Chelmsford Cathedral hosted and attended a series of deeply reflective services over the Remembrance weekend, bringing together community, civic leaders, military representatives and families to honour those who gave their lives in service to their country.
The commemorations began on Friday 7 November with a Choral Evensong for Remembrance, held beneath our Mars: War and Peace art installation which provided a powerful visual context for the evening.
The Evensong service was led by the Dean of Chelmsford Cathedral, The Very Revd Dr Jessica Martin, and the Cathedral Precentor The Revd Canon Sebastian Harries alongside the Cathedral Choir. The service featured readings from His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Essex, Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst, and Lieutenant Colonel Ed Rankin, Commander of Colchester Garrison. The Revd Joe Roberts, Unit Chaplain to 1 Anglian and 1 Military Working Dogs, delivered the sermon, offering a thoughtful reflection on sacrifice and remembrance.
The Mayor of Chelmsford, the High Sheriff of Essex, veterans, families, and many from across the county attended as the congregation gathered to honour those who have lost their lives in conflict.
The Evensong concluded with the solemn sound of The Last Post echoing under the installation, followed by the National Anthem.
Remembrance Sunday Observances
On Remembrance Sunday, acts of commemoration continued with the City’s Remembrance Service at the War Memorial in Chelmsford. The service was led by the Dean with members of the Cathedral Choristers in attendance. They joined military organisations, civic leaders and the public in a moment of silence and wreath-laying to remember the fallen.
Later that afternoon, the Cathedral choir held a Sung Requiem Mass, featuring Duruflé’s Requiem. This Eucharist provided a moving space for reflection, with the rich choral music offering deep comfort and hope as the prayers of remembrance continued.
Finally on Tuesday 11 November the Cathedral conducted an Act of Remembrance service, led by the Revd Canon Joseph Fernandes, which included the observance of a two-minute silence at 11:00am.
