The Queen’s service of commemoration and thanksgiving was held today (Sunday) at St John’s Parish Church, Wellington.

Over 100 people attended, including members of Wellington Town Council and the town Mayor.

Reverend Richard Kelley led the service, with a British Sign Language Interpreter present. The national anthem God Save the King was sung, welcoming King Charles III as monarch.

Rev Kelley said: “Today we come together to remember before God her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, to give thanks for her life, and to comfort one another in our grief.”

He spoke about key issues for our country including the cost of living crisis and global warming, highlighting the importance of these issues and hoping that King Charles III will continue his work in raising awareness in these areas.

Words of condolence were spoken and hymns sung in memory the late Queen Elizabeth II.

A great sense of loss was felt throughout the congregation.

Since the news of the death of the Queen, Wellington businesses and locals have been paying their respects with the laying of floral wreaths and card of condolence. The Church service marks the day before Queen Elizabeth’s state funeral and is seen as a way in which locals can pay tribute to her memory for her 70 years of loyal service.

Candles were lit next to the Queens photo in the church and carried through the centre isle as hymns were sung in honour of our late Queen.

A prayer was spoken for the Queen: “Eternal God, our heavenly father, we bless your holy name for all that you have given us in and through the life of your servant Queen Elizabeth.

“We give thanks: for her love of family and her gift of friendship; for her devotion to this nation and the nations of the Commonwealth; for her grace, dignity and courtesy; and for her generosity and love of life. We praise you for: the courage that she showed in testing times; the depth of her christian faith; and the witness she bore to it in word and deed.

“We pray for our Sovereign Lord the King and all the Royal family, that you might reassure them of your continuing love and lift them from the depths of grief into the peace and light of your presence. Amen.”