Abbey welcomes new Lord Mayor of Westminster
Tuesday, 5th July 2022
Matins, attended in Civic State by the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Hamza Taouzzale, was held at Westminster Abbey on Sunday 3rd July 2022.
The annual service celebrates the historic links between the Abbey and the City of Westminster, and among the congregation were other Westminster councillors and representatives of civic organisations from across the City.
At 22, Cllr Taouzzale is the youngest person ever elected Lord Mayor of Westminster, and the first Muslim to hold the position. As Lord Mayor, he also serves as the Abbey’s Deputy High Steward for his term of office.
The Lord Mayor was welcomed to the Abbey by the Venerable Tricia Hillas, Canon in Residence, who also delivered the sermon on behalf of the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle.
The Lord Mayor read Genesis 17: 1-7; and Councillor Adam Hug, Leader, Westminster City Council, read James 3: 13-18.
Prayers were led by the Reverend Robert Latham, Sacrist, and the service was sung by the Choir of Westminster Abbey conducted by the Organist and Master of the Choristers, James O'Donnell.
Before the service, the Abbey’s Laetatus bell - which is inscribed with the words: 'May the city flourish: May Parliament flourish' - was rung.
Order of Service - Matins (591KB, PDF)
