United Guilds Service and Lunch
24th March 2023St Paul's Cathedral and Stationers' Hall
The UGS is held in St Paul’s usually two Fridays before Good Friday. The procession of livery masters is limited to the Great 12, plus 12 others by rotation. All masters and wardens are expected to attend, fully badged and robed! It was first held in February 1943 as a coordinated response to the challenges faced by the City of London following the Blitz of 1940-41.
It was also a reminder of the religious origins of the Guilds.
It was nice to have a full row, comprising 3 Wardens (plus 2 consorts), the Clerk, PM Mark Gower Smith – with the Mistress seated under the Dome.
Attended by The Bishop of London, The Lord Mayor, Sheriffs and many others, the Sermon was delivered by the Dean of Westminster – the theme – ‘see and understand’; Charity has become our purpose.
After the service we made our way to lunch at Stationers’ Hall – as always, a delightful venue with Companies seated on their own tables.