News and and events at St. Marys.

Unveiling of the 'Blue Plaque' to mark the sailing of the 'Mayflower' from Rotherhithe in 1620.

On Thanksgiving Day 25th November 2004 the unveiling of a new 'Blue Plaque' on the outside of St. Mary's church tower took place. Blue Plaques are found on many buildings in London, officially identifying them to passers by as places of special historic interest. The Rector, the Rev. Nick Richards, welcomed the gathering of parishioners and friends, and Mrs Grace Beesley, one of the Churchwardens, read a passage from St Paul's Letter to the Hebrews. The Hon. David T Johnson, Charge d'Affaires at the US Embassy London, read an extract from Bunyan's 'The Pilgrims Progress' and gave a thoughtful address. After a prayer of thanksgiving for the faith of the Pilgrims by the Rev. Dr Stephen Rettenmayer, Senior Minister of the American Church in London, the plaque was unveiled by a descendant of the Pilgrim Fathers, David L. Citron of the US Embassy. The Rt. Rev. John Broadhurst, Bishop of Fulham, spoke prayers of dedication and of blessing on the assembly. The National Anthems of the US and UK were played, and an organ recital was given in the church by Alan Phillips, the Organist of St. Mary's. The Church was open for all to view at the close of the ceremony, and refreshments were served in the church hall. The occasion was one to be lastingly remembered for its atmosphere of good will and happiness. KC.