\?2
THE YPRES TIMES
A site was purchased, and, on the day when he unveiled the Menin Gate
Memorial, Lord Plumer laid the foundation stone of the church.
The architect, Sir Reginald Blomfield, has been unsparing in his effort to make
the church worthy of the great traditions that lie behind it. He has more than
succeeded. There is a quiet dignity and a spiritual beauty in the design and in
the memorials, which convey a sense of restful peace the moment one enters the
building.
It was very fitting that His Majesty's Ambassador, the Earl of Glanville,
Earl and Countess of Ypres, Field-Marshal and Lady Plumer, Lieut.-General Sir
W. P. Pulteney and Sir Reginald Blomfield should be amongst the first to take
their places in the church. They were followed by Major-General and Mrs. Seely,
Major-General Sir G. Franks, Col. Stanley and Mrs. Barry, Col. F. G. and
Mrs. Poole, and Major W. R. Brooke. The following representatives were
present at the ceremony
Rear-Admiral E. J. A. Fullerton (Admiralty), Colonel C. H. Manning (High Commissioner
of Australia), Mr. G. A. Jenkin (High Commissioner of South Africa), Mrs. Falwasser (St. John's
Ambulance), Dame A. Smith and Dame Sarah Swift (British Red Cross), Mrs. Knatchbull-Hugessen
(Girl Guides in Belgium), Major-General R. N. Harvey (Royal Engineers), Colonel Lord Henry Seymour
(G.O.C., London District), Lieut.-Colonel P. R. B. Lawrence (Coldstream Guards), Lieut.-Colonel
E. C. T. Warner (Scots Guards), Colonel Hon. H. R. and G. Alexander (Irish Guards), Major K. G.
Menzies (Welsh Guards), H. Martin, Esq. (International Commissioner, Boy Scouts), representatives
of Monmouthshire Regiment, Mr. J. Rainford (groom to late Earl of Ypres), Colonel C. Heath (British
Legion), representatives of Imperial War Graves Commission, Church Army, Salvation Army, Y.M.C.A.,
Rev. P. B. Clayton (Toe H), Rev. E. Rogers (Church Lads Brigade), and Ypres Memorial Church
Committee.
Clergy.Right Rev. Bishop of Fulham (North and Central Europe), Right Rev. Bishop Bury
(Assistant Bishop of London), Rev. Archibald Fleming, D.D. (Church of Scotland), Rev. G. Smissen
(FreeChurches), Rev.G. R. Milner (Chaplain at Ypres), Rev. G. D. S. Parry-Evans (represented Chaplain-
General to the Forces), Rev. R. E. V. Hanson (Air Force), Rev. H. V. Griffiths (Wesleyan Forces).
At an arranged point in the ceremony, the Royal Engineers, on behalf of
Major-General R. N. Harvey, assisted by Capt. Furlong, Capt. Woodward and
four warrant officers, presented a set of Communion plate to the church.
In the evening, Dr. Archibald Fleming preached the sermon and dedicated a
Communion table and Communion vessels, presented to the church by the late
Lady Alexander, for the use of Presbyterian worshippers.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Fleming expressed the thanks of the Church of
Scotland, a sentiment in which the Free Churches most cordially joined, that a
clause had been included in the Trust Deeds of the church securing its use for all
denominations.
The Ypres League has rendered the most helpful service to the Fund. Col.
P. G. Poole has acted as Hon. Secretary and Treasurer from the beginning; and
only he and his staff could tell how much labour this work has involved.
But perhaps the most beautiful piece of work the League has ever done, was
in arranging for a large party of poor pilgrims to be present at the dedication
ceremony. They were brought over, right from their homes, entirely free of cost.
That alone was a gracious act; but, with exquisite insight into the hearts of
these mourners, the League arranged for them to visit the beautiful cemetery at
Tyne Cot, where are inscribed the names of their sons who gave their lives; but
whose resting-places are known only to God.
That act alone would justify the existence of the League.
George Smissen.
