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Taunton Courier. Bristol and Exeter Journal, and Western Advertiser. Wednesday 27 Oct 1926
Page 2 Column 5
THE LAMB AND THE LION.
INN SIGN AS TRIBUTE TO A VICAR.
FATHER MARSON, OF HAMBRIDGE.
PRIEST, ARTIST, AND WRITER.
Hambridge, near Langport, Somerset, is probably the only village in England where an inn sign hangs as a memorial to the parson. It is a tribute to the late Father Charles Latimer MARSON, vicar of the parish from 1895 to 1914, a man of remarkable gifts and character.
The sign, bearing on the one side the representation of a lamb, and on the reverse a lion's head, stands by the roadside on the edge of the green in front of the New Inn, which, paradoxically, is one of the oldest hostelries in this part of the country.
Originally, the sign was painted by Father MARSON, and after his death became very dilapidated and scarcely decipherable. An American visitor, Captain C. C. MARSH, motoring through the village, became interested in the sign, and, on learning its history, suggested to Dr. W. H. MAIDLOW, of Ilminster, a life-long friend of Father MARSON, that it should be re-painted. He offered to contribute towards the cost, and Dr. MAIDLOW, after obtaining the sum required, was successful in engaging the services of Mrs. Robert HOLE, of Seavington, a well-known local artist. The sign was excellently restored by Mrs. HOLE, and hung as a memorial to the former Vicar.
FATHER MARSON'S LIFE.
The somewhat singular device is, by local report, intended to convey the idea of a man entering the inn like a lamb and emerging as a lion Father MARSON's underlying thought in painting the sign, however, appears to have been the social ideal, where what would be considered incongrous elements would harmonise.
A love for his people was the underlying passion of Father MARSON's life. He was a man of most engaging personality and of varied gifts.
Born on May 16th, 1859, at Woking, in Surrey, he graduated at University College, Oxford, and after ordination entered on an interesting and varied ministerial career. He retained throughout life strong Christian Socialist opinions. He held curacies in Whitechapel and Shoreditch, in the poorer parts of London, and later became Rector of Orlestone, Romney Marsh. Subsequently he went to Australia, and on his return home, after three London curacies, he was given by Lord ROSEBERY, in 1895, the living of Hambridge. His only son, John Charles MARSON, was killed in action in Gallipoli.
To Father MARSON Somerset owes the resuscitation of its folk song, and he was the author of “Village Silhouettes,” a “Short History of Glastonbury,” “Faery Stories” (1892). “Psalms at Work” (1894). “The Following of Christ” (1895). “Turnpike Tales” (1896), and “St. Hugh” (1901).
THE SIGN UNVEILED.
The sign was unveiled on Saturday by the Rev. F. M. ETHERINGTON, Provost of King's Colledge <sic>, Taunton, and hon. treasurer of the Somerset Folk Dance Society. Those present included Mrs. H. MARSON (daughter-in-law), of Clevedon, Dr. W. H. MAIDLOW (Ilminster), Captain C. C. MARSH (Clevedon), Father Wilfrid HAMBIDGE (priest-in-charge of the parish), and Mr. George GREGORY, of Bath, a former president of the International Association of Antiquarian Booksellers, Mr. R. T. COMBE and Mr. R. S. J. SPILSBURY (churchwardens), Mr. H. WOODLAND (licensee of the inn), and a large number of parishioners.
Dr. MAIDLOW, who explained the circumstances which had led to the restoration of the sign, paid tribute in his speech to the life and influence of Father MARSON. Nothing was nearer to his heart than the welfare of the people round him, and none did more to foster the spirit of friendliness and goodwill. Inns and churches he considered places to be commended. Dr. MAIDLOW spoke in terms of praise of Mrs. HOLE's work, and added that they were fortunate in having present with them Mrs. H. MARSON.
A GREAT FIGHTER.
The Rev. F. M. ETHERINGTON, in unveiling the sign, said he regarded it as an act of affection and love towards one who had the greatest influence on his life, and one whose example he was endeavouring to follow to the best of his ability. Father MARSON, he felt, would have loved such a memorial, which was to a man who, without any exaggeration, was one of the greatest this generation had known. Father MARSON had a wonderful influence, and possessed extraordinary gifts. He was a great fighter, and he knew exactly where to choose his ground for fighting. He had an intense love for people, and that tribute would have gladdened his heart. Father MARSON set out in his life to find a kingdom, and he found it in the Catholic Church.
Mr. GREGORY, speaking as an old friend, said to him Father MARSON was an ideal priest. The secret of his life was his love and reverence for the poor. He used to say if we made more use of the village “pubs” and inns all over the country for the exchanging of opinions we should do a very great deal of good.
Captain MARSH observed that is was very curious for him to take part in that ceremony, coming from a Prohibitionist country as he did. He thought he could quite understand the idea Father MARSON had in painting the sign, which he described as a very human document. Father MARSON, he said, knew how to get at the heart of the people.
It should be added that the whole arrangement of the sanctuary, the altar, and curtains in the Parish Church is a memorial to the former Vicar, and a small brass plate on the south wall of the sanctuary explains this.