The Bishop of London has preached at a festival evensong at St Giles’ Cripplegate to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the unification of the parishes of St Giles Cripplegate and St Luke’s Old Street.

The evensong was part of programme of events marking the anniversary of the coming together of both parishes after a period of 233 years. The congregation had to leave St Luke’s in 1959 because the church was suffering from subsidence. A photo of their arriving at the newly restored St Giles’ is captioned ‘Opening of St Luke’s at St Giles’.’

One of those taking part in evensong was 94 year old Mollie Munn, who as the remaining member of St Luke’s, did one of the readings. The professional choir was joined by members of the Festival Choir and City of London Brass Band played during the reception afterwards.

There will be a community celebration on 26 September involving LSO community choir and choirs from City of London School for Girls, starting with music making at LSO St Luke’s and concluding with music at St Giles’.

Katharine Rumens, Rector of St Giles’ Cripplegate with St Luke’s Old Street, said of the celebrations “We were really pleased to be able to welcome the Bishop of London as the preacher and to celebrate the occasion with so many of our neighbours and friends.”