Vol 3/4
May
1998

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Right royal celebration at St John's

On Tuesday 7 April, H.R.H. Princess Alexandra and Sir Angus Ogilvie, came to St John's, Waterloo to join the parish in a service to celebrate the church's restoration.

After the service she unveiled a commemorative plaque and met members of the congregation.

On their way into church Princess Alexandra and Sir Angus had stopped to talk to the children on the steps. Sadie, not nervous because 'she's met the Queen', presented flowers. Laura, wearing 'a new velvet dress, blue like the Princess', shook her hand. Kim and her friends took it in their stride, except that Cally had expected her to be wearing robes 'like kings and queens do'.

The celebration service marked the end of an eight year programme which has seen St John's restored both inside and out. Work began under the previous vicar and was continued by the Rev Richard Truss. Now with the fifth phase of the work completed the beautiful interior shone as the sunlight beamed through the new windows onto the gleaming paintwork and restored ceiling.

The bells rang out, the sun shone and the sixty strong choir from Putney High School, made the air waves sing out as a packed church gave thanks and celebrated . William Cowpe, Chairman of the Appeal, paid tribute to those who had worked so hard to ensure that the restoration could be completed.

In his sermon, the Bishop of Kingston said "this church is to be a sign of hope. It must symbolise the dream of a new and restored humanity. The bringing together of the present and 'what lies beyond', heaven and earth".

The vicar, Richard Truss, said that the church was "a memorial to a lot of hard work and generous giving, to skilled experts and gifted craftsmen".

"This is a time of great rejoicing, but also of anticipation. We want this building to be used, for prayer and worship, but also for music and meetings, lectures and conferences, but primarily as a place for the people of this area".

Whilst the Princess met members of the Appeal Committee and the congregation, the guests enjoyed a buffet and the Putney Choir sang again.

The full printed edition of the 'Bridge' newspaper is available at all Southwark Parish Churches
Further copies can be obtained from wendy.s.robins@dswark.org.uk
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