News from Friends of the City Churches

One aspect of both Advent and Lent is still widely observed in the prohibition of flowers within the church. When floral decorations came from local gardens, this was hardly an issue by December, but it is now a challenge to winter wedding planners. A happy compromise, in the artful deployment of foliage rather than blooms, can be a generous seasonal gift to the church – part of last year’s splendid display at All Hallows by the Tower was a legacy of a December wedding. Corporate sponsorship also now provides many City churches with Christmas trees, a symbol so long converted from paganism that a trade now thrives in decorations with overtly Christian symbolism.

Although the nativity scene also has ancient roots, many of the City’s present cribs and crèches are relatively modern. That at All Hallows was cast in plaster by nuns sufficiently long ago that it has recently been refurbished; that at St. Botolph Aldgate was handknit by a churchwarden (and sits, somewhat incongruously for its homely charm, in a bullet-proof case provided for the occasional display of church silver); that at St. James Garlickhythe, also handmade, is splendid out of all proportion to its intrinsic material cost; and that of St. Mary Aldermary features on the Friends of the City Churches’ own charity Christmas card (surely the card of choice for discriminating tastes and available at the church and by post from our Office).

At All Hallows, some 300 candles glow within the medieval walls during private carol services and midnight mass. There, as in many City churches, the Holy Child is placed in the manger on the last Sunday in Advent, as many of the regular congregation cannot make it to the City on Christmas Eve. The City churches are rich in services and traditions at this most festive time of year, to which all are welcome. Do come – and keep an eye out for the Three Wise Men, who may be found in some curious places as they journey toward the manger within the ancient walls of the City churches.

Friends of the City Churches, St Magnus the Martyr, Lower Thames Street, London EC3R 6DN tel 020 7626 1555

e-mail      www.london-city-churches.org.uk