The foundation of the Gabriel Guild in Britain was laid in Dublin in 1950. In 1954 a group of enthusiastic collectors founded a Gabriel Guild in this country, from those early days the Guild has expanded and contracted and at present numbers about 40 members with some of them living overseas.
Our Guild is affiliated to the World Union of St. Gabriel and is interdenominational. Membership is open to all, no matter what denomination, creed or religion, who are interested in collecting postal material of religious interest. Even Buddhism comes within the scope of our members’ interest.
A group of Guild members hold meetings in London, usually on the third Saturday of February-June, October & November (please see our diary page) when members and invited guests give displays and talks. Provincial, overseas members and visitors are always welcome.
A Bulletin, aptly named GABRIEL, is issued quarterly to keep members informed of Guild activities. This also contains articles on various topics of interest, news, views and a new issue listing to inform members of what is becoming available in the way of religious stamps. We also have a quarterly postal auction.
The Guild’s Annual General Meeting, normally held in London, is the main event of the year. It is predominantly a social occasion at which the necessary business matters are included.
The logo of the Gabriel Guild is based on God’s Messenger, the Archangel Gabriel. In 1972, in Rome, Pope Paul VI, by papal brief, proclaimed Gabriel the patron saint of post and telecommunications, also of stamp collectors.
Further information on the Guild and Membership (Annual sub. £10.00) may be obtained from the Rev. Derek West (Secretary), telephone: 07957 158069.