Like many cathedrals, St Albans has a thriving Friends organization. In medieval times the abbott conferred membership of the Friends on those pilgrims whose gifts to the Abbey merited this high privilege. Today membership is open to all who wish to associate themselves in the work and worship of the Cathedral, or who wish to help maintain the ancient and beautiful fabric.
What do the Friends do?
The Fraternity is a registered charity (No: 253909) which aims 'to promote the dignity, uphold the traditions and extend the influence' of the Cathedral. A variety of social and fundraising events are organized for members. The profit from these, together with the subscription and other income, is used to support a variety of projects to maintain, enrich and beautify the Cathedral.
What projects have the Friends supported?
The friends have given over £220,000 towards projects, most of this in recent years. Some of these projects are clearly visible in the building (the glass west doors, for example), others not (new boilers and lighting). Some gifts are towards maintenance of the existing building (re-pointing the tower, repair of windows and drain pipes), others are for new additions (the Treasury). Some projects enhance and beautify the building and its worship (vestments and altar frontals), while some others do so in less obvious ways (repainting railings).
Why join the Friends?
The main benefit to members is the knowledge that they are joining a world-wide group of people who support the Cathedral and its work, both by prayer and financially. Members receive a biannual magazine (The Alban Link), are invited to some exclusive 'members only' events, and get reduced admission to other events organized by the Friends. Members can also apply for the preferential allocation of tickets for the popular Cathedral annual carol services.
The Fraternity of the Friends publishes a series of booklets and pamphlets about the Cathedral.
Over ninety churches all over the world are associated with the Fraternity of the Friends and are remembered in the Cathedral's daily prayers in the course of each month.
Associated Parishes - Monthly Prayer Cycle
How can you join the Friends?
Minimum annual subscription rates are modest (Individual £10, Joint £15, plus £5 for overseas members to cover the additional costs of postage etc.). Contact the Honorary Secretary of the Fraternity of Friends of Saint Albans Abbey at:
Telephone - +44 (0) 1727 860780
Mail: The Cathedral and Abbey Church of Saint Alban, ST ALBANS, Hertfordshire, AL1 1BY, United Kingdomor download and print the Membership Application form.
This form requires Acrobat Reader, which can be downloaded free.