IT is THE GLORY of St Paul's that it can embrace all the grandeur of national occasion and all the simplicity and friendliness of a parish service. The RNLI could have had no happier setting for its 150th anniversary service of thanksgiving and dedication than this great Cathedral, to which we turn alike in times of rejoicing and sorrow.

The story of the RNLI began when, on March 4, 1824, Dr Manners Sutton, Archbishop of Canterbury, presided at a meeting at the City of London Tavern at which it was resolved to form the body known today as the Royal National Life-boat Institution. At noon on March 4, 1974, 150 years later and just a short distance away, in a great interdominational congregation of lifeboat people, Dr Michael Ramsey, Archbishop of Canterbury, spoke of theChrist-likeness of the lifeboat service, demanding as it does courage, selfforgetfulness and care for the individual.

Rabbi Dr Leslie Edgar read the first lesson, and the Moderator of the Free Church Council was present, as also would have been Cardinal Heenan had he not been prevented by ill health.

When the Dean and Chapter, with the Bishop of London and the Archbishop of Canterbury, conducted Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother and the Duke and Duchess of Kent to their seats under the dome, it was up a nave flanked with lifeboatmen in their blue jerseys. Representatives from crews, branches and guilds had come from all over the country; medal-holder and flag-seller came together to give thanks for the past and look to the future.

Music of organ and Royal Marine Band added splendour to a colourful occasion, ending on a fine triumphant note with an organ voluntary 'Away, lifeboat' written for this service by Michael Kidd.

Following the service, Captain Nigel Dixon, RN, the Director, received the following message: 'I am commanded by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother to write and let you know what a great joy it was to HerMajesty to be present at such a moving and historical occasion.

The Queen Mother thought it a really beautiful service, which indeed in itself paid tribute to the dedicated and selfless duty carried out over the past 150 years by members of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

Queen Elizabeth bids me send you all an expression of her warmest good wishes for the years ahead.'.