The day was beautifully fine and the city splendidly decorated, quite a royal day. Lord Derby and the High Sheriff met their Majesties on their arrival at Lime Street Station, when presentations were made to their Majesties. The King was in the uniform of an Admiral of the Fleet; Lord Derby appeared as Lord-Lieutenant, and uniforms and court dress were worn by the guests. Their Majesties proceeded from the station to the Town Hall, where a very select company was assembled. After luncheon the King knighted the Lord Mayor, who became Sir Robert Hampson. At Lord Derby's request I proceeded to the site to receive their Majesties on their arrival, and afterwards had the honour of presenting the architects and the members of the committee.
The service was conducted by the Archbishop of York and the Bishops of Liverpool and Chester. It was grand and majestic, worthy of the occasion. Most of the bishops of the northern province were present in their robes, and also about 300 of the clergy. At the conclusion of the service the King expressed to me his great satisfaction, and the Queen did the same, adding that the music was beautifully rendered. Everything passed off well, but during the service heavy banks of clouds began to gather, and the royal party had scarcely left the site when the rain fell.
The Lady Chapel, Liverpool Cathedral.
Consecration of the Lady Chapel.
The consecration of the Lady Chapel took place on Wednesday, 29th June, 1910, St. Peter's Day, and was a most imposing and impressive ceremony. The Lord Bishop conducted the service, the Archbishop of York preached the sermon, and they were supported by the Archbishop of Dublin and twenty-four other bishops, all wearing their convocation robes. There was a large assembly, the difficulty being to accommodate all who wished for seats.
The Bishops' procession was formed in the vestries, and was composed of the Chapter and Clergy, the Cathedral Choir, the Bishops and their Chaplains, the Bishop of the Diocese, and the Archbishop of York. The procession marched round the chapel through the street to the door of the Lady Chapel, the choir singing an appropriate anthem. Arriving at the door, after the recital of some prayers, the Bishop knocked, demanding admission. Upon entering the church, the Earl of Derby, the president, in his chancellor's robes, and attended by Mr. Arthur Earle, Mr. Gladstone, Mr. Radcliffe, Sir Robert Hampson, and myself, as the chairman, advanced and handed the Bishop a request that he would consecrate the chapel, and also a deed conveying the chapel and its site to the Bishop and the Chapter. The procession then proceeded to their places in the choir, and the service commenced, the musical part being beautifully rendered by the choir, Mr. Burstall presiding at the organ. The service was interesting and quaint, especially the blessing by the different bishops of the various votive offerings. The Archbishop preached a most eloquent sermon, taking as his text: Habakkuk 2nd chapter, 20th verse, "The Lord is in his holy temple: let the whole earth keep silence." The consecration was followed by a luncheon at the Town Hall. An octave of special services was held in the chapel in the following week, at which several bishops preached.
This is not the place to describe the architectural features of the Lady Chapel, but it seems to have won the admiration of all by its charming proportions, its chaste but rich beauty, and its quiet, devotional feeling.