Sunday 12th February 3.00 pm. - The Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire and guests from the County to Halifax Minster as Dr Ingrid Roscoe hosted a very special service to Launch the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Year in the County of West Yorkshire.

A specially commissioned anthem composed by Dr Simon Lindley was sung for the first time by choirs from Halifax Minster, The Minster Chamber Choir, Bradford Cathedral and Leeds Parish Church.

Particular favourites were the Sikh Drummers, who opened the Service  and the Fanfare Trumpeters of the Royal Marines.

The preacher was The Bishop of Wakefield.

The Service was followed by a fireworks display from Beacon Hill.

The Service was reported by the Halifax Courier as follows: -

"Special service marks Queen's diamond jubilee

BELLS pealed, music played and praise rang out as the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee year was ushered in at Halifax Minster.

Religious leaders and dignitaries from across West Yorkshire joined hundreds of Royal well-wishers who packed into the pews for the start of the region’s celebrations in honour of Her Majesty’s 60-year reign.

Halifax town crier Les Cutts proclaimed the start of the interfaith service, followed by music from the fanfare trumpeters of the Royal Marines, Sikh drummers and a Muslim call to prayer.

Greeting the congregation, Hilary Barber, the Vicar of Halifax, said: “We are gathered to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of our Sovereign Lady, Queen Elizabeth the Second, to give thanks for 60 years of service to God, her country and the commonwealth.”

Hymns were sung and there were readings from Ingrid Roscoe, the Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Northern Broadsides actor Barrie Rutter and BBC Look North’s Harry Gration.

In his sermon, the Lord Bishop of Wakefield, Stephen Platten, said: “Our Queen has been a most extraordinary and remarkable exemplar of the subtle mediation of God’s grace, retaining always a proper reserve but never stinting in her energy for her nation and the commonwealth.”

Prayers were read by representatives from West Yorkshire’s Christian, Baha’i, Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and Sikh communities for Her Majesty’s long life, health and happiness.

The service finished with the national anthem before fireworks burst over Halifax for a spectacular finale."

Used by permission.

www.halifaxcourier.co.uk

Full text of Bishop Stephen's Sermon

If you would like to see a copy of the Order of Service click here.