Now, and for
the first time during a Coronation service, as the organ lifted up the melody
to the “Old Hundredth” . . . Psalm 100 . . . the voices of all those in
attendance joined the anthem, “All people that on earth do dwell . . .”
All people that on earth do dwell,
Sing to the Lord with cheerful voice.
Him serve with fear, His praise forth tell;
Come ye before Him and rejoice!
Rejoice they did, as Elizabeth made
her way with the Bishops to the Altar.
She relinquished the Sceptres and her new Crown, and presented an
ancient oblation of one altar cloth and a wedge of gold.
The new Duke of Edinburgh joined
her. The only reference made to him
during the ceremony occurred as the Archbishop prayed for him, especially
blessing the dignity and honor of his service in the Name of the One to whom
belong all power and dignity. Elizabeth
and Philip were taking communion together at the altar of her crowning.
As they knelt in prayer, the atmosphere changed once more in the Abbey. The cameras were turned off during their sacrament. The glory and splendor of the Coronation
bowed deeply before the glory and splendor of this Communion, and Philip and
Elizabeth were alone with God.
A Crowning Communion
by Rotherham Web
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