The Church of England has released liturgical materials to mark the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World. A website dedicated to the anniversary has been created by the church’s press office highlighting activities surrounding the anniversary. Westminster Abbey will be holding a vigil on the night of August the 4th, 2014. Drawing upon Sir Edward Grey’s famous remark that “the lights are going out all over Europe”, Westminster Abbey will mark the centenary by moving from light into darkness, until one candle remains at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior, which will be extinguished at 11.00pm to mark the moment of the declaration of war. The Vigil will include music, scriptural readings, psalmody, poetry, and contemporary reflection (such as diary entries and letters) from 1914.

Readings, Prayers, Hymns, Art and Music
Word / PDF

An outline for a service around a First World War memorial
Word / PDF / Front Cover Colour / Front Cover B&W

Vigil Service for either the 3rd or the 4th August, 2014
Word / PDF / Front Cover Colour / Front Cover B&W

Propers for a Requiem Eucharist
Word / PDF / Front Cover Colour / Front Cover B&W