A charity founded in the middle of the seventeenth century
by a group of sons of clergymen recognised that there was a need for charitable
help for the families of many members of the clergy. Having largely remained
loyal to the monarchy during the Commonwealth, many had been deprived of their
livings and left destitute. The first
Festival was held in 1655 as the charity’s founding event and there has been a
festival every year since then – making this probably the oldest service of its
kind in the Anglican Communion.
Famous for its fine music, the service was provided by the
choirs of St Paul's Cathedral, Norwich Cathedral and Tewkesbury Abbey. A further tradition is a distinguished
preacher – this year the Bishop of Norwich, the Right Reverend Graham James.
The Masters, Prime Wardens and Upper Bailiff of the Livery
Companies processed in, all fully robed, joined by the attending Aldermen and
the Lord Mayor accompanied by the Bishop of London. A superb programme of music,
hymns and anthems ensued. In his
address, it transpired that the father of the Bishop of Norwich had been
considerably assisted by the charity in the course of his own Christian journey.
Services at St Paul’s Cathedral are always very special, particularly
when so widely supported by the livery companies and it was good to hear the
congregation in as fine a voice as the choristers in the singing of the hymns.
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