Rogationtide service an honoured tradition at Kings Landing
Rogationtide Sunday, held on Father’s Day at the Kings Landing Historical Settlement, is a parish rite that mirrors that which took place in England in centuries past, although it still takes place there and in some parishes here.
The ceremony involves choosing a farm, and walking the boundaries of it, all the while singing hymns, reading scripture and praying a blessing on such things as the land, the water, the plough, the beasts and the crop.
The vicar of Kings Landing, Canon Walter Williams, led this year’s service, which began at the Prince William School, circa 1870.
Normally, the service begins at St. Mark’s Chapel of Ease, but all buildings on the far side of the settlement are off limits this summer as crews work to upgrade infrastructure that is now more than 50 years old.
Staff in period costume were readers, including Dana Couglan, Deanna Thornton, Ricarda Bradley, Matthew Martin, Jeff Chamberlain and crucifer Gerry Crawford.
Because of the constraints of the upgrading project, Walter chose the Joslin Farm as the focus of the service.
Afterwards, all 10 people were invited in by Mrs. Joslin, for tea, scones with butter she herself had churned, and cake.
“This event has been very important to staff,” said Walter. “Look in your prayer book. Rogation is there!”
Staff usually work every weekend of the season, so being able to attend a service on Sunday afternoons is a blessing for them, he said.
Walter has been the vicar for five years, and is happy to continue in the role. He and his wife, Lorna, enjoy the camaraderie with staff, and Lorna, who has a degree in history, helps school them in everything from the uses of buckwheat and flax to the importance of farm fairs and exhibitions in 19th century society. She also teaches the history of St. Mark’s Chapel of Ease.
Services are held each Sunday at 2 p.m. Various clergy and layreaders volunteer to lead the Sunday service of Evening Prayer. There is no charge to attend the service, but you must enter through the visitor entrance.
Kings Landing is located 20 minutes above Fredericton in Prince William, just off the Trans-Canada Highway at exit 253.
Photo captions:
1. Crucifer Gerry Crawford leads the procession from the school to the Joslin Farm during this year's Rogationtide Sunday celebration at Kings Landing June 21.
2. The Sunday service, normally held at St. Mark's Chapel of Ease, is being held in the Prince William School, seen here.
3. The procession stops to pray blessings on the livestock.
4. The vicar of Kings Landing, Canon Walter Williams, and staff member Gerry Crawford, await tea and sweets at the Joslin Farm after the Rogationtide service.
McKnight photos