“From The Little Church on The Hill”

Often it is felt that once a service on a Sunday is finished that ends it. How often do we consider the historical importance of those sermons. I took the opportunity to research and record here, two items related to the St. Monica’s, Mission. In 1916 the Seventh Anniversary of St. Monica’s Guild celebrated on October 12th a thanksgiving service at the Parish Church, and a Social at the Mission. It was well attended. There were several members present from the various Guilds: Guild of the Good Shepherd, St. Matthias, Guild of St Augustine, and the Guild of St. Cyprian. Singing was led by St. Monica’s Mission Choir, with Mr. Ambrose Brangman at the organ. The lessons were read by Mr. William Francis Wilson 2nd. the Lay reader. The service was conducted by the Ven. Archdeacon who in his sermon gave a short history of St. Monica, the patron saint of the Guild.

There was a brief repass after the service had ended and the committee was commended for their beautiful decorating of the room and the energy and skill it took to get everything organized with it’s beautiful appearance. Later Mr. Wilson who at that time was also Superintendent of the Sunday School gave a brief speech on the object of the gathering. Miss Kathleen Cox was then called on to do the welcome to the clergy and representatives of the Sister Guilds. Speeches were then made by the Archdeacon, Rev. W.J.F. Groves, Charles Smith, delegate from St. Matthias, Mr. R.C. Canning delegate from St. Augustine, Mr. Martin T Wilson, Delegate from St. Cyprian’s Guild. Mr. Eric Darrell spoke for the church Lads Brigade.

It’s unfortunate that the various speeches could not or were not printed because of the space provided at that time this is why so much of our early history gets lost and stories of events go untold. They were reported to be very interesting and instructive. The closing remarks and thanks were given by Mr. William F. Wilson 2nd. and the Doxology was sung. A special thank you was given to the C.L.B. Band who marched the Guilds and Brigade to and from church and members from the Guilds who donated toward the Social event.

Service of song held on September 26th 1926 A Great Success

On Sunday evening , instead of the usual Evening Prayer and Sermon, a service of Song was given under the direction of Mr. Ernest Bell, on behalf of the building fund. The service opened with the singing of the hymn 305, and prayers were said by Mr. W.F. Wilson, Lay-reader in charge. Hymn 220 was then sung after which H.F. Foster delighted the hearts of the congregation with a fine Violin Selection. ‘Hearts Longing”. Mr. S.O. Lightbourn then followed with a very touching solo, “Remember me ,O Mighty One” The Quartette rendered by Messrs. Joynes, Jackson, Smith and Denbrooke, “Spirit Divine” was sung in excellent form by these talented young men. An organ Selection by Miss Marie Swan, Rock of Ages” in variation, which she played in a masterly style, she displayed those qualities which in time would placed her amongst the churches best organist. A Cornet Solo by Mr. Joseph Bowen, “Angel’s Serenade” was played in a very effective manner. A duet was sung by the Allen Sisters “When the Mists have Rolled Away” carried one back to some foreign land as in a dream, the quality of voice given by these young ladies spoke well of them in any future performances. Mr. John Fox, Saxophone Selection “Rocked in the Cradle of the Deep” was entrancing. A solo by Mr. H. Joynes, “Guide and Guard Me Forever” was sung in a very fine tenor voice of which he had perfect control.

The number of selections being rendered in an admirable manner, which bought forth many a hearty tap of the foot from the large congregation that filled the Mission to utmost capacity, there being present over two hundred people who came from near and far to contribute to a worthy cause.

The Hymn #447 followed, with all joining in . Miss Ruth Wilson’s Recitation, “Incident of the War” gave promise of a rising young elocutionist. Then another solo “Come Unto Me When Shadows Darkly Gather” was sung by Miss Minnie Young. who possessed a soft and penetrating voice that seemed to reach into one’s soul. A male quartette rendered by Messrs. Brangman, Carmichael, Trott and Davis brought forth a volume of feeling that showed the large congregation vast talent. A cornet duet was played by Mr. Fox and Bowen which was enjoyed by all admititally it was a rare treat to have musical items on the programme of this nature.

Miss. Helen Dill gave an Organ Selection “Sun of My Soul” the congregation was in awe and showed their pride as she was at the time their Organist. Mr. G. Joynes rendered a Violin Selection “Berecuse” (from Joycelyn) which he played with great expression. A piano Selection by Miss Olive Ebbin, “Star of Hope” it was noted Miss Ebbin would someday become a great and skilled pianist in the future and so she did in her adult years she became the wife of Sidney Bean who became one of Bermuda’s famous groups know as the Sidney Bean Trio. There was a closing hymn 296 which brought a beautiful and well enjoyed programme to a close. Thanks was given by Mr. Wm. Wilson to all participants for the parts they played in helping to make the service a success

These items were recorded as a part of the earlier St. Monica’s history Recd. October 2nd. 1926.

Submitted and Researched

By Joy Wilson-Tucker interviewer and grand-daughter

of William F. Wilson