2020 marks the 80th anniversary of the bombing of St James’s Church, Piccadilly during the Second World War. On the evening of 14th October 1940 a high explosive bomb landed in the courtyard, destroying the rectory, and incendiary bombs hit the church setting fire to the roof.
Mary Lambert, whose father was rector at the time, recounts the events of that night and her own memories of St James’s Church through the remainder of the war, as well as its eventual rebuilding and reopening. In this video, this story is vividly retold by Mary, together with historical footage and images. The adversities of that period, coupled with hard work, faithfulness and care, serve as an echo of our current times, and as an encouragement to attend to hope in our midst. | |