THROUGH THE ARCHIVES: Ulster prays for King George V

From the News Letter, January 20, 1936
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The affection in which King George V was held in Northern Ireland was “strikingly exemplified” when special prayers were said for his recovery, reported the News Letter.

Prayers were offered in churches of all denominations throughout the province and tributes were paid to him as the father of his people.

Speaking at a special service in Killymaddy Presbyterian Church in Co Tyrone the Moderator of the General Assembly, the Right Reverend Dr N A Moody, said of the King: “His recent Christmas broadcast was so appealingly intimate in its sentiments, and expressed so consciously and in such humble terms the burden of Empire, that it touched the hearts of all listeners. Universal sympathy will go out to him in his illness, accompanied by the fervent hope of all for his speedy recovery.”

George V (1865-1936)George V (1865-1936)
George V (1865-1936)

The National Anthem was sung at the morning and evening services in Londonderry’s St Columb’s Cathedral and prayers were also offered for the King’s recovery.

The Dean of Derry remarked: “Our prayers and sympathy are with our beloved Sovereign.” At the morning service in the synagogue in Annesley Street in Belfast Rabbi J Shacter and congregation offered “a special prayer before the open Holy Ark for a speedy restoration to good health of His Majesty the King”.

Sadly King George V died later that day at Sandringham House in Norfolk, he was aged was aged 70.

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