Olney, Bucks.
_Standing while the Lord's Prayer is read_ (Vol. ix., p. 127.).--A custom
noted to prevail at Bristol: in connexion with it, it would be interesting
to ascertain in what churches there still remain _any_ usages of by-gone
days, but which have generally got into desuetude. It is probable that in
some one or other church there may still exist a usage handed down by
tradition, which is not generally recognised nor authorised in the present
day. Perhaps by means of our widely spread "N. & Q.," and the notes of its
able contributors, this may be ascertained. By way of example, and as a
beginning, I would mention the following:--
At St. Sampson's, Cricklade (it was so before 1820), the people say,
"Thanks be to Thee, O God!" after the reading of the Gospel; a usage said
to be as old as St. Chrysostom.
At Talaton, Devon, where the congregation turn towards the singing gallery
at the west end, during the singing of the "Magnificat" and other psalms,
at the "Gloria" they all turn round to the _east_.
At Bitton, Gloucestershire, two parishioners, natives of Lincolnshire,
always gave me notice before they came to Holy Communion, as it was their
_custom_ always to do.
When a boy, I remember an old gentleman, who came from one of the Midland
Counties, always stood up at the "Glory" in the Litany. In many country
churches, the old women make a courtesy.
In many country churches, the old men bow and smooth down their hair when
they enter the church; and women make a courtesy.