The Worshipful Company of Nurses Annual Church Service – Wed 18 Oct 2023
Master, Wardens, Clerk and Beadle setting off for the Church
On the afternoon of Wednesday 18 October Liverymen and Freemen came together to celebrate our profession at the Annual Church Service. This year it was held at the Church of St Bartholomew the Less, which sits within the grounds of St Bartholomew’s Hospital in the City of London.
Prior to the service the Company had held a Freedom and Livery Ceremony followed by a buffet lunch at Information Technologists’ Hall. The Master, Wardens and Court processed from the Hall to the church. We were delighted to welcome representatives of our benefactors and the church was full of guests, Liverymen and Freemen. Our Chaplain, Canon Revd Charles Pickstone led the service and gave a pertinent and moving sermon. We were delighted and honoured that our sponsoring Alderman, Sir Andrew Parmley played the organ and we were moved by the chorus of singers who sang so beautifully.
The Annual Church Service is a special event in the calendar and provides an opportunity for us to come together in reflection and rededicate ourselves to our profession. It is a privilege to be part of this community and share the common bond that brings us together as nurses. The church of Barts the Less has a beautiful stained glass window commemorating nurses from the hospital who lost their lives in the 2nd World War and includes a striking image of a nurse. It was a fitting place to take some time out from our busy lives to reflect on our careers and all that we have gained through being a nurse.
Fran Davies
