Chichester Cathedral warmly invites you to a special American Thanksgiving Service on Thursday 27th November at 5.30pm. The service, lasting approximately 45 minutes, will be followed by a drinks reception. All are welcome, particularly members of the American community living in Sussex and anyone with an interest in Anglo-American heritage.
We are delighted that Revd Dr Mark W. Scarlata, Senior Lecturer in Old Testament at St Mellitus College and Vicar Chaplain of St Edward, King and Martyr, will be delivering the sermon.
This annual service has been introduced at the request of the Chichester Cathedral American Patrons, providing an opportunity to celebrate Thanksgiving in the unique setting of one of England’s most historic cathedrals.
The service also marks the Cathedral’s deepening engagement with the region’s rich transatlantic connections. Through recent research into Chichester’s Anglo-American heritage, a remarkable story has emerged involving key figures in American history. Thomas Paine, often called the father of the American Revolution, lived in Lewes, East Sussex, and was introduced to Benjamin Franklin by the third Duke of Richmond, whose Goodwood Estate lies just outside Chichester. The Duke, known as the ‘Radical Duke’ for his support of American independence, is a central figure in the mystery of the Sussex Declaration, the only ceremonial parchment copy of the American Declaration of Independence outside the U.S. National Archives.
Harvard University and the West Sussex Record Office, where the Sussex Declaration is held, have been collaborating to uncover the origins and significance of this extraordinary document, further enriching the shared story between our nations.
We hope you will join us for this reflective and celebratory occasion.
To register your interest and reserve seating in the Cathedral’s historic 12th century Quire please email: trustrsvp@chichestercathedral.org.uk