A Service of Inauguration for new Speaker's Chaplain

Tuesday, 12th October 2010

The ministry of The Reverend Rose Hudson-Wilkin as Chaplain to The Speaker of the House of Commons was inaugurated on Tuesday 12th October 2010 in St Margaret’s Church at a special service, which was attended by The Right Honourable John Bercow MP, Speaker of the House of Commons and the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Judith Warner.

The congregation included Members of Parliament, members of the House of Lords and senior officials of both Houses of Parliament, together with representatives of the parish of Holy Trinity Dalston and All Saints Haggerston, where The Reverend Rose Hudson-Wilkin is vicar, her husband, The Reverend Ken Wilkin, and members of their family.

The bidding was given by The Reverend Andrew Tremlett, Canon of Westminster and Rector of St Margaret’s Church. Amanda Wilkin, daughter, read Philippians 4: 4-9 and Mr Speaker read Matthew 22: 15-22. The Right Reverend and Right Honourable Dr Richard Chartres KCVO, Lord Bishop of London, preached the sermon.

The Speaker presented the Speaker’s Chaplain to the Dean of Westminster, The Very Reverend Dr John Hall, who inaugurated her ministry with prayer and blessing. In his charge, The Dean said:

Rose, you have been appointed to serve as Speaker’s Chaplain in the House of Commons; your duties are many and of high responsibility. You will conduct the prayers with which every parliamentary day commences, asking the blessing of almighty God on all the proceedings of the House. You will provide diligent and sensitive pastoral care for Members, their assistants, and for the Officers and other staff of the House. You will conduct worship and administer the sacraments and offices of the Church in the Chapel of St Mary Undercroft in the Palace of Westminster. You will be a friend and pastor to many.

Prayers were offered by The Reverend Michael Macey, Minor Canon of Westminster, Kate Emms, The Speaker’s Secretary, and Gwen Gutzmore, Churchwarden, Holy Trinity Dalston and All Saints’ Haggerston.

The Choir of St Margaret’s Church, conducted by Aidan Oliver, Director of Music, sang Psalm 67 and the Anthem, Let all the world in every corner sing, words by George Herbert (1593-1633), music by George Dyson (1883-1964).

The organ was played by James McVinnie, Assistant Organist, Westminster Abbey.

The Dean pronounced The Blessing.

In her role as Chaplain to The Speaker, The Reverend Rose Hudson-Wilkin will work closely with The Reverend Andrew Tremlett, Rector of St Margaret’s Church, which is known as the parish church of the House of Commons. She is also a Chaplain to Her Majesty The Queen and a Priest Vicar of Westminster Abbey.