Can't join us in London? Watch the celebration onlineOur Songs of Praise service on 21 October will be livestreamed on YouTubePrayers, praise, videos from our friends in India - and a beautiful hymn recording by the children's choir in Kalimpong... If you were lucky enough to make it to our 125th birthday service in London, you'll know what a special event it turned out to be.
Friends, sponsors and supporters gathered at St Columba's Church in Knightsbridge - and around the world via a livestream on YouTube - to give thanks for 125 years of love and dedication that has touched countless lives and raised thousands out of poverty.
All thanks to the vision of a young couple called John and Katherine Graham, who arrived in the Himalayas 13 decades ago, "saw the need", and created a home-from-home that continues to serve and support vulnerable children today.
As GO alumni Chair Tensing Norsang put it in his talk at the service: "Today, as we celebrate 125 years of history, we celebrate 125 years of love in action." Amen to that! Here are some more more highlights from a fantastic day...
St Columba's Church in Knightsbridge, London
A venue that Dr Graham loved
St Columba's Church has strong links to Dr Graham's Homes. It provided furnishings for the Katherine Graham Memorial chapel on the school campus, and even shared the same architect (H.L. Anderson, who designed the DGH chapel). Dr Graham also worshipped here during his London visits, including a notable visit in April 1931 when he was 70 and about to become Moderator of the Church of Scotland. He was so committed to preaching that he'd arranged to fly from Paris if needed - remarkable for the time!
Encouragements from our friends in India
There were some lovely speeches by Dr Bernard Lyngdoh, President and Chair of the DGH Board of Management, and Tensing Norsang, Chair of GO (the Dr Graham’s Homes' alumni association), via recorded videos.
Bernard began with the words of Dr Graham: “I sought to build not just an institution but a family bound by love, uplifted by learning and united by purpose”. The thread running through his message was one of God’s power and love, reminding us of how God has worked in miraculous ways over the past 125 years; with Him nothing is impossible. His message ended with a quote from one of Dr Grahams favourite hymns “Go forward Christian Soldiers beneath his banner true, the Lord himself thy leader shall all thy foes subdue.”
Keeping God ahead of us and maintaining the vision of Dr Graham, Bernard encouraged all of us to move forward in love and unity to make the school better in these current days.
Meanwhile, Tensing reminded us of the impact sponsors have had down the years: "Through wars, recessions and changing times you have stood firm, vital and steadfast, giving thousands of children the chance to dream and to learn."
Dr Bernard Lyngdoh, President and Chair of the DGH Board of Management
Tensing Norsang, Chair of GO (the Dr Graham’s Homes' alumni association)
Slides, donations… and cake!
Huge thanks to DGHUK trustees Amanda Grant and Esther Pears for helping to organise the service, and to fellow trustee Pat Lomax for taking many of the photos below. To the delight of all, Amanda also blessed us with a 125th birthday cake, topped with the "Quasquicentennial" logo that was designed by one of the Homes' pupils. Supporters were able to see photos from September's weeklong celebrations in Kalimpong, where hundreds of friends and alumni gathered to honour the Grahams' legacy. And we raised £1,237 in donations on the day, which will be put towards improved communications, IT equipment and intranet facilities at the school.
All in all, it was a wonderful occasion - and another reminder of how your support and generosity really is transforming futures and changing lives.
As Tensing explained, because of the sponsorships and donations "children have walked through the gates of Dr Graham’s Homes with hope in their hearts, and opportunity in their hands.
"You have given them not just education but dignity; not just shelter but belonging. And in doing so you have created ripples far beyond what you may ever see... You are part of our story, and part of our family, because of what you have started."
Could you help more children come to the Homes? 💙
Our sponsors are currently supporting more than 100 children at Dr Graham's Homes, and another 50 in further education across India. But we'd love to help more young people in need come to this amazing school. If you would be interested in joining our Sponsor a Child scheme, please get in touch with our Sponsorship Secretary and we’ll be delighted to give you all the details you need. Or you might like to make a one-off donation to make a difference to young lives in need.
👉 And to watch our recording of the service below, just scroll to the bottom of this page!
St Columba - where Dr Graham preached and worshipped
Revd John Webster - DGHUK Honorary Vice-President gives the blessing
We shared photos from the 125th celebrations in Kalimpong
Friends, supporters and trustees give thanks in song
The 125th birthday cake went down well
…The logo was designed by one of the DGH pupils
Can't join us in London? Watch the celebration onlineOur Songs of Praise service on 21 October will be livestreamed on YouTube
