htr-magazine-may21-web - Flipbook - Page 16
We have recently acquired 3 old editions of The Church Monthly, circa 1890s. I find
there are some interesting bits in them which others may like to read. Times were
certainly different in those days when everyone went to church. Here is the report of
the Harvest decorations …..
HARVEST THANKSGIVING SERVICE, HOLY TRINITY CHURCH
1890
Commenced Friday, Oct.18th, and continued on Sunday evening. There
was a large congregation, with very few seats unoccupied. The collections
in aid of the restoration of the Church Tower, raised £7. 6. 2.
The decorations had been most tastefully carried out by ladies of the
congregation. On the Communion Table were vases filled with lovely
flowers and ferns, a basket of choice grapes occupying the centre. The East
window was most effectively arranged with asters and dahlias on a bed of
moss, the recess being filled with plants and ferns. The windows in the
church were also laden with flowers, interspersed with fruit and trails of
ivy. The Lectern was most tastefully decorated with single dahlias, relieved
with moss, wild clematis and berries. From the sides were suspended
baskets of flowers, and at the base was a large collection of beautiful ferns.
The adornment of the pulpit was formed almost entirely of pure white
dahlias and chrysanthemums, with hangings of virginia creeper and ivy, the
ledge being covered with moss, flowers and ferns. The Reading Desk was
similarly treated, with the addition of asters, scarlet geraniums and pots of
plants in front. The font looked extremely pretty, trailing down the sides
were pieces of ivy, clematis and ferns, the edge of the basin was thickly
covered with moss, autumn tinted leaves and single dahlias. The gas
standards with the choir stalls were suitably adorned with wheat, oats, ivy
and flowers, as was also the front of the gallery.
Large quantities of flowers, fruit and vegetables were given by the
parishioners. The fruit, vegetables etc. were on Tuesday evening offered
for sale in the Grammar School, the amount realized being £3. 7. 0.
Janet Clements