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Rushden Echo, 10th April 1914
Memorials – Reminders of Prominent Gentlemen - Dedication Ceremony
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Photos by C F Chapman
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Processional Cross
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Litany Desk
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Some lovely works of art were dedicated to the Glory of God and the memory of two prominent Higham Ferrers gentlemen, the late Dr. J. Crew and Ald. Walter Spong, at the Parish Church on Saturday.
The relatives of these two gentlemen have presented a beautiful window, a processional cross, and a Litany desk to perpetuate their memory.
There was a large congregation, and the ceremony was impressively performed by the Archdeacon of Oakham, the Ven. E. M. Moore, assisted by the vicar, the Rev. H. K. Fry, and the curate, the Rev. W. Peppercorn. The opening hymn, “We love the place, O God,” was sung, and the Vicar read the lection Rev. v.
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Photo by C F Chapman
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Window
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The Archdeacon then took the beautiful embossed brass cross and said, “In the Faith of Jesus Christ we dedicate this Cross to the Glory of God, in memory of His servant, Walter Spong, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” A procession from the altar followed, and during the hymn “When I survey the wondrous Cross” the clergy and choir proceeded to the Litany desk, where the Archdeacon read the words of dedication, naming the late Ald. Walter Spong. The hymn “When at Thy Footstool” was sung as the procession wended its way to the north aisle to the window in memory of Dr. Crew. The Archdeacon first repeated the dedicatory prayer, and also read the Collects of Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and St. John and St. Luke. The hymn “Oh the Father’s Love begotten” was sung as the procession proceeded by the north aisle and nave to the altar.
The Archdeacon then gave as address on the words “Giving thanks unto the Father.” A finely painted window had been given to their church in humble gratitude and to the Glory of God in memory of John Crew, a member of the Royal College of Surgeons, 25 years warden of that church, and a prominent resident of the borough and holder of many public offices. The second and third gifts were in memory of Walter Spong, for many years a Sunday school teacher, sidesman, and lay representative; particularly a devoted worker in the Church of Christ. While the window was given to beautify the church and inspire feelings of devotion, the other two gifts were intended for actual use in the services of the church. Concluding he said, “Blessed be the name of the Lord, Who put it into the hearts of His servants to give those precious gifts to His honour and glory. May external rays and light perpetual shine upon John Crew and Walter Spong.”
The hymn “The Saints of God, their conflicts past” was sung, and the collects of “All Saints’ Days” and “For Benefactors” were said, and the ceremony concluded with the Benediction.
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