News of the death of King George VI, sixty years ago, on Wednesday 6 February 1952, passed through the village of Dedham, as elsewhere, leaving a sense of profound loss. A church service was held here that evening to which many came, as a way of thanking God 'for a life of selfless dedication... to show our affection for one who had so nobly served our Nation and Commonwealth'. In the years since our Queen came to the throne, we have learned more of how her shy, diffident father gave courageous service during some our nation's darkest days.
In her first message to the House of Commons, the Queen paid her own tribute to her late father, and also declared her life's purpose, when she said, 'My dear father has set before me an example of selfless dedication which I am resolved, with God's help, faithfully to follow.'
Reflecting on these words, the Vicar, 'Johnny' Johnston, wrote, 'One of the urgent requirements of our age is to learn 'to do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with God'. He was recalling the words of the prophet Micah (6:8), which would have been read in church only a few weeks before, at Christmas. Then, with words that could have been written for our own times, he added,
'Life to-day is becoming increasingly complicated, tangled and confused and it is the duty of Christians to keep a place for some disinterested service to others. Let service come before self. When a hundred voices.... are muddling and confusing the consciences of many, let us set before ourselves some fixed standard of personal integrity and honour below which we will scorn to fall. Discipline will not deprive life of its true pleasures but it will clear away the weeds.
Although the Diamond Jubilee of HM The Queen actually occurs this month, the national celebrations are scheduled to take place in June. As we did for her Golden Jubilee ten years ago, we will use the opportunity to combine our thanks to God with community celebration and fun. DEDHAM PARISH MAGAZINE will be marking the occasion; the June issue will be in colour and will include a special pull-out programme of the village celebrations.
This month also sees the beginning of the Church season of Lent. On Ash Wednesday, 22 February, there will be a special service for service, a time for you to re-commit your own 'selfless dedication', and to resolve to serve God more faithfully.
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