The year 1907 will be a long-remembered one with the rising generation of Olney at the centenary of the Rev John Newton the curate of Olney who made himself world-famed by the beautiful hymns he wrote. Many long years have rolled by since John Newton and William Cowper were contemporaries here. The rich associations with these celebrities have immortalised our town. Generation after generation have enjoyed Newton’s sublime hymns and Cowper’s beautiful poetry; and much interest was displayed in the Newton-Cowper Centenary celebrations which took place on Thursday April 25. The Cowper Society, which was founded in 1900, meets every April 25, the anniversary of the poet’s death, in some town with which he was associated. This year’s proceedings were made the occasion of the Centenary commemorations of Newton who died December 21, 1807, and the 107th anniversary of the death of Cowper. The gatherings arranged were of a distinctly inspiring character; they remind one of what great riches such great writers have left behind them. Visitors began to arrive at Olney in good time, and passing through our long broad street, in which many of the residents displayed flags from their windows, they mostly made their way first to Cowper’s House, now used as the Cowper Museum.
At 2.30 pm there was an impressive service in the Parish Church. The Bishop of Durham preached and selected as his text the passage, “Whose faith follow, considering the end of their conservation” (Heb. xiii, 7).
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The Children Singing Newton's Hymns - Photo by Mr G Lett
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At 6 pm the School Children of the town and district sang on the Market Place, Newton’s hymns: “How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds” and “Glorious Things of Thee are spoken”. On this occasion Mr Catt, of The Protestant Times distributed 500 illustrated Gospels among the children.
At 7.30 pm a public meeting was held at the Cowper Memorial Church, presided over the by pastor, the Rev MH Roberts. The Rev HJR Marston, MA, of Belgrave Chapel, London, delivered an eloquent address upon “Our Evangelical Fathers: their power, depth, and limitation”. The Rev John Callis, MA, of South Heigham, Norwich, next read a paper upon “The Olney Hymns” which, he said, numbered 348, John Newton being the author of 281. The Hon TF Fremantle and the Rev J Samuel followed with speeches, and the day’s interesting proceedings were brought to a close.
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Ravenstone
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Ravenstone
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Stoke Goldington Church
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A Ravenstone Lacemaker
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