Induction and Installation of the Reverend James Titley
16th July 2023St Lawrence Jewry
This past year most people in the UK have remarked on the ‘firsts’ they have experienced from the passing of the Queen to the Coronation where we crowned a King and a Queen, ancient traditions have been witnessed by a new generation. It was an honour that I myself experienced an extraordinary first as I sat silently in a pew in the newly renovated St Lawrence Jewry Church as the Reverend James Titley was inducted and installed as a vicar in the 336* year old church. An interesting aside, I attempted to find exactly how many vicars have served St Lawrence Jewry Church and the best and admittedly incorrect calculation was 12.
Livery Masters were resplendent in gowns and chains reserved for our own occasions or special city functions such as the election of the Sheriffs or the Lord Mayor. As the sun poured through the newly cleaned stained glass windows, a procession of clergyman, many representing other City of London Churches, including the Bishop and Archdeacon of London, made their way to the sanctuary. The Lord Mayor was escorted to the front pew in ceremonial style to join the Lady Mayoress and other City of London dignitaries, reminding everyone of the strong connection and commitment the City of London Corporation reserves for its place of worship and the man who will lead it. The Bishop of London, The Right Reverend and Right Honourable Dame Sarah Mullally, gave a very personal address, thanking James’ family, friends and previous congregations, all of whom were represented to watch this moving Induction and Installation by The Archdeacon of London, The Venerable Luke Miller. The Reverend James Titley will no doubt make his own mark on the City of London, including with the Livery Companies and Guilds. But on Monday, it was all about the beginning and another first for those of us privileged to be present.
*St Lawrence was first built in 1136 in the east end of London - the old Jewish quarter, destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666, rebuilt in 1677 by Wren, badly damaged in the Second World War but faithfully reconstructed afterwards.