideal spot on the Wellingborough-road, nearly opposite the top of Fitzwilliam-street, the vicarage commands excellent views of the town and countryside.

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