Moderator's Reflections on Coronation Service

Wednesday June 5 2013

Coronation Service was 'wonderful privilege' says Moderator

The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland said it had been a 'wonderful privilege' to represent the Church at the thanksgiving service to mark the 60th anniversary of the Queen's coronation.

The Rt Rev Lorna Hood took part in the service at Westminster Abbey yesterday (Tues) with leaders of the main churches in Britain, including the Very Rev Dr  John Cairns, a former Moderator of the Church of Scotland and Dean of the Chapel Royal.

Reflecting on the experience, Mrs Hood said: "Unlike 60 years ago, the sun shone for the special 60th anniversary Coronation  Service at Westminster Abbey. It was a wonderful privilege to represent the Church of Scotland and be part of this spectacle of tradition and inspiring  music.

"There were so many images of colour and pageantry but one which remains with me is of a small group including a lollipop lady and two youngsters carrying the flask of anointing oil along the aisle of Westminister Abbey to be laid on the Altar beside St Edward's Crown.

"The other, of course, was the beautiful poem specially written by the Glasgow-born Poet Laureate, Carol Ann Duffy, entitled 'The Crown'.

"The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev Justin Welby based his sermon on the ritual actions of the coronation service, when the Queen pledged obedience to God, and others pledged their allegiance to her."

Mrs Hood added: "It was more than worth getting up at 4am so that I could catch a flight from Belfast!"

Post Tags: moderator, lorna hood, coronation

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