Rolls of Honour at Rushden - The Future of The War Shrines
Free Library as a Permanent Home

A meeting of secretaries of the numerous Rolls of Honour in Rushden was held at the Vestry Hall on Monday evening. The Rector (Rev. P. E. Robson, M.A.), presided, supported by the Rev. C. J. Keeler (Independent Wesleyan).

The Chairman reminded them that that meeting was an adjourned one from twelve months ago, when it was resolved to leave the Rolls in their present position for a year longer before deciding what should ultimately be done with the War Shrines. The shrines had fulfilled their purpose of a continual reminder of the dear ones fighting for their country and those who had made the great sacrifice, a place where they could put flowers in token of the anniversary of a soldier's death. The Rolls had also cemented a bond of sympathy between the neighbours in the streets. It would have been of great interest and importance if they could have found out the total amount of money raised in regard to the Shrines, but the sum ran into several thousands of pounds. Possibly no town in the United Kingdom had done so much for the boys at the war. (Applause) Now those lads had returned, the shrines had largely ceased to be required in their present positions.

He believed the shrines could be placed in the library. At present he believed that the shrines were being used more in the nature of cenotaphs, which was in every way to be admired but he thought it best that the shrines be preserved. The Rector concluded the town had greatly appreciated the efforts of those ladies and that the boys were very grateful for the kindly thought behind the schemes. (Applause)

Mrs H Durham, representing the Harboro'-road Roll of Honour Committee, said the Committee were of the opinion that the Shrines should be taken down and preserved.

On the suggestion of the Rector, Mrs Durham moved "That the War Shrines be removed from their present positions and taken to some place of security, and we suggest that the Free Library Committee be asked to give their permission to having the Shrines placed in a room in the Library."

In reply to questions the Rector said he would like them to have new and corrected lists made out—printed for choice—to take the place of the present written lists. He would also suggest that the Shrines be renovated to some extent and the collecting boxes be removed.

The Rev C. J. Keeler, corroborating the Rector, assured them that the loving thoughts which had prompted the ideas of the War Shrines had met with the greatest approval of the townspeople. While he would like friends to be able to continue the worthy practice of paying an outward tribute on the anniversary of the death of a loved one, he felt that the Memorial Chapel largely filled that need. Perhaps a cenotaph would be erected where people could take flowers and pay their tribute to the fallen.

Mrs. L. Perkins (Newton-road Shrine secretary) seconded the resolution and said she did not think anything better could be suggested. (Applause)

After some further discussion the motion was put and carried unanimously.

The Rector expressed thanks to the secretaries for the work they had done.

Mrs, Durham proposed thanks to the Rector and the Rev. C. J. Keeler for the great assistance they had rendered to the Committees of the Shrines. She could assure them that the work of the Committees had been of great benefit to all the members. (Hear, hear)

Mrs. Whiting (North-street Shrine secretary) seconded and spoke on similar lines.

The motion was unanimously carried, and the Chairman and Mr Keeler replied.