Cathedral service marks anniversary of World War One

A late night vigil will be held at St Magnus Cathedral tomorrow, Monday, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War.

The special service will end at 11pm – the exact time Britain declared itself at war with Germany on August 4, 1914.

At that moment the last of 52 candles will be extinguished, leaving the cathedral in darkness before The Last Post is sounded.

“There will be one candle for each of the congregation members who lost their lives as a result of the war,” said the Rev Fraser Macnaughton, the cathedral minister, who will conduct the 30-minute service, which starts at 10.30pm.

“Their names can be found on a small memorial within the Cathedral where flowers will be laid as the candles gradually go out one by one. Remembering people from our community in this way brings an Orkney dimension to the service, which will be one of many taking place across the UK to mark the outbreak of the war.

“It will also reflect the sentiment expressed by a leading member of the Government on the eve of Britain’s declaration that the country was at war with Germany.”

Shortly before the ending of diplomatic efforts to avoid war, Britain’s then Foreign Secretary, Sir Edward Grey, remarked to a friend: “The lamps are going out all over Europe; we shall not see them lit again in our lifetime.”

Earlier in the day, a lunchtime meditation will be held at the cathedral from 1pm – an opportunity for reflection for those who may be unable to attend the late night service.

The order of service can be found here.