United Guilds’ Service 2025

By Gil Carter, liveryman

This uplifting annual Service in St Paul’s Cathedral originated in 1943 when at a meeting of the Great Twelve Companies it was decided to hold a service to lift spirits in the City following the Blitz in 1940-41

In 2025 it is no less uplifting and was held on a bright Spring day in the traditional format in the presence of the Lord Mayor, Sheriffs and Aldermen. It is one of the few occasions when the livery companies and guilds of the City all gather together in one of the most colourful events of the City’s year, giving the opportunity to meet friends old and new in a magnificent setting

A fanfare heralded a grand procession of City Officers, livery company Masters, and clergy leading the Lord Mayor escorted by the Bishop of London, Dame Sarah Mullally, DBE

The Select Preacher this year was Dr Mark Oakley, Dean of Southwark, who delivered an amusing sermon, but reminding us all of the role each one of us has in making a beneficial difference in the current turbulent world

The lusty rendering of the National Anthem by the assembled congregation reverberated around the mighty architecture of St Paul’s, drawing a close to a memorable service

This year the congregation were granted the privilege of exiting the Cathedral via the Great West Door of St Paul’s. The massive oak doors, normally closed and surely admired by the wood trades represented, were open to allow the bright sunshine to light up the exit where the Bishop and the Dean of St Paul’s waited to bid farewell to all

The Furniture Makers and their guests then returned to Furniture Makers’ Hall where a reception and convivial lunch, hosted by the Master, rounded off another memorable day in the life of the Company.