Lord Richard Chartres, the former Bishop of London, was the guest preacher at a special service of commemoration on Sunday, October 29, as the Anglican community of Monaco continues to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the laying of the Church’s foundation stone.

On that occasion, on February 27, 1923, it was the Duke of Connaught, the last surviving son of Queen Victoria, who ceremoniously laid the stone marking the start of building work on St. Paul’s Church after several years of planning and the granting of permission by the Principality.

A military man, the Duke knew the Riviera well. He was instrumental in establishing the Anglican Chaplaincy of St. Michael’s in Beaulieu-sur-mer, like Monaco a popular destination for British residents on the Riviera.

In his inspiring and spirited sermon on Sunday in front of a sizeable congregation, Lord Chartres spoke of the commitment and devotion of all those whose efforts a century ago led to the consecration of the Church on ave Grande Bretagne that serves today as the focal point for Anglican worship in the Principality and neighbouring towns.

Following the service, during the serving of refreshments in the Church Library, Lord Chartres handed over a copy of the Book of Common Prayer, as used at St. Paul’s, to the Reverend Hugh Bearn, the incumbent Chaplain.

MAIN PHOTO: Father Bearn, Eric Blair, Honorary British Consul in Monaco, Peter Coleridge, Churchwarden, Lord Chartres, Hope Swales, President of the St. Paul’s Church Council, and Russell Crump, Churchwarden (PG), centre, Lord Chartres delivers his sermon, below, Lord Chartres gives a copy of the Book of Common Prayer to Rev. Hugh Bearn for safekeeping both photos Ian Brodie

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