On Thursday 3rd November, 2016, at 11:30am a service of thanksgiving for the life of John Grieves was held at St Bride’s Church, Fleet Street. Download Order of Service (pdf)
The Revd Canon Dr Alison Joyce delivered the opening:
We are here to honour the memory and to celebrate the life of a man of immense energy and commitment who was single-minded in his dedication to his work. John Grieves was a man who really did make his mark; a man who got things done; an outstanding professional in his field. But John was also a man of great faith, who was tireless in his charitable work; and a much-loved husband, father, and grandfather.
As we remember him today, we give thanks for a man of charisma and strength of character; a man of enthusiasm, vision, and energy, who dedicated his life to Freshfields.
We remember, too, a man who loved travel; a man who adored rugby and cricket; a man who gave so much of his time and energy to charitable causes; a man who loved music and fine wine; and a man of profound Christian faith. We give thanks, too, for a much loved husband, father, and grandfather. And we remember a man with the most wonderful smile.
Let us pray.
Loving God, our refuge and our strength, As we gather today to give thanks for the life of your servant, John Grieves, whom we love but see no longer, we rejoice that he is now held safe in your presence, restored to fullness of life. Help us to know in our hearts that the day will come when we, too, may find life, and peace and perfect joy with him, enfolded in your love and grace for all eternity. In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen.
Address
Graham Nicholson
Readings
Jake Grieves read Psalm 15
15 Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?
2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.
3 He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.
4 In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the Lord. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.
5 He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.
Jonathan Ford read Fear no more the heat o’ the sun by Shakespeare
Fear no more the heat o’ the sun,
Nor the furious winter’s rages;
Thou thy worldly task hast done,
Home art gone, and ta’en thy wages:
Golden lads and girls all must,
As chimney-sweepers, come to dust.
Fear no more the frown o’ the great;
Thou art past the tyrant’s stroke;
Care no more to clothe and eat;
To thee the reed is as the oak:
The scepter, learning, physic, must
All follow this, and come to dust.
Fear no more the lightning flash,
Nor the all-dreaded thunder stone;
Fear not slander, censure rash;
Thou hast finished joy and moan:
All lovers young, all lovers must
Consign to thee, and come to dust.
No exorciser harm thee!
Nor no witchcraft charm thee!
Ghost unlaid forbear thee!
Nothing ill come near thee!
Quiet consummation have;
And renownèd be thy grave!
Tim Jones read Excerpt from Very Good, Jeeves by P G Wodehouse
Music
The choir & organist of St Bride’s performed the following anthems and songs:
Psalm 121 – Howells
Ave verum – Elgar
Jubilate in C – Britten
Swing low, sweet chariot – trad. arr. Jones
Gloria in excelsis Deo from Gloria – Vivaldi (accompanied by The Academy of Ancient Music)
Trumpet Voluntary – Jeremiah Clarke (performed by David Blackadder)
