MARY GODFREY
THE LATE MRS. GODFREY.
The funeral of Mrs. Godfrey, whose painfully sudden death we reported in our last, took place on Friday. The body was taken to the Primitive Methodist Church where an impressive service was held, some 400 persons being present. The Revs. C. Jupe, F. Harbourne, D. Harding, J. Harper, and G. C .Crickmay took part in the service, and an address was given by the Rev. J. Herridge, who said as one of the oldest friends of the deceased whose house was then, and even had been since his first days in the Primitive Methodist Ministry, a home for the preachers. In numbers of houses is Newbury Mrs. Godfrey had been at one time or other a messenger of mercy, and the sick-room been lighted up by her cheerful presence, tender solicitude and active sympathy. She had few equals in regard to liberality, and the way in which she supported God's cause and looked after her poorer neighbours was worthy of all praise.
In the Mothers' meeting, of which she was president since its commencement, she would be greatly missed. In the family circle she was a devoted wife and the kindest of mothers, a queen in her own home, and every one was loyal to her. It may truly be said she did what she could, and it would almost seem that for the mercy she had shown to others a loving Father in his mercy spared her not only the bitter pangs, but the pain even of death. Hers was a translation. She was not for God took her. Scarcely did her feet touch the dark river, the Lord having taken her across at the narrowest part, for without a moan. Her body with her charge lay down and ceased at once to work and live
As the ethereal strains of Handel’s “Angels ever bright and fair”rose from the organ , filling the building with their pathetic harmony, the coffin which was covered with beautiful wreaths, was borne away in the direction of the cemetery, being followed by a long line of carriages and mourners. Tokens of respect along the route were shown in raised shutters and drawn blinds. Many poor persons were observed carrying flowers which were deposited in the moss-lined grave as tokens of one who by deeds had shown herself their friend.
Around the open grave an address of peculiar solemnity was delivered by Mr. George Moss of Reading, and the hymn was sung "Give me wings of faith to rise” to the tune "Welcome Home." It was some time before the cemetery was cleared as not fewer than 500 or 600 must have been present.
The funeral sermon will be preached next Sunday night.
Newbury Weekly News and General Advertiser - Thursday 01 November 1888
