New Vicar licensed at St Lawrence Jewry

02/07/09

The Bishop of London attended the Church of St Lawrence Jewry in the City of London yesterday to License the Revd Canon David Parrott as the new Guild Vicar of the church.

Canon Parrott will take on the responsibility of serving St Lawrence’s congregation which includes the City of London Corporation and the Lord Mayor of London, as well as Liverymen and Freemen of 10 Livery Companies in the City.

The Bishop of London, Dr Richard Chartres, performed the Licensing ceremony and also preached at the service of Choral Evensong, during which magnificent choral and organ music was provided by Catherine Ennis and the Choir of St Lawrence. The service was attended by many representatives from the City of London Corporation, including the Lord Mayor Locum Tenens, Alderman Sir David Brewer, High Officers, many of the Aldermen and members of the Court of Common Council, representatives of the Livery Companies of the City of London, as well as visiting and Deanery clergy and friends and family of Canon Parrott.

The Installation of the new Guild Vicar was performed by the recently appointed Archdeacon of London, The Venerable David Meara, and Canon Parrott was welcomed by the Area Dean of the City, The Revd Oliver Ross, and representatives of church and community, before guests moved on to a reception at the Guildhall.

The Church of St Lawrence Jewry, on Gresham Street, is the official Church of the City of London Corporation and the Lord Mayor of London. The church dates from the 12th Century, and having been destroyed in the Great Fire of London was rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren. It suffered serious damage in the Blitz during the Second World War, but was again reconstructed to Wren's design.

Canon Parrott joins the Diocese of London after spending 25 years in the Diocese of Chelmsford, where for the last five years he has been in charge of clergy training. He has also recently published a book entitled “Your church and the Law” which aims to provide a simple guide for clergy on how the law affects churches in England.

Canon Parrott, who is spending his first full day at his new church today, said:

"I feel privileged and honoured to be working alongside the City’s institutions and I look forward to getting to know how the City works and to finding out how I can serve it.

"The City has been going through a difficult period and it is important that I work to ease the worries of my new congregation and try to bring the light of Jesus Christ into the City of London."