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1992

9.20pm April 10th - an IRA bomb explodes outside the Baltic Exchange in St Mary Axe, about 60 yards from the East end of St Helen's Church, killing three people. All the glass windows of St Helen's are shattered, the roof lifted and the East end window of the Nuns' Choir is completely blown in. The organ is badly damaged, together with the tomb of Sir Julius Caesar Adelmare.

1993

April 20th - a second bomb explodes in Bishopsgate, causing further destruction in the building.

The enormous damage presents a considerable challenge to the Rector and Church Wardens, but the destruction also gives an opportunity to re-order the beautiful ancient building.

Quinlan Terry, the architect, plans to restore the floor to its original medieval level which also makes it possible to put in under-floor heating.

Modern lighting and public address systems are also installed. A new gallery runs the full width of the West end and the organ is back in its original position.

In the Bible, Joseph says to the brothers who sold him into slavery "you intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" (Genesis chapter 50 verse 20). The bomb damage is repaired and the church building becomes a more flexible open space, lighter than ever before, and yet retaining all its ancient grandeur.

We rejoice to use this glorious place to bear witness to Jesus Christ in the City of London.