Westminster College remembers connection between Fulton and Royal Family following Queen Elizabeth II’s burial

FULTON, Mo. (KMIZ)

Dozens came to a historic English church in Fulton on Monday to remember the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

The service held at the Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Aldermanbury on the Westminster College campus reflected on the qualities the late monarch shared with the unique church in Mid-Missouri. Administrators at the school rebuilt the church in the 1960s on campus with what remained of it following the bombing of London in World War II. Timothy Riley, director of America's National Churchill Museum, reflected on what the queen may have thought when learning a group of Missourians wanted to embark on the project.

"I can almost hear her in her almost understated and measured tone," Riley said. "'They want to do what?'"

The church was rebuilt in the late 17th century when King Charles II commissioned an architect to restore churches damaged in the Great Fire of London. Three centuries later, Queen Elizabeth II's son, Prince Charles, wrote an undated letter to the museum complimenting them on their preservation of the church and its history.

"It therefore gives me great joy that the Church stands proudly re-hallowed in Fulton, Missouri," the letter said. "As an extraordinary example of resilience and hope, it is my particular wish that the Church will continue to receive the support it needs to sustain its work for future generations."

Riley said Queen Elizabeth herself reflected that same resiliency.

"Like this venerable building, Queen Elizabeth was the personification of resilience and hope," Riley said. "For that, we are all grateful."

Elizabeth's funeral was held Monday in London.