Celebrating a thriving Guild community

Congratulations to the seven candidates who joined the Guild of St Bride on Sunday.

Fikayo, Jean-Michel and Dominic, from our regular Sunday congregation, and Edie – a long-term friend of St Bride’s who journeyed from the United States for the service – were inducted into the Guild as new members by Lord Black of Brentwood, the current Master of the Guild.

Our Administrative Verger Tracy, along with the Head Girl and Head Boy from King Edward’s School Witley became Honorary members.

King Edward’s was formerly located within the parish of St Bride’s but moved to its present location in 1867. It is a great delight that we have maintained such strong connections with the school. The school’s chaplain, The Revd James Radcliffe, accompanied the head pupils to the service. James also serves as a Guild Chaplain.

The Guild of St Bride was formed to assist in the conduct of public worship at the church. This includes reading lessons, leading intercessions and administering the chalice but above all offering a warm and helpful welcome as people arrive at church.

The Guild’s patron – HM the Queen – attended a special service to celebrate the Guild’s 650th anniversary earlier this year.

The active fellowship and commitment of Guild members continues to enrich the worship at St Bride’s. It was wonderful to see so many new members join its ranks this year, ensuring that the Guild’s ancient calling endures and flourishes into the future.

Photo: (from left) Peter Brown, Abigail Attwell, Tracy Mckeever, Dominic McGinley, The Revd Canon Dr Alison Joyce, Jonathan McEvoy, The Revd James Radcliffe, Edie Morrill, Jean-Michel Hulls, Fikayo Emmanuel