The annual Michaelmas New Law Term Service returned on Monday, October 3rd 2022 at 10.15am after a two year break.
The service is held annually to mark the beginning of the new term but also to bless those who work in the legal profession and connected fields and those who come into contact with the justice system.
The service took place in St Michan’s Church.
The Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Revd. Dr Michael Jackson presided with the Archdeacon of Dublin, the Ven David Pierpoint.
The King’s Hospital School Chapel Choirs performed Fairest Lord Jesus and May the Peace of God be with you in beautiful harmonies, accompanied by Professor Dr Gerard Gillen and arranged and conducted by KH’s Director of Music, Ciarán Kelly.
The Law Society is based in our former school building at Blackhall Place and the tradition of the choir singing at the service for the opening of the law term goes back much further than that.
Due to the proximity of the school to the legal quarter of Dublin (Four Courts, King’s Inns etc.) The King’s Hospital School has a long history of having senior legal figures on its board of governors.
The King’s Hospital School Chapel Choir has been singing at the service for almost 100 years, dating back to the introduction of a robed school choir early in the headmastership of Canon J.J. Butler (1928-1961).
The address was given by the Bishop of Clogher, the Rt Revd Dr Ian Ellis and drew on the readings – First book of the Kings Ch 3: vs 4-15 and St Paul’s letter to the Romans Ch 13: vs 1-10.
The service traditionally takes place each year to mark the commencement of the new law term. The congregation included members of the Diplomatic Corps, Departments of State, and The Law Society.
Also in attendance were members of the Irish judiciary, including Mr Justice Donal O’Donnell Chief Justice, Ms Justice Marguerite Bolger The High Court, Ms Justice Eileen Roberts The High Court, representatives of An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces.
With thanks extended to the Headmaster, Mr Mark Ronan, the organist, Professor Dr Gerard Gillen, musical director, Mr Ciarán Kelly, and the choir of The King’s Hospital School, for their contribution to this service.
