Service in Westminster Abbey in Aid of
the Ypres Memorial Church.
ABBEY SERVICE
-FEB. 16th, 1925.
160
The Ypres Times.
A most impressive and memorable service was held at the Abbey on the 16th February
in aid of the above Fund, and was attended by a large congregation.
A sacred Pianoforte Recital was given by Miss Fanny Davies at 6 p.m., consisting
of an Adagio in G major (Fiocco), Sicilienne in G minor (Rinck), Prelude in
E major," Etude in C sharp minor (both by Chopin), and Ea Cathedrale Engloutie
(Debussy). All were exquisitely rendered.
Mr. Nicholson's special choir of over two hundred voices took part in the service
at 6.30 p.m., which commenced with an introductory anthem, Remember not, Lord,"
by Purcell. Then followed prayers and the anthems The Souls of the Righteous and
O Praise the Eord, ye Saints Above," both by Byrd. After the lesson, the spirited and
stirring anthem, Hear My Words (Parry) was given. A hymn followed, and at the
procession, Psalms 121, 122, 124 and 132, with verses in Fauxbourdon were sung, with
responses by the stationary choir.
Part of the choir then took up their station at the grave of The Unknown Warrior, a
versicle and a response were sung, and after the Collect the Contakion of the Faithful
Departed (Kieff Melody) was rendered. This was the most impressive part of the
service, while The Old Hundredth hymn, sung during the procession to the High
Altar, recalled the mourners to adoration and praise.
After another collect and the blessing, the Choral in A minor (Franck) was played,
while the choirs were leaving the Abbey.
The thanks of the Committee, Ypres Memorial Church Fund, are due to the Dean of
Westminster for allowing the service to be held, to Mr. Knapp-Fisher, the Receiver-
General, for making all the arrangements, to Miss Fanny Davies for the beautiful piano
forte recital, and to Mr. Sydney Nicholson, the organist, for kindly consenting to assist
with his choir of over two hundred voices.
Within the ancient Abbey's walls at eve,
In white and scarlet robes, a vast choir
sang,
Blending their voices with the organ's note
As, true and clear, one melody out-rang.
Then at the rightful moment some passed
out
Ived by uplifted Cross into the nave
But singing still with those whom they had
left
They marched towards the Unknown
Warrior's Grave.
They pause 'neath banner high, chant
answering chant,
Then onward move to the High Altar's
shade,
Wherehark! United choir once more is
heard
In joyful tune one song of praise is made.
From Ypres there passed, through quick-
made Warrior's grave,
Thousands who wait to join their friends
in song.
Surely to these the Ypres Memorial Church
Shall not be wanting long.
E. E. Finch.
