The Master and Middle Warden were delighted to lead Freemen Entrepreneurs and their guests in celebrating the coming of Christmas at the Company’s joint Carol Service on Wednesday 6th December 2023.
 
The church of St Lawrence Jewry looked resplendent and was filled with members of the Worshipful Companies of Chartered Architects and Constructors in addition to the Company of Entrepreneurs. This joint carol service has been a favourite fixture in the three Companies’ calendars for many years, and, undeterred by train disruptions, the turnout (and the singing) was strong!
 
The Master and Middle Warden added their voices to the roster of readers, as the congregation enjoyed traditional lessons and carols throughout the evening, punctuated with beautiful anthems from the choir. A selection of traditional festive hymns set out the foretelling and the birth of Jesus Christ, but all Freemen (of any faith, and none) could appreciate the themes of expectation, hope, and joy of the Christmas narrative. Fr James Titley and the Reverend Sophia Acland kept up an impressive double act of prayer, praise, and thanksgiving during a tightly-choreographed 60-minute service.
 
The two chaplains (James for the Architects and Constructors, and Sophia for the Entrepreneurs) more than earned their festive repast as they and their Companies went on to enjoy glorious food, wines, and good company after the service.
 
The Master Entrepreneur is indebted to the Architects’ Company for its generous hospitality at Temple Bar, to where Freemen and guests were invited to a splendid hot buffet.
 
Next year’s carol service is on Thursday 5th December at 6.30pm at the church of St Lawrence Jewry. All Freemen, guests, and visitors will be made very welcome.