The Bishop of London joined teachers, parents, and pupils past and present from St James’ and St Michael’s CE School in a service and procession to celebrate its 150th anniversary.
The Bishop led the gathering of over 400 in procession between the school’s two parish churches, St James’s Church, Sussex Gardens and St John the Evangelist, Hyde Park, culminating in a lively tea party for the pupils kindly provided by the local London Lancaster Hotel.
While the event celebrated the school’s distinguished history, the school is also looking towards the future and the ambitious plans in place to develop and improve its facilities. St James’ and St Michael’s CE School is still based in its iconic 150 year old building and has found innovative ways to adapt to the space constraints.
Last year, the school completed a programme of work to open up space in its eaves for a new classroom and there are plans underway to rearrange the basement to provide more space for the children and improve the library.
During the event, Bishop Richard rededicated the school and blessed a carved stone cross provided by the two local churches to replace a Victorian one that formerly adorned the school’s central gable.
Among the guests at the event were the Lord Mayor of Westminster Angela Harvey, local MP Mark Field, and former pupils, including some who attended the school during the decades dating from the 1940s.
Valerie de Angelis, Head Teacher at St James’ and St Michael’s CE School, said
"Today was a wonderful community celebration of our shared history. It was an important milestone, giving us not only the opportunity to reflect on the past but endowed us with encouragement, determination and drive to move forwards together towards a different and even more successful future."
