Funerals
Parish funerals take place either in St Giles’ or at a crematorium.
Practical arrangements are made by the undertaker who will manage all fees. A church service needs to be arranged in consultation with the Rector.
Practising Christians may wish for the funeral to be conducted in the context of the Eucharist, or to be a service of hymns, readings and prayers. The different orders of service can be found on the www.cofeanglican.org
Families need to be aware that it takes an hour to get to the nearest crematorium. We can advise you on the different arrangements you can make when a church service is followed by a private committal at the crematorium.
Music is arranged by the Director of Music. There is a professional choir of four voices.
We are happy for receptions after the service to be held at the back of the church.
There is a very popular service of the Commemoration of All Souls on the Sunday nearest 2 November at 16.00 in St Giles’. There is music and reading, prayers and the lighting of candles; the names of the dead are read out and silence kept. People find it very moving and beautiful and make a point of coming back each year.
Memorial services
Generally a memorial service takes place several weeks after the funeral. Sometimes a memorial service is referred to as a service of thanksgiving. Usually the deceased had a connection either with the church or this part of London.
The Rector and Director of Music are involved in the planning of the service.
The Columbarium
