St. Lawrence Jewry has long standing connections with several overseas organisations, societies, and clubs, including:
The New Zealand Society (UK)
St. Lawrence Jewry has been the spiritual home of the New Zealand Society since 1931 when the vicar of the time (the Revd Walter Besley) invited the New Zealand community in London to make use of the church for their special services. The inaugural 'New Zealand Day' (now known as Waitangi Day) Service was held at St Lawrence Jewry on 8th February 1933.
Founded in 1927, the New Zealand Society UK is a non-profit, voluntary society that aims to connect and support New Zealanders in the United Kingdom (and those in the UK who have an interest in New Zealand) through social gatherings, events and financial support for Kiwi businesses and cultural groups.
The initial aims of the Society were to celebrate what it meant to be a New Zealander in England, and to promote trade between the two countries. The New Zealand Society hosts a varied calendar of events each year in recognition of important dates for the NZ community within the UK. The commemorative annual Waitangi Day church service is held at St Lawrence Jewry.
Further information about the New Zealand Society can be found on their website: https://www.nzsociety.co.uk/
Bermuda
St. Lawrence Jewry first became connected with the UK Overseas Territory of Bermuda when, in February 1959, the church hosted a commemorative service as part of the celebrations of the 350th Anniversary of the founding of Bermuda as Britain's oldest self-governing Overseas Territory in 1609. The Bermudian flag hangs proudly in the Commonwealth Chapel, alongside a lectern which commemorates that special service. We are pleased to retain a connection with the Bermudian Government Representative based in London and the wider community of UK Overseas Territories.