Benefact Group celebrates support for good causes

Thursday, 9th June 2022

Benefact Group celebrates support for good causes

HRH The Prince of Wales attended a Service of Thanksgiving to mark over £100 million raised for good causes by the Benefact family in Westminster Abbey on Wednesday 8th June 2022.

The Benefact Group

The Benefact Group has a history dating from 1887 when its founders established Ecclesiastical, an insurance company which protects hundreds of churches, cathedrals, historic houses and heritage sites. Ecclesiastical Insurance is now part of the newly branded Benefact Group, whose charitable trust has made donations totalling more than £100 million to good causes in the UK and around the world.

About the service

The service was led by the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, who said in his Bidding:

‘We gather after long months of living with a pandemic and conscious of aggression and suffering in Ukraine. We meet to affirm a common commitment to find a better ground for common action and reassert our determination to offer support where it is needed and compassion wherever there is need. In the midst of great challenges, gaining confidence from past achievement, we look with hope to all that lies ahead, seeking grace and wisdom as we work together for God’s Kingdom.’

Flags of the Benefact Group and Benefact Trust were processed through the Abbey and placed by the High Altar.

Among those taking part in the service were representatives of organisations supported by the Benefact Group. Sally Randall, CEO of children’s cancer charity Abby’s Heroes, and broadcaster Jay Blades, ambassador for The Princes Foundation, gave testimonials. Historian and broadcaster Dr Anna Keay, Director of The Landmark Trust, read from Luke 10: 25-37.

There were performances by The Kingdom Choir, who sang Wonderful World; and Ffion Jolly and Jon Edgley Bond who performed John Ormond’s Cathedral Builders.

The Address was given by the Very Reverend Jane Hedges, Acting Dean of Canterbury.

Prayers were led by the Reverend Mark Birch, Minor Canon and Precentor.

The service was sung by the Westminster Abbey Special Service Choir, conducted by James O’Donnell, Organist and Master of the Choristers. The organ was played by Peter Holder, Sub-Organist.

Order of service

Order of Service - A Service of Thanksgiving to mark over £100 million raised for good causes by the Benefact family (PDF, 896KB)

 

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