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inmarsat/sateliteChristmas Joy at Mission Carol Concert
18-12-2008
A PACKED congregation filled St Michael Paternoster Royal last Wednesday (December 10) to celebrate the Christmas story and raise funds for The Mission to Seafarers.
In the presence of the society’s President, HRH The Princess Royal, supporters and friends gathered to sing familiar Christmas carols such as Once in Royal David’s City and It Came Upon The Midnight Clear as well as enjoy a festive programme from the Laudamus Chamber Choir and hear readings from the President and TV personality Richard Baker OBE.
Hailing the evening as one of “the most successful carol concerts I can remember,” the secretary general of The Mission to Seafarers, the Revd Canon Bill Christianson reminded the congregation that St Michael’s is the “home port” for The Mission to Seafarers as in its tower it houses the central office of the organisation. He went on to say that “we all owe a debt of gratitude to the world’s seafarers – many of whom will be spending Christmas away from their families and loved ones.”
The Laudamus Chamber Choir were a welcome addition to the evening and they captivated the congregation with a selection of festive songs and carols including the majestic “And the Glory of the Lord” and the haunting “Coventry Carol”.
After the service, the Princess Royal chatted with friends and supporters at a reception held in the impressive Innholders’ Hall. Among those presented to Her Royal Highness was Alex King who will be running the London Marathon in aid of The Mission to Seafarers in 2009.
