WE WILL remember them – those were the words which echoed out as we commemorated the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War.

Floral tribute produced by Denmead Flower Club

One hundred years after the beginning of the war that was supposed to end all wars, we remembered and thanked God for all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

And we prayed for a future where love would overcome hatred and peace would overcome war.

The First World War began at 11pm on 4 August 1914. In the four years of fighting there were over 37 million military and civilian casualties, ranking it among the deadliest conflicts in human history.

Churches across our diocese played their part in events to mark the 100th anniversary of the outbreak. There were special services and exhibitions and poppy seeds were scattered to create living memorials

And many churches held poignant candlelight vigils to remember all those who gave their lives so that we could be free.

One by one candles were extinguished until just one remained – to symbolise that through Jesus we have hope in even the darkest of times.

At Portsmouth Cathedral there was a civic solemn commemoration service, which involved readings and prayers followed by the scattering of poppy seeds around the First World War memorial outside.

The service was attended by civic leaders including Portsmouth Lord Mayor Steven Wylie, who read a prayer and the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire Dame Mary Fagan, who read from the Old Testament.

Bishop Christopher preached on the importance of remembering those who had died fighting for our freedom.

And he expressed deep regret of our failure to learn from these costly battles, resulting in wars still continuing to be fought to this day.

He said: “With all the commemorations that are taking place this year, it is too easy to lapse into accepting the inevitability of war, or, worse, into glorifying it.

“It is too easy to forget that behind every war lies the spectacular failure of human beings to communicate with one another in a way that leads to peace.”

He added: “As we take the time to remember, in love, those who died and those who suffered their loss, I pray that we may hear and heed their voices today.

“May we, in our various spheres of life and with our different gifts, be instrumental in shaping our society and our political processes, so that, for God’s sake, for our sake, for the sake of those we love, the next century may be one of dialogue, and deepening trust, and life.”

There was also a display of memorabilia from the First World War from the Cathedral’s own archives together with items loaned from the City Museum and members of the community.

It will remain on display until Sunday, September 14.

At All Saints Church, Denmead floral displays were displayed inside the church, including this detailed floral illustration of the First World War (pictured).

The intricate patchwork of 500 flowers depicts aspects of the war a century ago, from trench warfare to the nurses who cared for the injured soldiers. It was produced by Denmead Flower Club.

Also displayed in the church was memorabilia of people who served in the war.

There was also a service of commemoration, during which 23 crosses, one for each of the men from the village who died in the First World War - produced by families at Messy Church - were placed in a peace garden outside, also made by Messy Church families.

The service ended with prayers and the Last Post being played.

The vicar, the Rev Sandra Edwards, said: “Many relatives of those who died still live in the village and we felt it was important for them and also the younger members of the church to acknowledge the service and sacrifice of all from the village who were involved in the war.

“Many people expressed their gratitude for our efforts. They found it very moving and for some of the families who had relatives who had been killed, especially the younger members it was the first time that they had seen some of the memorabilia.”

At St Mary’s Church, Portchester more than 100 people took part in a parade led by the Sea Cadets band.

A service of commemoration in the church followed, which was attended by 260 people including war veterans, civic leaders and representatives, cadets and scouts.

There were hymns, prayers, readings from the Bible and poetry. It culminated in a poignant act of remembrance during which all 33 names on the church’s war memorial were read out.

And the church organ and brass ensemble directed by the church’s Director of Music, David Cain, played Elgar's 'Nimrod'. 

At St Faith’s Church, Havant 100 candles were lit by local dignitaries.

Poignant readings were delivered by civic leaders and clergy and after each one a candle was extinguished until the church was plunged into darkness.

Following a two-minute silence, a new light was lit symbolising the hope we have through Christ.

In Cowes there was a service of commemoration organised by Cowes Churches Together, which took place outside the Methodist church.

The Rev Amanda Collinson, priest in charge of St Faith’s, Cowes led the service which was attended by more than 50 people.

There were hymns, prayers and Biblical and secular readings including a passage from Sebastian Faulks’ Birdsong, Wilfred Owen’s poem ‘Dulce et Decorum Est’ and an extract from Harry Patch’s memoirs in ‘Last Post’.

Rev Collinson said: “The First World War claimed the lives of over 16 million people, involved over 100 countries from Africa, America, Australasia and Europe and had an impact on the lives of everyone in every town and village in this country.

“One hundred years later, we are all connected to the First World War, either through our own family history, or because of the way it changed the history of our communities. And that is why remembering matters.”

Congregations from All Saints, Catherington and St James, Clanfield joined for a service of commemoration at All Saints Church.

More than 90 people attended, including civic representatives. There were hymns, prayers and readings and a short video clip was played of Harry Patch, the last surviving serving soldier from World War I speaking about his experiences: “I didn’t want to kill anyone, why should I kill someone I had never met?”

The service included the reading of the 56 names listed on the roll of honour who gave their lives from Catherington, Clanfield and the surrounding area during the Great War.

As people left they were given packets of poppy seeds to sprinkle in their own gardens as an act of remembrance and children scattered seeds in the church garden too.

There was also an exhibition of photographs and other memorabilia in the church hall.

The commemoration was followed by a ‘celebration of life’ barbecue and thanksgiving for freedom.

The vicar, Canon Dr Gill Hill said: “I believe there are many reasons why we should remember.

“Remembrance is a vital part of who we are as human beings and our history is important because it teaches us valuable lessons about the consequences of certain actions in the past, this helps us form our present values and future decisions.

“But the most important reason is that we are not just commemorating an historical event but thinking about real people who lived in our locality - husbands, fathers, sons whose lives matter to their loved ones and we should not forget the sacrifice made by a whole generation.”

At St John’s Church, Locks Heath more than 100 people of all ages attended an act of commemoration during which 34 candles were lit in holders that had been produced by pupils from St John’s Primary School, one for each of the men from the community who died during the conflict. As the candles were lit, their names were read out.

The following day there was an exhibition of memorabilia and a candlelight vigil in the church.

Around 29 people attended the service, which was illuminated by the 34 candles lit the previous day.

The vicar, the Rev Charles Sugden, said: “Poems and prayers led by Rev John Maybury helped to bring together the paradox inherent in Jesus' suffering, with the futility and horror of war. 

“The reflection closed with a reminder of the power of Jesus' resurrection, making hope possible for the human race yesterday, today and forever.”

At Holy Trinity Church, Fareham there was a week-long exhibition called ‘Lost Sons of Fareham’.

Local photographer Innes Marlow exhibited his poignant images of war graves for the town’s ‘Lost Sons’.

Priest in Charge, the Rev Sally Davenport said: “Our community here in Fareham lost many sons to the four year conflict and this gave us the opportunity to pause and remember them.

“Our own Rector at the time, the Rev Charles Lowther Arnold, was among those who lost loved ones during the war, two of his three sons were killed during the war.”