The Master of the Worshipful Company of Entrepreneurs attended a special service at All Hallows’ by the Tower on Sunday 11 October, marking the feast day of the Company’s patron saint, St Ethelburga of Barking.

The occasion is traditionally associated with the anniversary of Ethelburga’s death on 11 October 676, making this year the 1,350th anniversary of her passing.

The service took place at All Hallows’ by the Tower, a church whose origins are closely connected with the early Christian foundations of Barking Abbey. The congregation gathered in the presence of an icon of St Ethelburga, with prayers invoking her intercessions and hymns celebrating her example of leadership, faith, and service.

The Company’s patronal festival is one of just four prescribed occasions in the Entrepreneurs’ Ordinances, reflecting its importance in the Company’s annual life.

The Master, Alderman Sir Alastair King DL, read one of the appointed lessons for the day, Isaiah 25.1–9, which looks forward to a time when death will be swallowed up and tears wiped away.

Members also sang P. A. Sutherland’s hymn in praise of Ethelburga. Its verses recall her selflessness, her holy vows, and her care for those in need, while encouraging the congregation to follow her example:

“Her selfless acts, her holy vows,
The virgin gift she did espouse,
Were equalled by her rule most just”

The hymn concludes with a prayer that members might tread in Ethelburga’s footsteps, seeking to be guided by truth.

The celebrant, Father Taylor Wilton-Morgan, preached on the parable of the wedding feast from Matthew 22. His sermon considered the guest who was turned away for not wearing the appropriate garment, drawing attention to the importance of being properly prepared to enter the kingdom of heaven.

Addressing an audience of entrepreneurs, Father Taylor encouraged those present to cultivate humility and obedience, and to “put on” these metaphorical robes in their daily lives. His message offered a reminder that achievement and enterprise are best accompanied by an awareness of one’s responsibilities to others.

Following the service, members and guests gathered for refreshments and a convivial luncheon at the neighbouring Byward Kitchen.

The Company’s patron saint was toasted with sparkling mead, supplied by Hive Mind. Although not brewed in Essex, the mead offered a fitting acknowledgement of the monastic traditions associated with Ethelburga and Barking Abbey.

Sir Alastair welcomed Fr Taylor, Company members, prospective members, and their guests. The gathering also enjoyed a visit from the Vicar, Nicol Kinrade.

The celebration brought together the Company’s charitable and civic traditions with a reflection on the personal virtues embodied by its patron saint: humility, service, faithfulness and care for others.

The Worshipful Company of Entrepreneurs welcomes applications from successful entrepreneurs of any faith, or none. Those interested in learning more about the Company and its work are invited to visit its website or contact the Clerk’s Office.