BARTS 900 Service of Thanksgiving and Reception
10th May 2023St. Paul's Cathedral and Guildhall
Back to St Paul’s for a Service of Thanksgiving on the 900th Anniversary of St Bartholomew’s Hospital and The Priory Church of St Bartholomew the Great!
The Cathedral was packed with representatives of World Faiths, Choirs from St Paul’s and Barts, Masters and representatives from Livery Companies, The Lord Mayor and other City of London dignitaries.
It all started in 1123 by Rahere a favourite courtier of King Henry I and despite many challenges along the way and its most recent threatened closure in 1993 following the controversial Tomlinson Review, it remains a hospital of medical excellence for the people of the city and beyond - alongside The Priory Church.
The Service of Thanksgiving included Reflections from the CEO of Barts Health NHS Trust (the hospital’s governing body), the Chair of Barts Heritage and several others with the Dean of St Paul’s Rev Andrew Tremlett delivering the key Address with a focus on the Bart’s mandate (treat and care) and mission (to serve people).
We prayed for those who serve and work at the hospital, and those who are healed, protected and sustained through their skill and dedication and gave thanks for the life and witness of the Priory Church.
A large contingent from the congregation then made their way to Guildhall Crypts for a reception and several speeches – The Lord Mayor stating he had never seen so many people gathered in this space before – a record attendance!
The Barts Trust continues with ambitious plans to take us into the next century!
A wonderful and moving evening!