June 1897

June

THE sixtieth year of Her Majesty the Queen's reign has been marked by joy all oyer her vast Empire. It will always be a conspicuous year; not only one of gathering together of her subjects from all parts of the world, but also one of great prosperity. Never has the country been more prosperous, never has there been less poverty; never, perhaps, have the prospects of the harvest been brighter. The bright sun that burst forth the moment the Queen started upon her triumphal procession through London has been shining ever since, The crops are full and bright, like the hearts of all the people. It is, indeed, a time of rejoicing.

THE great procession of the Queen through six miles of streets in London, and the great review of the Navy at Portsmouth were sights never to be forgotten. The first was a perfect triumph of conquest and colonization throughout the world. There were in that procession, representatives from all five parts of the globe, Europe, Asia, America, Africa and Australia, besides the memberless islands over which the British flag waves. There were men, white, jet black, bronze, yellow and brown, who had all been sent from their respective countries to contribute to the expression of loyalty to their Queen. They all looked happy, prosperous, and proud of their position, and the vast masses of English people who watched the procession, cheered and clapped them as fellow subjects and brothers. The second sight exhibited something of the power of England to defend her shores and her colonies, and her commerce upon the seas. Twenty-five miles of men-of-war, huge sea monsters, quiet and harmless as they lay there, but defying the world to touch an Englishman whereever he might be. There were more ships manned by brave men from all parts of the country than any other two nations together could produce. May these men-of-war never be required for any other purpose than the preservation of peace.

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PYMORE and Oxlode were to the front in celebrating the Jubilee in this parish. A few energetic people held a meeting, and a large subscription soon showed what enthusiastic unity could do. About 350 people including children sat down to a good tea, and were entertained afterwards by capital sports. Altogether a very happy day was spent.

IN Downham, the Rector and Mrs. Thornton entertained all those over sixty throughout the parish to tea on the lawn. About 150 were invited, but all were not able to be present. The weather was brilliantly fine, and the gardens looked their best. A violinist from Ely assisted with some music, The Rector gave an account of the Jubilee procession in London, and about nine o'clock all returned home having spent a most enjoyable evening.

HOW-EVER we have not done with the Jubilee yet, and we have quite made up our minds that a permanent commemoration shall be imprinted upon the cemetery. Respect for the departed bids us unite in making this the channel into which to pour our expressions of thanksgiving. More about this next month.

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ON Whitsun-Day sermons were preached in behalf of foreign missions. A good collection has been sent up for the support of missionaries. In the evening the Dean of Ely preached to us a most beautiful and touching sermon.

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ON the following Tuesday our garden party and Jumble sale was to be held on the Rectory lawn. However the day was very wet. Consequently we adjourned to the school where the sale took place' A great many people came, and we hope they did themselves some good by their purchases. In the evening we had. a really capital concert. Altogether about £14 were realized and placed to the account of the parish room.

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ON June 20th, a special service of thanksgiving, drawn up by the Archbishop of Canterbury, was used in the churches to commemorate the Queen's long and prosperous reign.

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MR. SENNITT having resigned his position as postmaster in Downham, the Postmaster General has appointed Mr. Alfred Aspland to the vacant post. However a most useful and long wanted addition is to be made. The new Post Office will be opened on July 1st, and as soon as the necessary arrangements can be completed telegrams may be sent from this Post Office on the usual terms. The pillar-box at present at the east end of the village will no doubt be moved up to the other end. We congratulate the parish on having a Telegraph Office, and wish the new Postmaster every success.

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THE catechizing festival took place on Sunday afternoon in the church, when a large number of parents and friends of the children were present. It was really very remarkable to hear what an intelligent knowledge the children had of their religion. In these days of doubt and negligence it is absolutely necessary that children should know what their faith is, and why they believe what they profess. There was no mistake about this with the children on Sunday. Their knowledge of the Bible and of the doctrines of the Faith was most impressive. A religion of feelings can never stand the test of temptation. Ignorance breeds superstition and unbelief. What we want is heart and head combined in a loving and intelligent worship of God. This, we believe we are achieving, and we hope for the most happy results.

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THE Sunday School Treat will take place on Wednesday, July 14th.

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MR. ZACHARY will be away for a month after July 5th.

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THE Rector will go to Scotland for a month at the end of July.

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THE local Pig Club, we are happy to find, is still flourishing, and the secretary asks us to publish the balance sheet for the year ending May 1st, 1897 :