Independence Day celebration at London church

Revd John A D'Elia, Senior Pastor at the American Church in London, preaching at a special Independence Day service

A London church has joined in Fourth of July celebrations with a special American Independence Day service.

The service at St Margaret Pattens Church, in Eastcheap, was led and organised by priest-in-charge the Reverend Hugh Thomas.

The church's proximity to the financial district means it has historically enjoyed an internationally diverse congregation, including many Americans.

The celebration was attended by Americans living in the capital and was organised to give them an opportunity to celebrate their nation's history together with other members of the church.

The US-themed service was joined by the Reverend John A D'Elia, Senior Pastor at the American Church in London, who preached the sermon and read a section from Martin Luther King's Nobel Lecture from 1964.

St Margaret Pattens Choir, made up primarily of London's city workers, performed songs written by American composer Aaron Copland.

Reverend Thomas said: "Today was a good opportunity to celebrate the special relationship and our shared Christian heritage."

The original St Margaret's is believed to have been founded in 1067 and is dedicated to Saint Margaret of Antioch. the church today was designed by Christopher Wren in 1687 and is a Grade I listed. The church is notable for its 200-ft high spire, which is Wren's third highest and the only spire which he designed in a medieval style.

News
Fire severely damages historic Amsterdam church on New Year’s Day
Fire severely damages historic Amsterdam church on New Year’s Day

A major fire tore through one of Amsterdam’s best-known historic buildings in the early hours of New Year’s Day, seriously damaging the property and forcing people to leave nearby homes.

Rwanda’s president on the defensive over church closures
Rwanda’s president on the defensive over church closures

Rwandan President Paul Kagame defended the government's forced closure of Evangelical churches, accusing them of being a “den of bandits” led by deceptive relics of colonialism. 

We are the story still being written
We are the story still being written

The story of Christ continues in the lives of those who take up His calling.

Christians harassed, attacked all over India at Christmas
Christians harassed, attacked all over India at Christmas

International Christian Concern reported more than 80 incidents in India, some of them violent, over Christmas.