Abbey welcomes new Lord Mayor of Westminster

Monday, 3rd July 2023

People dressed in red robes walking

Matins, attended in Civic State by the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Patricia McAllister, was held at Westminster Abbey on Sunday 2nd July 2023.

The annual service celebrates the historic links between the Abbey and the City of Westminster.

The Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, welcomed the Lord Mayor and Councillors of the City of Westminster to the service, and pronounced the Blessing.

The sermon was preached by the Lord Mayor's Chaplain, Father Michael Jarmulowicz.

Councillor Adam Hug, Leader of Westminster City Council, read Deuteronomy 15: 1–11; and the Lord Mayor read Matthew 5: 1-16.

Prayers were led by the Reverend Robert Latham, Minor Canon and Sacrist.

The service was sung by the Choir of Westminster Abbey conducted by the Organist and Master of the Choristers, Andrew Nethsingha. The organ was played by Peter Holder, Sub-Organist. Music before the service was played by Matthew Jorysz, Assistant Organist.

Before the service, the Abbey’s Laetatus bell was tolled. The bell is inscribed with the words: ‘May the City flourish: May Parliament flourish’.

A collection was taken for the Lord Mayor's nominated charities, the Carers Network and The Passage.

Order of Service 

Order of Service for Matins attended in Civic State by The Lord Mayor of Westminster Councillor Patricia McAllister (PDF, 489KB)