# Bishop of London preaches at the Sailors’ Society Birthday Celebration Service

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2008/12/01/bishop-london-preaches-sailors-society-birthday-celebration-service/
- Published: 2008-12-01T10:44:50+00:00
- Author: Howard Lake

The 190th birthday of the Sailors’ Society was commemorated recently with a well-
attended celebratory service, held at All Hallows by the Tower, the oldest church
in the City of London. Guest preacher at the service was the Rt. Rev Richard Chartres,
Bishop of London, who is also a Vice President of the Society.

The Southampton-based international charity held the London service to celebrate
this landmark anniversary with its many friends and supporters from the City of 
London. In addition to this, a local service took place earlier this year in Southampton
on the Society’s foundation date, March 18th.

During the service, the Society’s CEO, Robert Adams gave a brief history of the 
charity and its work in supporting seafarers in the UK and across the globe.

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There has been an affiliation between the Bishop of London and the Sailors’ Society
since the charity’s inception in 1818. At this point in history a licence was required
from the Bishop of London before the Society could begin its work in the Port of
London. The Bishop granted the Society its licence, and as a result, its ministry
benefits thousands of seafarers in London. Since then, every succeeding Bishop of
London has been a Vice President of the Society, and although a licence is no longer
needed, the relationship with the Bishop has been maintained.

Reverend David Potterton, the Principal Chaplain of the Sailors’ Society, explained:“
The focus of the service was on publicly thanking God for the past 190 years, and
reflecting on the work of the charity since its foundation. The Bishop’s sermon 
was very thought-provoking and perfect for the occasion, which was attended by over
100 people.”

All Hallows by the Tower will also be hosting the Sailors’ Society Carol Service
on Wednesday 17 December at 12.30hrs. The Service of lessons and carols will last
approximately one hour and members of the public are warmly invited to attend. Please
feel free to contact Ann Brogan on 02380 515 967 for further information. Confirmation
of attendance would be helpful.

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