St Stephen Walbrook – one of Wren’s finest churches – was the setting for this special Service of Thanksgiving to mark the successful completion of Alderman Charles Bowmans’ year of office as Lord Mayor. The Mistress and I joined with many other Masters, Clerks and Consorts to celebrate a year well-served to the City and the wider work of the Corporation.
Led by the Priest-in-Charge the Revd Stephen Baxter, music for the service was provided by Organist Polina Sosnina, the Brandenburg Brass and by the choir of St Stephen Voices all of whom performed to a very high standard. The singing was amazing and not just from the congregation!
The lesson was read by the Lord Mayor and told the story of the Good Samaritan, a theme which was picked up in the sermon by the Chaplin to the Lord Mayor, the Revd George Bush. This story was particularly apt as it was in this very church that the Revd Chad Varah founded the Samaritans telephone helpline back in 1953. In fact, the very first telephone he used is on display in the church (see picture). Their work has been a remarkable achievement over the last 65 years and has saved countless lives.
The whole service was very uplifting and provided a perfect end to what has been a very successful Mayoralty. A small drinks reception followed in the church and we took the opportunity to thank the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress personally for their service.
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