As muffled bells tolled, Wokingham gathered once again to mourn Her Majesty.
On the eve of her funeral and just before a National minutes silence, St Paul’s in Reading Road was the host of a civic service, where the guest preacher was the Bishop of Reading, the Rt Revd Olivia Graham.
The Sunday evening service, normally an Evensong, was packed as parishioners welcomed guests including Wokingham MP Sir John Redwood, borough mayor Cllr Caroline Smith and town mayor Cllr Maria Gee.
Presiding over the service was the Revd Canon Richard Lamey.
After an anthem from the choir, a St Paul’s Junior School pupil led those assembled in prayer.
Sir John read a passage of Scripture, Isaiah 61:1-3, while Lucy Zeal, the high steward of Wokingham, read Revelation 21:1-7.
Other readings included poet laureate Simon Armitage’s Floral Tribute, and a verse from Winnie The Pooh, read by a young member of the church choir.
In her sermon, the Bishop of Reading, the art Revd Olivia Graham reflected on the Queen’s life and faith.
“This is a time of profound national and international sadness,” she said. “It has been said that there are two things that we cannot imagine. One is our own death. The other is the death of the Queen.
“I never imagined that I would be giving this address.”
She spoke of the Queen’s personal faith and how it impacted on her reign.
“She lived out the whole of her long life, carrying out the tasks she was anointed for, on the day of her coronation.
“To be a servant Queen serving her God and serving her people,” she said.
Later in her sermon, Bishop Olivia said: “Why did we need her? Why do we need a monarch in this day and age? Queen Elizabeth showed us why.
“She showed us that in an increasingly secular and multi faith society we need great common symbols of grace to hold us together to offer us an identity which is larger than our own tribe, or interest group or political persuasion and identity which is given to us which we haven’t had to invent.”
She concluded her 10-minute address by telling the congregation: “We are deeply, deeply grateful for a queen who has served us like no other. Her work is done.
“May she rest in peace.”
The last post was played by the town’s honorary bugler, Damon Eames from Saint Sebastian Wokingham Band.
After the minute’s silence, the service concluded with the national anthem, the words updated to reflect the ascension of King Charles III.
Hymns in the service included O Thou Who Camest From Above, The Lord’s My Shepherd, and All My Hope On God is Founded.
