On Friday, March 28th, the Livery companies of London assembled at St Paul’s Cathedral for the United Guilds Service to worship the saviour and redeemer of humankind, our Lord Christ Jesus. The Engineers’ company were well represented with our Master, Past Masters, Wardens, Clerk and Liverymen in attendance.

It was an impressive and moving ceremony conducted with wit and thought by the Dean of Southwark, who reminded us of the centrality of the Christian notion of covenant to a meaningful life. The choir was exemplary and showed the very best of the Anglican choral tradition in their singing. 

Our souls suitably nourished, thoughts turned to our stomachs, and the Painter-Stainers served up arancini, rack of lamb and trifle in pleasant surroundings. They are an agreeable lot, the Painters, and got each company there to shout out when their names were called. It’s fair to say we were in fine voice.

The ceremony is a touching and significant event that binds our company with its underpinning Christian faith through an act of collective worship. If you have the time next year, please participate; it’s worthy of your attention. The grub’s not bad, either.

Words by Liveryman Simon Jones

Sermon by Very Revd Dr Mark Oakley, Dean of Southwark Sermon UGS 2025