The Sanctuary Floor-Standing Candlesticks
‘Dulce et decorum est…’
Almost exactly 100 years ago, on October 24th 1915, a vast congregation of soldiers and
civilians gathered for ‘one of the most impressive and solemn’ services to be held in the
Abbey.
At this service, a pair of imposing candlesticks, which now stand near the High Altar, was
dedicated to the memory of those who had fallen in the war.
The Rector read out the names of the men who had made ‘the Great Sacrifice’ and at the
end of the recital of names the Last Post was sounded by the buglers of the 4th
Northumberland Fusiliers.
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The Rector has instructed Mr. Temple Moore to proceed with a design for two standard candlesticks in pewter and blue and gold enamel for the Sanctuary. The design is a very fine one, and will be carried out by the Artificers' Guild. They will give much needed light to the Sanctuary, and they will be an appropriate memorial which all will appreciate. Payment will be made through visitors' charges. On the one candlestick will be the inscription “Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori. 1914–1915;” and on the other “To the Glory of God, and in grateful and perpetual memory of our young valiant knights, who, having fought the fight, have entered into rest.” They will be a worthy addition, for apart from their symbolism and memorial they are in that spirit of humble and reverent approval of beauty without worldliness or self-assertion, which should mark the Holy House of God. [Hex.Par.Mag. Mar 1915 p.6]
Mr Temple Moore writes:—“I saw the Standard Candlesticks at the Artificers' Guild's place in Conduit Street this morning. They look extremely well, and have been carried out in a thoroughly artistic way, and I think you will be pleased with them. The contrast of the dull pewter and the gilding on enamel is very fine. They ought to be very careful not to try and clean the pewter with any of those brass cleaning stuffs. All that it requires is rubbing gently with a soft cloth pretty frequently.” [Hex.Par.Mag. Oct 1915 p.8]
Dedicated 24th October 1915 by Canon Sidney Savage: A memorable service, and one of the most impressive and solemn ever observed in the venerable Abbey, was held on October 24th, when a vast congregation of soldiers and civilians assembled to do honour to those who have fallen in the War, and with special tribute of thankfulness, respect, and love to those who went forth from Hexham and laid down their lives. Attended by the Churchwardens, the Rector solemnly dedicated the Sanctuary Standard Lights in perpetual memory of the fallen. He recited the names of those who had made the Great Sacrifice. At the end of the recital the Last Post was sounded by the buglers of the 4th Northumberland Fusiliers. The candlesticks are for beauty and utility. They are symbolical, and they are a tender and touching memorial. They are to the design of Mr Temple Moore, and were executed by the Artificers Guild, and are in every way worthy and excellent. The metal is pewter, which is beautifully enamelled. On the one is inscribed “Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori”, and on the other “To the Glory of God and in memory of our valiant knights, who, having fought the fight, have entered into rest. 1914–1915”. I understand that some have the feeling that a Faculty ought to have been applied for in order to place the Standard Lights in the Sanctuary. I was under the impression that no Faculty was necessary. It was no intention on my part to evade the law in any way. I do not even now know whether or no a Faculty ought to have been obtained. One thing is quite certain, that all publicity was given, and the fact that I have dedicated these memorials in the most public, solemn, and touching way, is evidence that I should have sought a Faculty had I thought that it was right to do so. Now that they have been dedicated, I trust that I may receive the generous pardon of any who may think that I have acted ultra vires. It is quite certain that a Faculty would have been granted had application been made, for there could have been no reason for its refusal. No question of doctrine is involved, and the memorial is seemly and tender, and fitting in every way for the holy place, and for the most tender and touching association of those who have passed through the veil and have arrived on the other shore—those we mourn, honour, and love. In any case, if there has been any inadvertence on my part in the way of technicalities, I regret it. [Hex.Par.Mag Nov 1915 p.2&5]
Sermon by the Rector. He had placed the candlesticks in the sanctuary for utility, for light. … For utility and beauty these standards were preferable to electroliers and more so because electricity could not be relied on in the early mornings. [Hex.Cour. 30.10.1915] |
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