Services &
Ceremonies
Services
Our services at the Temple follow the Book of Common Prayer of the Church of England. The Book of Common Prayer reached its present form in 1662.
Most of our services are choral. We invite the congregation to join, of course, in singing the hymns, the Venite (at Mattins) and the Creed (at Communion). For the rest, we hope that you will enjoy the singing of the choir and the playing of the organ.
Such a service is an opportunity to bring our own cares quietly to God; and to set those cares within the vast, unfolding purposes of God, our Creator and Redeemer. We hear in these services of God’s unending love for his people and for his whole creation: in the story of the Old Testament and the songs of the psalms; in the story of Jesus himself; in the letters of the apostles; and in the hymns and creeds of the early church. So we learn, as a church and its members, to trust God’s care for ourselves and for those we love; and to entrust ourselves to the life that he calls us to live.
Please click here for forthcoming services
SUNDAYS IN TERM-TIME
8.30am Holy Communion (BCP said) Please note that entry to the Church for this service is via Tudor Street.
11.15am Choral Mattins (BCP)
Choral Communion (BCP) is sung on the second and last Sunday of the month.
Kindly note that no services are held in August and September.
WEEKDAYS IN TERM-TIME
Wednesday, 6.00pm
Choral Evensong
Thursday, 1.15pm–1.45pm
Holy Communion (BCP said)
Kindly note that the no services are held in August and September.
Please click here for forthcoming services
What’s On In Summary
| WedJul03 |
Church open for sightseeing
10:00 am–
4:00 pm
Choral Evensong
Sung by the Temple Singers
Organ Prelude: Air (Gerre Hancock)
This service will be live-streamed on the Church's YouTube Channel. |
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| ThuJul04 |
Church open for sightseeing
10:00 am–
4:00 pm
Holy Communion
This service will be live-streamed on the Church's YouTUbe Channel. |
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| FriJul05 |
Church open for sightseeing
10:00 am–
4:00 pm
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| SatJul06 |
Saturday Brunch Series: International Organ Proms
Saturday Brunch Organ Recital:Magne Draagen (St Michael's Hamburg)The first recital in this year's Saturday Brunch Series. These organ proms bring leading concert organists from across Europe to the Temple Church to perform on its famous organ. A special opportunity to step into the tranquility of the Temple at the weekend and experience this magnificent instrument in the hands of celebrated international recitalists not often heard in the UK. The distinguished musician Magne Draagen is organist of one of Northern Germany's most important baroque churches, St Michael's Hamburg. Magne makes his Temple debut with a beautifully crafted programme including works from his native Norway, as well as a number of show-stoppers: JS Bach (arr. Liszt): Introduction and Fugue from Cantata No 21 The performance lasts approximately 60 minutes (without interval). |
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| SunJul07 |
Holy Communion
Please enter the Temple via Tudor Street. This service will be live-streamed on the Church's YouTube Channel. Choral Mattins
Sung by the Temple Church Choir
Introit: We wait for thy loving kindness (Mckie)
This service will be live-streamed on the Church's YouTube Channel. |
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| MonJul08 |
Church open for sightseeing
10:00 am–
4:00 pm
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| TueJul09 |
Church open for sightseeing
10:00 am–
4:00 pm
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| WedJul10 |
Church open for sightseeing
10:00 am–
4:00 pm
Talk: The story of the Temple Church from the Knights Templar to the present day
Free as part of the entrance fee. Choral Evensong
Sung by the Temple Church Choir
Introit: Tu est Petrus (Durufle)
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| ThuJul11 |
Church open for sightseeing
10:00 am–
4:00 pm
Talk: The story of the Temple Church from the Knights Templar to the present day
Free as part of the entrance fee. |
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| FriJul12 |
Church open for sightseeing
10:00 am–
4:00 pm
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| SatJul13 | ||
| SunJul14 |
Choral Communion
Sung by the Temple Church Choir
Introit: Tu est Petrus (Durufle) |
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| MonJul15 |
Church open for sightseeing
10:00 am–
4:00 pm
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| TueJul16 |
Church open for sightseeing
10:00 am–
2:00 pm
Temple Music Foundation Concert: Come Ye Sons of Art
Temple Church ChoirTemple PlayersThomas Allery directorThe world-famous Temple Church Choir joins forces with leading period instrumentalists for an end of term gala, featuring favourite works by two giants of the European Baroque: Londoner Henry Purcell and the Venetian Antonio Vivaldi. The concert opens with Purcell's glorious ode Come Ye Sons of Art, with its sumptuous overture, ravishing aria 'Bid the Virtues' and joyful duet 'Sound the Trumpet'. After interval drinks in Church Court, the concert concludes with Vivaldi's much-moved Gloria. A delightful way to spend a summer's evening in this tranquil corner of London. Purcell: Come Ye Sons of Art The concert lasts approximately 90 minutes. |
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| WedJul17 |
Church open for sightseeing
10:00 am–
4:00 pm
Talk: The story of the Temple Church from the Knights Templar to the present day
Free as part of the entrance fee. Choral Evensong
Sung by the Temple Singers
Introit: Notre Père (Duruflé) |
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| ThuJul18 |
Church open for sightseeing
10:00 am–
4:00 pm
Talk: The story of the Temple Church from the Knights Templar to the present day
Free as part of the entrance fee. |
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| FriJul19 |
Church open for sightseeing
10:00 am–
4:00 pm
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| SatJul20 | ||
| SunJul21 |
Choral Communion, Baptism and Confirmation
Sung by the Temple Church Choir
Introit: Seek ye the Lord (Thalben Ball) |
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| MonJul22 |
Church open for sightseeing
10:00 am–
4:00 pm
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| TueJul23 |
Church open for sightseeing
10:00 am–
4:00 pm
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| WedJul24 |
Church open for sightseeing
10:00 am–
4:00 pm
Talk: The story of the Temple Church from the Knights Templar to the present day
Free as part of the entrance fee. Choral Evensong
Sung by the Temple Singers
Introit: lighten our darkness (L’estrange) |
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| ThuJul25 |
Church open for sightseeing
10:00 am–
4:00 pm
Talk: The story of the Temple Church from the Knights Templar to the present day
Free as part of the entrance fee. |
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| FriJul26 |
Church open for sightseeing
10:00 am–
4:00 pm
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| SatJul27 |
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| SunJul28 |
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| MonJul29 |
Church open for sightseeing
10:00 am–
4:00 pm
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| TueJul30 |
Church open for sightseeing
10:00 am–
4:00 pm
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| WedJul31 |
Church open for sightseeing
10:00 am–
4:00 pm
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| ThuAug01 |
Church open for sightseeing
10:00 am–
4:00 pm
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| FriAug02 |
Church open for sightseeing
10:00 am–
4:00 pm
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| SatAug03 |
Baptism & Confirmation
We are delighted that you are considering the Temple Church for your own or your child’s baptism or confirmation and hope that the following points will be helpful.
— Baptism and Confirmation at the Temple Church is available to all Benchers and members of the Inner and Middle Temple and their children, and to members of our regular congregation and their children.
— If you would like to discuss this further please contact Catherine de Satgé in the Church Office on 020 7353 8559 or catherine@templechurch.com
— We are glad that a good proportion of our baptism and confirmation families are able to return occasionally or regularly to the Temple Church and so become part of our community here.
Marriage
With this ring I thee wed;
with my body I thee honour;
and all my worldly goods with thee I share:
in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
You are likely to be visiting this part of the site because you have recently got engaged. If that is the case
— many congratulations to you both!
First things first: some administration
The Temple Church is a beautiful church for weddings. In case you are thinking of being married here, it may be helpful to outline the conditions that must be satisfied.
The Church does not have a licence for the celebration of weddings, and it is thanks to kind permission from the Archbishop of Canterbury that we can conduct them here. The Archbishop lays down clear conditions for the granting of the Special Licence that we require. For a couple to be married here,
it is necessary that:
i. either the bride or the groom is a member of Inner or of Middle Temple; or
ii. either the bride or the groom is a child of a member of Inner or of Middle Temple; or
iii. either the bride or the groom is a grandchild of a Bencher of Inner or of Middle Temple.
The Archbishop’s office is also very pleased to consider our applications on behalf of couples where:
iv. either the bride or the groom is employed by Chambers in the Temple or by Inner or Middle Temple; or
v. either the bride or the groom is a regular member of our congregation here
For further details, you may like to download the Wedding Guide and then to contact Catherine de Satgé in the Church Office on 020 7353 8559 or catherine@templechurch.com
We look forward to hearing from you.
Funeral & Thanksgiving
Go forth upon thy journey from this world, beloved soul: in the name of God the Father who created thee; in the name of Jesus Christ his only Son who hath redeemed thee; in the name of the Holy Spirit who gave thee life and giveth thee life still. Accompanied by angels and archangels and by all the company of heaven, may thy portion this day be in peace, and thy dwelling place the heavenly Jerusalem.
It is a privilege for us to conduct here the Funeral and/or the Thanksgiving Service for a member of one of the Inns or a member of our congregation.
If you would like our help, please contact Catherine de Satgé in the Church Office on 020 7353 8559 or catherine@templechurch.com. We realise that you will need to arrange the funeral, in particular, at short notice and at a most unsettled time.
You will probably be visiting this part of the site if you have yourself been recently bereaved; we are here to help, and hope that we can offer here the farewell and tribute that you are hoping for, for one you love. We will have you in our prayers and thoughts as we prepare the service with you.
