One way to create great music is to fill St Paul’s Cathedral with cathedral choirs and clergy supported by the Lord Mayor, City Corporation and Livery Masters and representatives. Our singing was significantly enhanced by the amazing voices of St Paul’s, Litchfield and Bradford Cathedral choirs. Little can beat the volume and impact of the introductory fanfare and the rousing singing of “All people that on earth do dwell” to the tune Old Hundredth arranged by Ralph Vaughan Williams.
We were in the Cathedral for the 370th Festival Service of the Clergy Support Trust. While a celebration, it was also an opportunity to raise awareness of the work, expectation and challenges that the clergy face. Both in the service and the subsequent fund raising diner in the magnificent Plasterers’ Hall we heard that last year 2,800 clergy household received support, 7,300 grants were given to clergy and families in the UK and Ireland, and £1.3m grants distributed to cover essentials. One in five clergy probably have clinical depression and 42% were anxious about their financial situation. We also heard from the Archbishop of York that the Trust was increasing the amount of support it gives and the church is increasing clergy pay.
It was an occasion when you met fascinating people with interesting challenges. Discussing the management and environmental protection of the MoD estate with an army chaplain. Supporting those arriving frightened at our airports or facing redundancy at a steel works.
A most enjoyable evening but also a powerful reminder of the valuable charitable giving and support from the Livery for deserving causes.
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