Notes and Queries, Number 242, June 17, 1854: A Medium of Inter-communication for Literary Men, Artists, Antiquaries, Genealogists, etc.Various
History
Notes and Queries, Number 242, June 17, 1854: A Medium of Inter-communication for Literary Men, Artists, Antiquaries, Genealogists, etc.
Various
Questions and answers -- Periodicals
(Vol. ix., pp. 127. 257.)
As your well-known correspondent from Clyst St. George has addressed an
inquiry to you on this subject, it may not be uninteresting to some of your
readers to learn that the practice of kneeling at funerals still exists in
this neighbourhood. On a cold December day have I seen men, women, and
children bend the knee on the bare sod, during the Lord's and the other
prayers used in the outdoor portion of our service, not rising till the
valedictory grace concluded the service. Indeed, I have never known (at
least the _majority_ of) those attending our funerals here, omit this old
custom.
That of dressing graves with flowers, at Easter and Whitsuntide, prevails
here as in Wales: and the older folks still maintain the ancient practice
of an obeisance as often as the Gloria occurs during the ordinary services.
The last railful of communicants are also in the habit of remaining in
their place at the altar rails till the service is concluded; but whether
these observances are widely spread, or merely local, I have not had
sufficient opportunity to judge.
J. T. P.
Dewchurch Vicarage.
At the church of South Stoke, near Arundel, I have heard the clerk respond
after the Gospel: "Thanks be to God for the Holy Gospel."
At Southwick, near Brighton, the rector was wont (about four years since)
to stand up at the "Glory" in the Litany.
The Bishop of London believes bowing the head when the doxology, or
ascription of praise, is pronounced, to be a novelty in our Church (Letter
to the Knightsbridge Churchwarden, March 28, 1854). I remember an old woman
regularly attending the services of Exeter Cathedral, who was wont always
to curtsy at the "Glory." And in _The Guardian_ of April 25, W. G. T.
alludes to a parish in Staffordshire where the custom prevails. And A. W.
says:
"In the western counties of England there are many parishes where the
custom of bowing at the 'Gloria' has been universally observed by the
poor from time immemorial. I could mention parishes in Worcestershire
or Herefordshire where it has always prevailed."
It should be observed, that the custom is not to bow at the "Glory" only,
but whenever, in the course of the service, the names of the Three Persons
of the Blessed Trinity are mentioned. See Isaiah, vi. 2, 3.
I have heard sermons commenced in the name of the Holy Trinity, and ended
with "the Glory," the preacher repeating the former part and the
congregation the latter. I believe this is agreeable to very ancient use.
Can any one say whether it has anywhere been retained in our own Church?
J. W. HEWETT.
The custom of Lincolnshire mentioned by MR. ELLACOMBE as observed by his
two parishioners at Bitton had its origin doubtless in the first rubric to
the Order for the Administration of the Lord's Supper in our Book of Common
Prayer, which enjoins that--
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