Religious Services
As with any community, a floating one of up to 1,500 people requires provision of religious services. In common with all British ships, it was the Captain who would officiate at services held for the passengers or for the crew.
Occasionally, if there was an Anglican priest travelling, this state of affairs could cause a bit of friction, with some of them attempting to as it were “pull rank”. Nevertheless, most Captains would politely refuse such offers.
On most of the major cruises, a Catholic priest or chaplain would be among the travellers, partly subsidised by Cunard and allocated a single cabin on Sun Deck. I'd been contemplating discussing this topic for some while, when in the space of a couple of hours two emails on this topic arrived. One of these I'm delighted to share with you.
Bill Bendig writes…
As my uncle, the late Bishop
Harold E. Sawyer (Episcopal) had been Chaplain on several cruises of the Caronia (Africa/India in particular) I
have inherited a few simple mementos. But more important, I was able to acquire the rug from Captain Sorrell's bedroom
(so marked) which the all male imbiber's had to tread to reach the head.
I simply purchased it for sentiment, as it was where the famous private libatious staff “Vestry Meetings” took place each Sunday following Matins, when the staff would relate in secrecy the various indiscretions of the passengers during the previous week.
“I noted Mr. X closing the door leaving Mrs. Y's stateroom when Mr. Y was sleeping off the straight malt in the Main Lounge.” etc. They then pledged never to mention them again - a marvellous discipline, and sound business.
The Bishop did confide a few to me, years later, simply because he found someone who understood his heretical secret love affair with “A Green Goddess”. At least I had been aboard a few times at farewell parties. Damn fool college student was I, when I declined to accompany him and all those rich old fogies on a cruise!
The rug has graced a rarely used guest room for many years. It is classic Art Deco with a marine motif of waves and stylised sail boats on a blue ground and measures 8ft by 8ft 8ins. I believe it is of Wilton manufacture and is in remarkable condition.
If you can contribute any information, do please get in touch…
with slide show