Other services
‘The Annual Service of the Company takes place at St James Garlickhythe on the first Thursday after Michaelmas. The Master, Wardens, Court of Assistants, Honorary Chaplain and the Clerk, all led by the Beadle, process to it through the City streets’
St James Garlickhythe is honoured to be considered the church of a number of Worshipful Livery Companies of the City of London.
The livery movement grew out of the medieval trade guilds that operated in the City, acting simultaneously as trades union, chambers of commerce, and cartel. Each guild had a strong connection with a particular church: for instance, the Vinters – wine traders – worshipped at St Martin’s church (now an office block on the junction of Queen Street and Upper Thames Street), because St Martin of Tours is the patron saint of wine-makers.
These connections have continued down to this day, and St James, along with St Michael Paternoster Royal, is ‘home’ to around twenty livery companies which, today, generate millions in charitable giving.
Each year, companies will hold services for the installation of the new Master, and many celebrate Christmas Carol services, too.
St James is proud and grateful for these strong links.
Below you will find links to all the livery companies associated with our parish.
We are also proud to be church of the Intelligence Corps who have had a long association with our parish. The HMS Illustrious Association also have an annual service at St James.
If you’re a local business, why not talk to us about holding a carol service? An increasing number now do so.
