Services to mark the death of Her Majesty the Queen
Good morning,
I am writing with further details of forthcoming services and events in St Salvator’s Chapel to mark the death of Her Majesty the Queen. Watching the Accession Council and Proclamation this morning, I was struck as I’m sure so many people were at the sense of sadness at the loss of the Queen who has been a presence of such constancy. But I was also moved by the words of trust in God with which King Charles III accepted his responsibilities.
Regarding this Sunday’s service in St Salvator’s Chapel, tomorrow 11 September at 11 am, we have re-cast the order slightly, changing an anthem and one or two other elements. This remains the Opening Service of the Academic Year and Martinmas Semester, but will also reflect this time of mourning. I will preach on the subject An example. We will only admit worshippers on a first come, first served basis, up to the seated capacity on this occasion. I encourage all who wish co come to this service to be at the chapel in good time. Academics in gowns may join the Academic Procession. Worshippers who arrive after every seat is taken will be encouraged to participate via the livestream. This is accessible here: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/chaplaincy/worship/ The order of service is available here: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/assets/university/community-facilities/documents/worship/Sept11_Online.pdf
Then during the period of mourning, one of Sam, Bill or I plan to be in St Salvator’s Chapel between 1 and 2 pm each weekday, leading a brief service of prayer at around 1.15 pm. There is a printed prayer in the chapel which people are using and taking away. The text is also at the foot of this email. Our bells rang between 12 noon and 1 pm yesterday. It was moving to hear them ringing in a muffled form, with one bell tolling continuously to mark the Queen’s death.
As a child I collected stamps. Here is the stamp issued to celebrate the Queen’s coronation with her portrait from a photograph by Dorothy Wilding.
Bill is liaising with faith societies over an interfaith gathering next week – this may well take place in St Salvator’s Chapel on Thursday 15 September between 1 and 2 pm – further details will follow.
Further arrangements for services of thanksgiving have been long planned. First, there will be an Evensong in St Salvator’s Chapel on the day of the Queen’s funeral. The date and time will be confirmed when the funeral date and time is announced. We are anticipating a large attendance, and will explore next week arranging a room in one of the schools to receive the livestream.
The Christian churches and communities in St Andrews have arranged a Service of Thanksgiving to take place on Saturday 1 October – further details in due course.
Then there will be a Service of Thanksgiving in St Salvator’s Chapel some months following the funeral.
Sam, Bill and I alongside colleagues in the Chaplaincy team continue to remain available to all in the University at this time. Feel free to get in touch with any queries or if you would like to meet.
With all good wishes,
Yours,
Donald.