A moving commemoration service took place at Shrewsbury Abbey, The Abbey Church of St. Peter and St. Paul  in the parish of The  Holy Cross, commemorating the outbreak of the the First World War. The High Sheriff and his wife, along with the Lord-Lieutenantand and The Hon Lady Heber-Percy, the Mayors of Shrewsbury and Telford and local MPs Daniel Kawczynski and Owen Paterson amongst many others were in attendance.

The Rev Paul Firmin, the Vicar of the Parish of the Holy Cross led the Service. The Chairman of Shropshire Council read a fascinating and detailed description of activities and life in Shropshire during World War 1. Lessons were read by Major General J Crackett TD and Group Captain A P T Smith MA RAF whilst The Right Reverend Mark Rylands, the Bishop of Shrewsbury captivated the congregation with an engaging homily on how Christianity embraced those involved in the war.

A prayer to mark the Centenary of the beginning of World War 1 was given by Sir Algernon Heber-Percy KCVO, the Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire and a blessing by The Right Reverend Alistair Magowan, the Bishop of Ludlow. The service was complemented by the choir, led by Mr Duncan Boutwood, singing a number of evocative hymns, anthems and psalms.