Royal Society celebrates 350th anniversary at St Paul's Cathedral

20 May 2010

On Wednesday 9^th June at 5pm, St Paul’s holds a special evensong in celebration of the 350^th anniversary of the Royal Society. All are welcome to attend.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams will preach and the Cathedral Choir will sing Edward Elgar’s Great is the Lord, a piece of music first performed for the 250^th anniversary of the Royal Society.

The Revd Dr Giles Fraser, Canon Chancellor of St Paul’s Cathedral said:

"We are delighted that The Royal Society is celebrating its 350th anniversary at St Paul’s and that the Archbishop of Canterbury is preaching at the service. Both science and religion are rooted in a deep sense of wonder at the universe and an insatiable curiosity about life itself. In an age where some can only see the tension between them, it is worth reflecting how much they have in common”

This special evensong also strengthens a historic connection between St Paul’s Cathedral and the Royal Society. The cathedral’s architect, Sir Christopher Wren, was one of the founding members of the Royal Society and the society was officially founded in 28^th November 1660, following a lecture by Wren, then Gresham Professor of Astronomy.

Between November 2009 and November 2010, the Royal Society will be celebrating its 350th anniversary, promoting a spirit of enquiry, excitement and engagement with science. The Society will be working with organizations across the country to raise the profile of science and bring scientific activities to new audiences. 

Find out more about the Royal Society's 350th Anniversary Year