Queen Anne's School Celebrates It's 125th Anniversary with a Service at Westminster Abbey

On Friday 25 October, the community of Queen Anne’s School came together to celebrate the school’s biennial Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey. This year’s service was particularly special, as it celebrated 125 years since the founding of Queen Anne’s School.

Before the service began, the congregation were treated to some musical pieces, of Church Bells Beyond the Stars by Cecilia McDowall, Folk Song by Percy Whitlock, Meditation on Brother James’ Air by Harold Darke and Rorate caeli from 12 Chorales on Georgian Themes by Jeanne Demessieux.

The service officially began with the procession, led by crucifer and Deputy Head Girl Isobel S (U6) and acolytes Amelie C (U5) and Frankie W (4). This was followed by a hymn sung by the whole congregation, and a welcome from the Reverend Dr James Hawkey, Canon in Residence.

Dr James Hawkey spent three years as Dean and Director of Studies in Theology at Clare College, Cambridge, and was appointed a Chaplain to Her Majesty the Queen in October last year. He spoke the bidding and lead the congregation in prayer.

The Foundation Chalice, a Victorian silver chalice gifted to Grey Coat Hospital, was carried to the High Altar by Deputy Head Girl Kerry F (U6), and the school flag carried by Deputy Head Girl Daria Mihaila (U6). They were accompanied by L5 student Bel B and 4s student Ella W.

Amy M (U6), Head of Michell House read the first reading of the service from the Great Lectern, and the Reverend Rachel Ross Smith, School Chaplain followed with a prayer. Senior Deputy Head Mark Richards then spoke the second reading from the Nave Pulpit.

The Queen Anne’s community were then treated to a world exclusive – the first performance of a piece written especially for the School by leading female composer Debbie Wiseman. This piece was inspired by Psalm 127, which is inscribed over the admissions entrance of the School building. This special piece touched many, and will be cherished by the School.

Headmistress of Queen Anne’s School, Julia Harrington, then read from the Great Lectern. As she read the parable of the sower from St Matthew, the reading was accompanied by a group of our talented dancers in the Lantern: Shali B (U6), Cristina F (U6), Marjolein H (U6), Niamh M (L6), Liv D (L6), Sophie B (U5), Ruby H (U5), Daisy S (U5) and Aimee L (U5).

After another hymn, the congregation was addressed by the Reverend Mark Birch, Minor Canon and Sacrist of Westminster, and School Governor.
Reverend Birch’s address echoed the values of Queen Anne’s School, as he spoke about the changing world and the importance of educating and empowering young women. He revealed just how progressive the Grey Coat Hospital Foundation were to open a girls’ school, providing an education to women that was equal to that of men, when 125 years ago women still did not have the right to vote. Reverend Birch also looked forward to the future, with the hope and excitement that, with the ‘good foundation soil’ that the School provides, Queen Anne’s girls will go on to achieve great things.

One former Queen Anne’s girl who has indeed gone on to achieve great things is Gabrielle Woodward, who achieved a first in Music from the University of Oxford. Following Reverend Mark Birch’s address, Gabrielle conducted a world premiere of her piece ‘The Anthem’ from St Matthew. It was a magical moment to have a Queen Anne’s Alumna leading current students in an exclusive musical performance.

As the service came to a close, School Chaplain Reverend Rachel Ross Smith let the congregation in prayer. Prayers were read by Head Girls Hazelle M and Millie B (U6), Chapel and Community Prefects Perdy D and Monica X (U6), and Queen Anne’s staff Mrs Bryant, Deputy Head of Pastoral, and Mrs Little, Deputy Head of Teaching and Learning.

As the prayers were spoken, L6 student and talented violinist Maya performed Allemande in D minor BWV 1004 by Johann Sebastian Bach, providing a peaceful and reflective atmosphere throughout the Abbey.

After one final hymn, U4 student Ella B read the sentence, and The Canon in Residence gave the final blessing to the congregation.

Following the service, members of the congregation were handed a Queen Anne’s Gingerbread as they exited the Abbey. The significance of the gingerbread dates back to the school’s links with Westminster and the Grey Coat Hospital, first being handed out after services in 1698.

As our students set off on their half-term break, they did so with a feeling of pride of their school, and of confidence as their future as young women in the ever-changing world.