Confirmation

On Sunday 29th January, Max Lawson (S), Michael Robbins (V), Sam Inman (W), Harry Briggs-Reeve (D), Edward Hughes (B), Rosanna Holmes (B), and Jonathan Whitby-Smith (P) were confirmed in Chapel by the Bishop of Guildford, the Rt Revd Christopher Hill, before a congregation of about 130, of whom some 110 received Holy Communion. Chamber Choir sang Harold Darke’s Communion Setting in F and William Byrd’s ‘Ave Verum Corpus’. Rosanna Holmes read the Old Testament Lesson, and Harry Briggs-Reeve led the Intercessions. This was the Bishop’s first visit to Charterhouse, and he introduced some changes into the liturgy. After the Profession of Faith at the font, he splashed copious quantities of water over the candidates – probably more than was used when they were baptized as infants, and undoubtedly memorable! The Bishop certainly appeared to be having fun. He also had the candidates stand in a semi-circle in front of the altar rail for the most solemn part of the service as he performed the anointing and laying-on-of-hands for each. After the dismissal he led the candidates, all carrying lighted candles, down the entire length of the aisle to be seen by family and friends. After the service there was a reception in Hall for the candidates, their family and friends, giving them opportunity to meet the Bishop.

Stephan Harker