Celebrating Windrush 75. A day to remember - a day I won't forget
As celebrations to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Windrush generation took place across the country at the end of June, Mark Greenwood, Elim's National Evangelist, recounts his experience at the National Windrush Anniversary service.
It was a hot day, but I stayed in my waistcoat for as long as I could, determined to look smart! We were told to arrive really early, and those I sat with in the magnificence of Southwark Cathedral were fanning themselves with anything they could find to try and stay cool. This remarkable building is often seen in the shadow of the two other London cathedrals, but not today.
Thursday 22 June 2023, at 2 pm, Southwark marked the 75th anniversary of the arrival of the MV Empire Windrush at Tilbury Docks. The ship had brought over 500 Caribbean men and women who responded to an invitation to help rebuild post-World War II Britain.
The service paid tribute to the Windrush Generation’s pivotal role in shaping the country’s cultural landscape, commemorating the struggle, honouring the contribution, and looking towards a flourishing future.
I was honoured to discover that Churches Together in England and Wales Group for Evangelisation, where I represent Elim, had been invited to attend this special service. Only when I arrived at Southwark was I aware of the enormity of the moment and the privilege of attending - the memory will stay with me.
Earlier that morning, my good friend Bishop Mike Royal (General Secretary of Churches Together in England) had been in St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, for a Service of Celebration attended by His Majesty King Charles. So he had to dash over to Southwark in the afternoon.
He later texted me saying, “As second generation Windrush, the Windrush 75 Service at Southwark Cathedral was a day to celebrate the achievements of a pioneering and resilient generation”.
I have to say that’s exactly what was celebrated through prayers, speeches, poetry, musical performances and worship which reverberated around the magnificent cathedral but, more importantly, reverberated around my heart, leaving a lasting imprint on my life.
National Windrush 75th Anniversary Service
Dionne Gravesande, Chair of the Windrush 75 planning committee, said: “This momentous occasion brings together diverse communities, faiths, and organisations in a spirit of collaboration and partnership. The service presents a unique opportunity for people of all backgrounds to unite, celebrate the Windrush generation’s profound contributions, and reaffirm our commitment to a shared society where all people can flourish.”
Watch the Service of Thanksgiving in Southwark Cathedral, celebrating the Windrush Generation's significant role in shaping Britain's cultural landscape.
Windrush 75
Thursday 22 June 2023 marked the 75th anniversary of the docking of MV Empire Windrush at Tilbury Docks in 1948. The ship brought hundreds of West Indian men, women and children, citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies, in response to the invitation to support post-WWII Britain.
Since arriving in the UK, between 1948 and 1971, the Windrush generation has made an immeasurable contribution to Britain’s socio-economic, political, and cultural landscape. The Windrush arrival symbolises the advent of modern, diverse Britain.
Mark Greenwood - Elim's National Evangelist
Mark, who has been a full-time evangelist since 1988, is an ordained Elim evangelist and also an associate evangelist with J.John, who has been a mentor to Mark. Known as an evangelist who presents the gospel humorously and engagingly, Mark loves equipping Christians to share their faith, and giving them resources to help. He is passionate about helping the local church build an evangelism culture that works and loves changing those outside the church's perception of Christianity.
Southwark Cathedral
The first church was built on the site around the year 606. First a convent, then a monastery, it became in 1106 the Augustinian Priory of St Mary Overie. With Westminster Abbey and St Bartholomew the Great in Smithfield, it is one of the three remaining great monastic churches of London. At the Reformation the Priory became a parish church and it remains so for the people of Bankside. In 1905, as south London was rapidly expanding, the church was consecrated as the cathedral for the new Diocese of Southwark.