Rev. Ernest Courtenay Carter

Who was Rev. Ernest Courtenay Carter?

Rev. Ernest Courtenay Carter was a 54 (fifty-four) year-old English priest who tragically perished aboard the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. As a second-class passenger, he was traveling with his wife Lillian when the ship struck an iceberg and sank in the North Atlantic Ocean. Known for his dedication to his faith and his congregation, Carter’s story is one of sacrifice and devotion in the face of disaster.

Early Life and Education

Ernest Courtenay Carter was born on February 17, 1858, in Compton, Berkshire, England. He came from a family with strong religious ties:

• Father: George Carter (b. 1813), a clergyman from Coventry, Warwickshire
• Mother: Catherine Courtenay (b. 1827) from Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Carter’s early life was marked by his religious upbringing and pursuit of education:

1. Attended Charterhouse, Holborn, London
2. Studied at Leamington College
3. Enrolled at St John’s College, Oxford in 1880
4. Graduated with a BA in 1884

Career in the Church

Following his education, Ernest Carter dedicated his life to religious service:

• 1885-1888: Assistant Master at Godolphin School, Hammersmith, London
• 1888: Took Holy orders and became deacon at Christ Church, Mayfair
• 1889: Ordained as priest
• 1889-1896: Curate of Chieveley
• 1899: Appointed vicar of St Jude, Whitechapel, a largely Jewish community in London’s East End
• 1910-1911: Served as president of Sion College, a London-based institution for clergy

Family Life

In 1890, Ernest Carter married Lillian Hughes in Chester. Lillian was the daughter of Thomas Hughes, a clergyman, Christian socialist, and politician known for authoring “Tom Brown’s Schooldays.” The couple resided at various locations throughout their marriage:

Despite their long marriage, the Carters had no children.

Journey on the Titanic

Why did the Carters board the Titanic?

The Carters boarded the RMS Titanic at Southampton as second-class passengers, embarking on what was to be their final journey together. Their ticket (number 244252) cost £26, a significant sum at the time.

What was Rev. Carter’s experience during the voyage?

During the voyage, Rev. Carter experienced a cold, but found relief through medication provided by fellow passenger Marion Wright. On the evening of April 14, 1912, Carter led a hymn service in the second-class dining saloon, showcasing his dedication to his pastoral duties even while traveling:

‘It is’ he said ’the first time that there have been hymns sung on this boat on a Sunday evening, but we trust and pray it won’t be the last.’

Tragically, these would be among Rev. Carter’s last words to his fellow passengers.

The Fateful Night

How did the Carters face the disaster?

When the Titanic struck an iceberg on the night of April 14, the Carters demonstrated remarkable courage and devotion:

1. They made their way to the boat deck during the evacuation
2. Were offered spaces together in a lifeboat
3. Chose to remain on the ship
4. Mrs. Carter refused to leave her husband’s side

Their decision to stay together in the face of certain death speaks volumes about their love and commitment to one another.

Legacy and Remembrance

The Carters’ sacrifice did not go unnoticed. A brass memorial tablet was unveiled in St Jude’s Church, Whitechapel, commemorating their lives and their tragic end. The inscription reads in part:

“LOVELY AND PLEASANT IN THEIR LIVES IN DEATH THEY WERE NOT DIVIDED” SHE REFUSED TO LEAVE HIM WHEN OFFERED A PLACE IN A BOAT

Following the demolition of St Jude’s Church, the tablet was relocated to St Mary’s village church in Longcot, Faringdon, Oxfordshire, where Lillian’s uncle John Hughes had previously served as vicar.

Rev. Carter’s Impact on the Titanic’s Final Hours

Rev. Ernest Courtenay Carter’s actions during the Titanic’s final hours exemplify the best of human nature in the face of tragedy. His leadership in conducting a hymn service just hours before the disaster provided comfort and solace to his fellow passengers. The Carters’ decision to face death together rather than separate serves as a poignant reminder of the power of love and devotion in the most challenging circumstances.

As we remember the victims of the Titanic, Rev. Ernest Courtenay Carter and his wife Lilian Carter stand out as symbols of selflessness and unwavering commitment, their story continuing to inspire more than a century after that fateful night in the Atlantic.