Portsmouth 100 Centenary Civic Service- 8 March 2026 - The Venerable Bob White

I never ceased to be surprised that after 40 years in ordained ministry there continue to be new experiences or situations, I find myself in. I can confidently say that I have never preached surrounded by so many special artefacts (and a security guard!).

As I looked at the various items being presented it reminded me of the corridor at the Lord Mayor’s Parlour and the mini museum that is there of the life and history of our city through special things. It also reminded me of the latest trend to have slideshows of the life of the deceased at Funerals at the Crematorium. My worry is always that people will get so caught up in the images (or in this case the items) that my words are unheard …

In many ways though these artefacts are like those images – what makes them important is not what they are in themselves, but the stories and memories they help us to recall. It is the relationships and the people that lie behind the photos and the love and friendship shared. Likewise it is the relationships and the people that these artefacts symbolise that we come to celebrate and give thanks for today as we mark the 100th anniversary of us as a city.

Each one of these items reminds us of a story or an event, of communities and aspects within our city life. As we pause to look back and recall our 100 years there are so many things we could reflect on and talk about – so many incidents and people that have influenced and shaped the life of our city. But behind and under them all is the nature (or spirit) of our city. The fans at Fratton Park help us to recognise what that might be; as does the way that we responded together during COVID; what marks our shared history is that

strong sense of community. That loyalty to one another and that desire to care for and support one another in times of need. Those who lived through World War 2 in the city will refer to that community spirit and resilience – and I glimpsed something of the same standing on the ramparts at Southsea Castle as the fleet left and then returned from the Falklands Conflict.

What we are marking today are not a collection of items, but the collective spirit and relationships they remind us of. The danger is that they lead us into a longing to return to the past, to hold us as we were in the ‘glory days’. But that is not the purpose of our celebration today. Some Faith Communities have a strong sense that to remember the past is to bring it into the present so it can help to shape who we are and lead us into the future. To be an inspiration and an encouragement to us as we continue to journey forward together.

Our readings from holy texts today encourage us to think about our city’s motto ‘heaven’s light, our guide’. They consider how God gives to us his slight to lead and inspire us and to draw us into his kingdom The final reading from the Book of Revelation shares a vision of that ternal city flooded with the light of God – where there is no darkness – and nourished and given life by the water flowing from the throne of God. It is that vision of the heavenly city – of heaven’s light – that we need to also look forward to and aspire to. Our life together needs to also seek to become that place filled with light, peace, respect and overflowing life.

The challenge of these artefacts and of this celebration is to look beyond the current struggles, to look beyond the divisions and arguments and the darkness of our world. They call us to recognise what we have that is precious and has carried us through the challenges and darkness of the past – our commitment to each other and our community spirit.

Our readings and city motto then also challenge us to see how shaped by those things we may continue on our journey to build communities without divisions, where all are cared for and respected and which enables us to be flooded with heaven’s light – which will continue to be our guide.