Thankgiving Service at St Paul's Cathedral
On Friday 18th November, a Service of Thanksgiving to celebrate the 300th Anniversary of the school was held at St Paul's Cathedral. A congregation of over 2000 guests gathered for the service, including pupils, staff, parents, alumnae and friends of LEH. We were delightedto welcome the Lord Mayor of the City of London as our guest of honour and also the Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London, Alderman Graves, the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Richmond, and The Rt. Hon Dr Vince Cable MP.
Proceedings began with a procession as the Deputy Head Girls, Head Mistress and Chair of Governors, the College of Minor Canons, visiting clergy, the College of Canons, the Chapter and the Bishop of London proceeded from the Dean's Aisle to the west end of the Cathedral. The Bishop of London and Chapter then received the Lord Mayor at the Great West Door. During the service, readings and prayers were given by members of the school community, including Mrs Ross, Chair of Governors, the Head Mistress, Mrs Low, the Head Girl and Deputies, staff, parents and also pupils from both the Junior and Senior Departments.
In his sermon, the Bishop of London commented on the wonderful musical performances which played such a significant part of the service. These included stunning renditions by The Holles Singers, conducted by Miranda Ashe, Director of Music, of Veni Veni and Brendan Ashe's Te Deum, as well as the anthem ‘I was Glad' by Parry, arranged by Brendan Ashe, and accompanied by the Senior Department's Chamber Orchestra. Mozart's Ave Verum was also beautifully sung by the Junior Department Choir and the Junior Chamber choir from the Senior Department, conducted by Veronica Barnes.
After the magnificent Fanfare, written by the school's Composer in Residence, Dr Bernard Hughes, and Recessional hymn, the service finished with an organ voluntary of Allegro giocoso from Sonata in E flat, marking an occasion of both celebration and dedication, that the school will continue to go forward with integrity, humanity and kindness in all its future undertakings.
