Grimaldi Clowns' Church Service

The highlight of Clowns International's varied calendar is the Grimaldi Memorial Service held annually on the first Sunday in February at the Holy Trinity Church in East London.
The service is held to celebrate the birth of Joseph Grimaldi in 1778 - the father of modern clowning. Joseph Grimaldi was the most famous of the pantomime clowns, who made his first appearance in 1800, and such was his eminence that to this day clowns are called "Joeys" in his memory. Grimaldi also pioneered the next important element that a "Traditional" pantomime should have, the art of cross-dressing the Pantomime Dame. Despite his Italian name and heritage, Grimaldi was actually born in London in 1779. His style of clowning had its origins in the Italian commedia dell'arte of the sixteenth century.
The clowns started meeting annually for divine worship just after the war in 1946. These reunions began informally and initially took place at St James Church in central London, the connection being that Joseph Grimaldi was buried in the Churchyard. However, the Clowns transferred to their spiritual home, the Holy Trinity Church in the East end of London in 1959, and it is here that the occasion has grown to its present proportions. The Church even has Grimaldi Corner dedicated to his memory.
Clowns appear in full motley and slap, irrespective of religious convictions, for this very special Service, to which the public is warmly invited. The Reverend Rose Hudson-Wilkin precedes over the service, supported by the Clowns' Chaplain, Clown Roly; the reverend Roly Bain. Roly Bain was ordained a priest in the Church of England in 1978 but his interest and passion to become a clown never subsided. In 1982 he helped found Holy Fools, a loose-knit network committed to clowning in ministry and worship.
Aside from giving thanks to Grimaldi, the congregation also pay their respects to clowns who died in the last year and thank God for the gift of laughter. The atmosphere is uplifting; it is one of celebration and attracts clowns of all ages. Whilst the 'clown' may have been in decline over the last decade in their traditional appearances within circus and pantomime, they are seeing somewhat of a revival as children's party entertainers and even in a newfound role in laughter therapy at some hospitals. Certainly, the annual gathering for the Grimaldi service is one tradition that is set to stay.