Historic Religious Ceremonies

A collection of black and white images showcasing significant religious events, including papal inaugurations and royal coronations, filled with ceremonial attire and solemn settings.

Taking the Coronation Oath -- The Queen sits in the Chair of Estate while the Archbishop of Canterbury, ***** before the Chair of King Edward, administers the Coronation oath. ***** Queen goes to the high alter to the left of the archbishop, kisses the Great Bible, signs the oath and returns again to her chair. December 12, 1953.
Taking the Coronation Oath -- The Queen sits in the Chair of Estate while the Archbishop of Canterbury, ***** before the Chair of King Edward, administers the Coronation oath. ***** Queen goes to the high alter to the left of the archbishop, kisses the Great Bible, signs the oath and returns again to her chair. December 12, 1953.
The Pope Inaugurates The Holy Year Colourful Ceremony -- The Pope seated on the gestatorial chair in which he was carried to the altar of the confession.Amid great pomp and ceremony, the Pope inaugurated the extraordinary holy year commemorating the nineteenth centenary of the death of Christ at St. Peter's, Rome, on Saturday. May 08, 1933. (Photo by Associated Press Photo).12/14/1922. Valencia - in the Basilica Metropolitana the archbishop Dr. Reig Casanova (1) receiving, from the hands of the noble guard of his Holiness Count Angel Valentini (2), the hat at the main altar.05/14/1922. Madrid. In the cathedral. Exposition of the body of Saint Isidro, Verified yesterday with the assistance of HM The King (X).Coronation of British King George VI in Westminster Abbey. George VI (Albert Frederick Arthur George; 14 December 1895 - 6 February 1952) King of the United Kingdom and the Dominions of the British Commonwealth from 11 December 1936 until his death. He was the last Emperor of India and the first Head of the CommonwealthTaking the Coronation Oath -- The Queen sits in the Chair of Estate while the Archbishop of Canterbury, ***** before the Chair of King Edward, administers the Coronation oath. ***** Queen goes to the high alter to the left of the archbishop, kisses the Great Bible, signs the oath and returns again to her chair. December 12, 1953.01/18/1980. San Lorenzo de el Escorial: the Mortal Remains of HM King Alfonso Xiii received final burial in the royal pantheon of the monastery of El Escorial.Cardinal-Elect Celebrates Christmas Vespers - The Archbishop (seated on throne) celebrating pontifical vespers in Westminister Cathedral, London on Christmas Eve Dec. 24.Dr. Bernard Griffin, Archbishop of Westminister, London, England, was been appointed a Cardinal at the age of 46. Son of a Birmingham, Eng., carpenter, he has the reputation of having one of the keenest brains in the British Hierarchy. He will go to Rome to receive the red hat from the pope on February 18 next year. December 26, 1945. (Photo by Associated Press Photo).06/30/1921. Rome. In the Sistine Chapel the oath of the New Cardinals. 1, before the Ceremony (A) Monsignor Laurente, (B) Monsignor Rati, (C) Monsignor Tacci, (D) Monsignor Vidal y Barraquer, (E) Monsignor Benlloch, (F) Monsignor Ragonesi. 2, the Ceremony (Felici Photos).02/08/1919. Madrid. In the church of San Fermin de los Navarros. Annual assembly of the third VO of San Francisco, presided over by the Lord Provisor of the Diocese (X).The Enthronement of the most Rev. Father in God, Geoffrey Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, Primate of all England at Canterbury Cathedral.The Lord Archbishop the Marble Throne, or chair of St. Augustine. June 11, 1945. (Photo by S & G)The historic ceremony of the Coronation of King George VI and his consort, Queen Elizabeth filmed for the first time.  Many difficulties had to be overcome including special lighting arrangements.  Illustration shows the powerful floodlights mounted in inconspicuous positions round the Triforium and in the roof above the Theatre.      Date: 1937Indian Cardinal Receives Red Hat -- Cardinal Valeriano Gracias, Archbishop of Bombay (cape over arm), leaves the throne after receiving his Biretta (red hat) from the Pope (enthroned at right) in a ceremony in the consistory hall at Vatican City today January 15.He was one of 16 of the 24 newly elevated cardinals to receive his Biretta in tokay's ceremony. The other new cardinals have been unable to travel to Rome. January 15, 1953. (Photo by Associated Press Photo).Photographic print of a Parliamentary ceremonial opening held in the Hall of State at the Royal Palace, Sweden. Dated 20th CenturyElsevier photo collection. Inauguration Queen Wilhelmina Nieuwe Kerk Amsterdam. September 6, 1898. Amsterdam, Noord-Holland06/08/1916. In the church of San Francisco de Borja. The Royal family, in the Center, at the solemn Religious function held yesterday in honor of the patron saint of the greatness of Spain.A scene in Westminster Abbey during the Coronation of King George VI. The King and Queen are standing before King Edward's Chair beneath which lies the Stone of Scone. It is in this Chair that Queen Elizabeth II will sit as she is crowned. May 01, 1953. (Photo by Daily Mirror).Vatican City, 11/04/1958. From the coronation of SS John XXIII, in the ceremony held on the blessing balcony of St. Peter's Basilica.Bernard Griffin - Grt. Britain Roman Catholic Of Westminister. July 8, 1946.06/30/1963. Pope Paul VI coronation.Inauguration of the new bronze doors to the Cathedral, September 7, 1906, Milan, Italy, drawing by Gennaro Amato, from L'Illustrazione Italiana, Year XXXIII, No 37, September 16, 1906.02/01/1919. Madrid. In the church of Santa Cruz. Blessing of the banner of the Madrid commercial and industrial Montepío to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the founding of this society.'The Queen Mother's Procession', May 12 1937. Artist: Unknown.Ceylon Gains Independence -- (Seated, left to right) D.S. Senanayake, Prime Minister of Ceylon; Sir Henry Moore, Governor General of Ceylon; The Duke of Gloucester; The Duchess of Gloucester; Lady Moore and Mrs. D.S. Senanayake seen in the Assembly Hall, Colombo Feb. 10, when the Duke of Gloucester inaugurated the dominion of Ceylon Parliament. Behind them is the Red and Gold Throne of Ceylon's Kandian Kings. February 26, 1948. (Photo by Associated Press Photo).The Archbishop of Canterbury, Cosmo Gordon Lang, carries out the third phase of the Coronation ceremony, where he presents King George VI to the four sides of the Abbey coronation and gains the affirmation and acceptance of him as King.       Date: 1937Edward, Duke of Kent and his bride, the new Duchess, formerly Miss Katherine Worsley make their way from the choir following their marriage at York Minster and offer obeisance to the Queen as they pass towards the West Door.  The couple were married on 8 June 1961.     Date: 196104/30/1912. In the church of Pilar in Zaragoza. Religious Festival Celebrated in the temple with the assistance of the Navarra pilgrimage. Photo: fat.Painting depicting the King Alfonso X (1221-1284) King of Castile, León and Galicia, and his court. Dated 13th Century04/04/1916. In the Paloma church. HM the Queen María Cristina (1) and HH The Infanta Isabel (2), with the Duchess of Fernan Núñez (3) Praying before the Venerated Image yesterday afternoon.Photograph of King George VI (1895-1952) during his Coronation. Dated 1937The Day Of The Queen's Crowning -- Queen Elizabeth II has been crowned. June 02, 1953. (Photo by Associated Newspapers).The moment during the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II where the Archbishop of Canterbury places St Edwards crown on the Queen's head.       Date: 1953The coronation of Carl XV of  Sweden as king of Norway too,  at Stockholm  3 May 1860Baroda Elephants Face Lean Days - The Old Splendour. This is one of those scenes of ceremonial pomp the princely states of India are unlikely to see again. Yet the photograph was taken only eight months ago, when his Highness the Maharaja of Baroda held his birthday durbar. In his gorgeous coat of cloth of gold, wearing his emerald-studded crown and necklaces of jewels, the Maharaja sits on his throne in the midst of splendidly-dressed Ministers and attendants. January 01, 1949. (Photo by P.A. -Reuter Features Limited.).03/20/1921. Madrid. In the parish of our Lady of the Angels. Solemn discovery of the image of the Holy Christ of the Agony, a copy of the one venerated inlíneas, after being blessed by the bishop of Madrid-Alcala.Queen Elizabeth II during her coronation. 1953 Oath of Haakon VII, King of Norway, Oslo, Norway, drawing by R Griffi from a photograph by Hutin, from L'Illustrazione Italiana, Year XXXII, No 50, December 10, 1905.07/31/1912. Anniversary of the Coronation of Pius.The private lying in state of King Edward VII, 1910 (1911). Artist: WS Stuart.04/30/1910. The Festival of Saint Joseph Oriol in Barcelona. Procession in honor of the new saint when leaving the Cathedral. -Federico Ballell Maymi.Duke of Gloucester Installed as Grand Master -- The Duke of Gloucester standing before the Dean of Westminster (Dr Don), when the Duke was installed grand Master of the order.The ceremony of the Installation of the Knights of the most Honourable Order of the Bath was held in king Henry VII chapel, Westminster Abbey to-day. May 24, 1951.RVD / Royal House photo collection. Baptism Princess Juliana in the Willemskerk in The Hague, 05-06-1909. June 5, 1909. The Hague, South Holland04/30/1919. The feast of Saint Vincent yesterday in Valencia. The solemn procession leaving the cathedral.03/31/1926. Seville. Brotherhood of Bitterness. The Brothers of Celebrating a Town Hall.January 24, 1916. In the church of La Concepción, in Madrid. Wedding ceremony of Miss Carmina del Toro with the Spanish press engineer, Mr. Fernando Luca de Tena.06/02/1917. The fourth centenary of Cardinal Cisneros. The Franciscan pilgrimage, which went yesterday to Alcalá de Henares, parading before the tomb of the great cardinal.Coronation: The Queen In The Abbey The Queen during her progress through Westminster Abbey after her arrival for the Coronation ceremony to-day (Tuesday). On either side of the Queen are the Bishop of Durham, the Rt. Rev. Arthur Michael Ramsay (left) and the Bishop of Bath and Wells, the Rt. Rev. Harold William Bradfield. The Queen is wearing her Royal robe of crimson velvet, trimmed with ***** and bordered with gold lace. On her head, she has a diadem of precious stones. The Queen is also wearing the collar of the Garter. June 2, 1953. (Photo by Reuterphoto).'The Coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, 2nd June, 1953', 1962. The Queen, seated in King Edward's Chair, is crowned by Geoffrey Fisher, Archbishop of Canterbury, in Westminster Abbey. St Edward's Crown, only used for the actual moment of coronation, is placed on her head. From "The Crown Jewels in the Tower of London", by Martin Holmes, F.S.A.. Her Majesty's Stationery, London, 1962On November 5, 1982, Seville was the venue for the Beatification. Now Seville is the one that wants to go to Rome for the canonization of Sister Ángela.'George VI is crowned with St. Edwards Crown on the day of his coronation', 1937. Artist: Unknown.Spain, Andalusia. Holy Week in Seville. Religious steps of "Jesús Nazareno" (Jesus the Nazarene), "Nuestra Señora de la O" (Our Lady of the O), and "Santisimo Cristo de la Salud" (Holy Christ of Health), in the Good Friday processions. Illustration by Juan Comba. Engraving by Vela. La Ilustración Española y Americana, 1882. Author: Juan Comba García (1852-1924). Spanish artist. Eugenio Vela (d. 1895). Spanish engraver.Algiers, Algeria-Christmas mass was held for soldiers in the Algiers area at St. Charles Cathedral on 25 December 1942. Honor guards were present from French, English and American armies.Pope Pius X (Giuseppe Melchiorre Sarto, 1835-1914) in the Sistine Chapel on the occasion of the funeral ceremony in memory of Leo XIII, July 20, 1910, Vatican, photo by Felici, from L'Illustrazione Italiana, Year XXXVII, No 31, July 31 1910.Body of King EdwardSt. Antonius-Sticht Montfoort "Recto, L.B.Palmsonntag in Ragusa, Italien, 1876, Historisch, digitale Reproduktion einer Originalvorlage aus dem 19. Jahrhundert, Originaldatum nicht bekanntAn aspect of the ceremony in Westminster Abbey during the marriage of Prince George, Duke of Kent to Princess Marina of Greece, showing the altar and altar screen seeming to glow against which the figures of the Royal family gathered on the right of the sacrarium were strikingly silhouetted in bold outline.  The Duke and Duchess of Kent were married at Westminster Abbey on 29 November 1934.      Date: 1934Photograph of George VI taken during a Thanksgiving Service in St Paul's Cathedral. George VI (1895-1952) King of the United Kingdom and the Dominions of the British Commonwealth. Dated 20th centuryPublic Memorial Service For The Late Queen Mary -- Part of the great congregation filling the Cathedral for the Service. Thousands of Londoners filled St. Paul's Cathedral for the public Memorial Service to the late Queen Mary. March 31, 1953. (Photo by Sport & General Press Agency, Limited).06/30/1919. Madrid. In the Calatravas church. The chapter of the order of Calatrava Gathered to dress the Marquis of San Miguel de Aguayo in his habit (X).''The Pan-Anglican Conference', 1888. From, 'The Graphic. An Illustrated Weekly Newspaper Volume38. July to December, 1888'.Bridal portrait of mahism, the son of the Sultan of Langkat, Sumatra.Skioptic icon with motifs from Innsbruck, possibly interior of the cathedral. The image has been stored in cardboard labeled: Höstesan 1909. Innsbruck. Sterzing. Cortina. No: 14.The scene in Westminster Abbey during the ***** Royal Wedding service. November 29, 1934. (Photo by Keystone).Mr. Churchill Launches £1,000,000 Appeal For Westminster Abbey: Mr. Churchill speaking on behalf of the Appeal during the ceremony in the Jerusalem Chamber of the Abbey. Left foreground can be seen the Commonwealth High Commissioners. Mr. Winston Churchill launched the £1,000,000 Appeal for Westminster Abbey, during a ceremony in the Jerusalem Chamber of the Abbey. The Money is urgently needed to restore and maintain the Abbey fabrics and also to endow a choir school. H.M. The Queen and other members of the Royal Family have already sent contributions. January 30, 1953. (Photo by Sport & General Press Agency, Limited.).02/11/1922. Next to the throne where the college of cardinals forms the court of the Pontiff, you can see the Diplomatic tribune.02/17/1921. Madrid. In the Museum of Modern Art. The Bishop of Madrid-Alcala (X), Contemplating the Works Exhibited by Victorio Macho.05/11/1920. Madrid. The church of Saint Joseph. HM Queen Cristina leaving the solemn Inauguration of the altar erected to the Holy Angel, custodian of the kingdom.01/31/1917. In the church of Calatravas. Mr. Pedro F. Villaverde (1), Mr. Manuel (2) and Mr. José Falcó (3), after being Armed Knights of the Order of Calatrava.01/26/1920. Madrid. In the church of good success. HRH the Infante Don Fernando (X), leaving yesterday morning the party Dedicated by the collegiate body of Knights of the Nobility To his Patron, Saint Ildefonso.Lord Balfour declaring the Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Palestine 1925. Arthur James Balfour (18481930) British Conservative politician and statesman.  UK Prime Minister 1902-1905.07/01/1920. Madrid. Banquet and Tribute. The Apostolic Nuncio, Monsignor Ragonesi (X) with the Illustrious Personalities who attended the banquet given in honor by the Minister of Venezuela.Inauguration ceremony of Queen Wilhelmina in the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam. Queen Wilhelmina (left) and Queen-Mother Emma (right) are sitting on a stage for the choir gate of the new church. In the foreground the migration, the constitution and the crown. Part of photo album with 11 recordings of the inauguration of Queen Wilhelmina and the in -omial parties.05/25/1921. Saragossa. The Flower Festival. Valencian Barrack Installed by the Aragonese Artistic Group, Which "Drew attention and in which Significant Amounts were Raised".Speech from the throne of Emperor Nicholas II on April 27, 1906 by Russian Photographer  /State Central Museum of Contemporary History of Russia, Moscow/1906/Silver Gelatin Photography/Russia/History,Tsar's Family. House of RomanovA state banquet held in the  White Hall of the Great  Schloss in Berlin to celebrate  the forthcoming marriage of  the Kaiser's only daughter, Princess Viktoria Luise of Prussia, to Prince Ernest Augustus of Brunswick- Luneburg, son of the Duke and Duchess of Cumberland. On the left hand side of the table, Queen Mary sits next to Kaiser Wilhelm II, close to a lavish table decoration, and opposite King George V chats to the Kaiser's wife, Empress Augusta Victoria.  31 May 1913Anefo photo collection. Second by Willem V in the Nieuwe Kerk in Delft. April 29, 1958. Delft, South Holland06/30/1918. In the chapel of the Episcopal palace, in Madrid. Wedding of Miss Caridad Estelat with Deputy A Cortes Mr. Enrique Gavilán.Consecration Of New Bishop Of Southwark.The new Bishop prostrates himself at the Alter Steps during the ceremony.Monsignor Cyril C. Cowderoy was consecrated Roman Catholic Bishop of Southwark (London) by Cardinal Griffin, Archbishop of Westminster, at a ceremony in Westminster Cathedral. Mgr. Cowderoy Succeeds the late Archbishop Amigo, who died in October of this year. December 22, 1949. (Photo by Sport & General Press Agency Limited).06/09/1918. In the Episcopal palace, in Madrid. The Prelate, Dr. Melo (X), with the Concurrent At the meeting held yesterday to name the Diocesan Board of Ladies that will commemorate the seventh centenary of the descent of Our Lady of Mercy in Barcelo.The Golden Mass celebrated in St Peter's by Pope Pius X (Giuseppe Melchiorre Sarto, 1835-1914) during the 50th anniversary of his priesthood, November 16, 1908, Vatican, photograph by Felici, from L'Illustrazione Italiana, Year XXXV, No 47, November 22, 1908.Carlsbad. On the bubble during the drinking time06/01/1922. Madrid. In the parish of San Andrés. Artistic Exhibition Installed in the chapel of San Isidro, which was inaugurated yesterday.Council of Trent meeting between 1543 and 1563     Date: 1543-63Anefo photo collection. New Pope John XXIII on television. October 28, 1958The King Distributes Maundy Pence at the Abbey.The King distributed the traditional Maundy Pence in ***** star Abbey today, April 9th. It was one of those characteristic acts which have bound him so closely to his people. It was the first time for 250-years that a monarch has discharged every duty on Maundy Thursday, with the exception of the washing of the poor persons feet, which was last performed by King James II.O.P.S. King Edward presenting the Maundy Pence to poor people in West inster Abbey today April 9th. April 09, 1934. (Photo by Keystone)February 12, 1937. Interior of the cathedral of Malaga, looted by the Republicans.Queen Victoria Presiding at the Reopening of the Reconstructed Crystal Palace at Sydenham 1854 Attributed to T. R. Williams British. Queen Victoria Presiding at the Reopening of the Reconstructed Crystal Palace at Sydenham 27166704/30/1912. Patriotic Festival in Zaragoza. A stall at the Aristocratic festival held in the Museum courtyard to benefit the Wounded of Melilla. Photo: Grassa.Women's War work Exhibition, Whitechapel, London, 1918. A general view of a Women's War Shrine at the Women's War Work Exhibition at Whitechapel. Photographs line the wall and flags and candles decorate the shrine.Inauguration of Wilhelmina, Queen of the Netherlands, in the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam on September 6, 1898..Artist's impression by Wal Paget of the marriage ceremony at St. Margaret's church in Westminster between Mr Winston Churchill and Miss Clementine Hozier.  The ceremony was conducted by Bishop Welldon who was formerly Churchill's master at Harrow School.  The honeymoon was spent at Blenheim and the Italian Lakes.     Date: 1908SESION DEL CONCILIO VATICANO I (1869-1870) - BASILICA DE SAN PEDRO DEL VATICANO - GRABADO SIGLO XIX. Location: MUSEO DEL ROMANTICISMO-GRABADOS. MADRID. SPAIN. PIUS IX.Ripoll (Barcelona), 07/29/1913. Constantinian festivals. The bishop of Vich reading his speech in the pantheon cloister of the monastery, in Ripoll.05/30/1922. Madrid. In the church of San Ginés. Wedding of Miss Concepción Raventos with Mr. Luis Sanguino, Verified yesterday.THE ROYAL SWEDISH MARRIAGE; RECEPTION OF THE CROWN PRINCE OF SWEDEN AND NORWAY AND HIS BRIDE AT CHRISTIANAVřídelní kolonáda, Vřídlo (Karlovy Vary), 1913, Karlovy Vary Region, Karlsbad, Sprudel, Czech RepublicThe Coronation of King George VI (1895-1952), 12  May 1937. Artist: UnknownScene from the silent film, The last days of Pompeii; 1913. Showing priests and citizens worshipping a statue. Directed by Mario CaseriniUnveiling of the Empress Elisabeth monument in the Vienna Volksgarten on June , Verlag or k, University bookstore R, Lechner Wilh, Müller, photographer, publisher05/31/1911. Barcelona. For the Heroes of Independence. Ceremony held in the cathedral of Barcelona in which Bishop Dr. Laguarda said a mass, and received the monument to the Martyrs of the Homeland, which will be guarded by the council.