THE BROWNING MEMORIAL
Sra,—Janus has commended a projected memorial of a chapel in St. Marylebone Parish Church to commemorate Robert and Elizabeth Barrett- Browning, who were married there nearly a hundred yews ago. As far as I can gather their secret marriage in that church was their only connection with it. If the memorial is to be attached to a church, surely Paddington Chapel, a few hundred yards east of the Parish Church,
is indicated. It was in this church that "the Barretts of Wimpole Street" worshipped. In the Letters there is ample evidence of the affection Elizabeth had for this old Independent Chapel. She sometimes accom- panied her sister, who taught in the Sunday School. There is one long letter in which there is a description of a service with the sermon and warm appreciation of the minister.
At the beginning of their courtship Elizabeth is impelled to write to Robert confessing that she is a "schismatic heretic," and wdnders whether this may be a hindrance nal/16r union. Robert replies cheerfully that he was baptised in a chapel of the same order as that in which Elizabeth worshipped, and that he frequently attended the services with his parents. As the time for their secret marriage in the parish church approacted, Elizabeth grew very nervous. She wondered if it wouldn't be better for them to lay their case before the minister of Paddington Chapel and be guided by him. Robert was against this, and quickly .emoved her misgivings.
The old Independent Chapel within the boundary of the borough of Marylebone is one of the liveliest churches in St. Marylebone, exercising a wide influence and with vigorous youth work, including club, Guides and Scouts. Surely Paddington Chapel rather than the parish church is the place for the memorial. And not another building but an endow- ment to develop existing work among the young in this most needy district would be the more fitting memorial.—Yours faithful:y,
The Manse, Grosvenor Road, Chichester. JOHN GRANT.
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