Service of thanksgiving for 2013

On December 31, 2013, at 3.30pm the main churches in Londonderry staged a spiritual farewell to 2013, the inaugural UK City of Culture Year, with an emotive and spiritual Service of Thanksgiving.
By Olga Bradshaw
Published 3rd Jan 2014, 12:34 BST
St Eugene's Cathedral Choir and St Columb's Boys Choir. DER0114SL007 Photo: Stephen LatimerSt Eugene's Cathedral Choir and St Columb's Boys Choir. DER0114SL007 Photo: Stephen Latimer
St Eugene's Cathedral Choir and St Columb's Boys Choir. DER0114SL007 Photo: Stephen Latimer

As the sharp winter light faded in intensity through the beautiful stained glass, the combined choirs of St Eugene’s Cathedral and the Boy Choristers of St Columb’s Cathedral, led the congregation of many hundreds in the singing of hymns, bidding farewell to 2013.

In addition to readings and Christmas Carols, there were set pieces of secular music, prayer and reflections, as well as hauntingly dramatic traditional music.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Read more about the amazing service, the first of its kind, in the next issue of the Londonderry Sentinel, on sale on Wednesday, January 8.

Meanwhile, enjoy the attached slideshow by Olga Bradshaw of the participants, with pictures by photographer Stephen Latimer...