This past week my boys and I spent some time looking at the memorial service for Charlotte Mason in London celebrated two months after her death in 1923. We spent time mediating on the same Bible readings and songs that were shared. I thought you might like to do the same.
The memorial service was organized by Rev. H. Costley-White who is buried at Westminster Abbey and Mrs. Whitaker-Thompson who had been a member of the PNEU for more than 30 years. The memorial service was last part of a three day conference of many members of the PNEU as well as admirers of Charlotte's educational philosophy.
The church where the memorial service was held is St. Martin's-in-the-fields. This is in the shadow of the National Gallery...or rather the National Gallery falls in the shadow of St. Martins tall spire!
The inside
And one of my favorite prints of St. Martin's located in the Tate Museum in London.
My children beg me not to sing the rhyme about bells and the churches of London. Do you know it?
A portrait of her was placed at the front of the church on a platform.
It is recorded that there were daffodils in various places at the conference. Perhaps some were also brought to the church although it is not specifically stated.
The King of Love My Shepherd Is was the first song sung by all.
An address was given by Mr. Costly-White. He gave honor to Charlotte who was a living example of her philosophy. He specifically covered three points. Praise for the inspiration of her life and work, the privilege in having come under her influence and the consequent responsibilities we owe for having met her! That spoke to me too! It's my responsibility to share clearly what I understand as her philosophy and methodology and try my best to practice it in our home!
The Sentences. I have no idea what this meant. Do you know?
Psalm 90 was read. It was common for the Anglican Church to use the English Revised Version at that time.
A lesson was given on Wisdom 3:1-9. You can read the Bible passage for yourself! What kind of commentary would you give to this verse?
Veni Creator sung in Latin by Mrs. Mellish (and recorded as being exquisite by Ethel Peacey). You can find side by side English translation with commentary here.
A lesson was given on Romans 8:18-28. What words of lesson would you give to this passage?
O God, Our Help in Ages Past sung by everyone present
Nunc Dimittis, the words of Simeon to baby Jesus found in Luke 2: 29-32, was recited (or perhaps sung?) as the final blessing.
Here is the Latin followed by the English.
Nunc dimittis servum tuum, Domine
Secundum verbum tuum in pace: Quia viderunt oculi mei
salutare tuum Quod parasti
ante faciem omnium populorum: Lumen ad revelationem gentium,
Et gloriam plebis tuae Israel.
salutare tuum Quod parasti
ante faciem omnium populorum: Lumen ad revelationem gentium,
Et gloriam plebis tuae Israel.
Now dismiss Thy servant, O Lord,
in peace, according to Thy word:
For mine own eyes hath seen
Thy salvation, Which Thou hast prepared
in the sight of all the peoples,
A light to reveal Thee to the nations
and the glory of Thy people Israel.
in peace, according to Thy word:
For mine own eyes hath seen
Thy salvation, Which Thou hast prepared
in the sight of all the peoples,
A light to reveal Thee to the nations
and the glory of Thy people Israel.
We have include the Nunc Dimittis as part of our evening prayer! It's a chain of connection through the years!
As everyone left the church Requiem Aeternam (by Basil Harwood) was played by Mr. Goldsborough.
I hope you enjoyed the Memorial Service as much as I did.
Many thanks to Brandy at afterthoughtsbooks.com for publishing a copy of In Memoriam. It's good to hold a copy in my hands after only reading it online! 
