Mothers’ Union members across the Diocese of Winchester have been celebrating the organisation’s 150th anniversary with special services, bellringing tributes and community events.
Set up by Mary Sumner in 1876, Mothers’ Union now has around 4 million members in more than 80 countries. Its work continues to focus on tackling poverty, injustice and violence, supporting family life and improving the lives of others through faith and action.
This includes initiatives such as days out and treats for families, parent and toddler groups, marriage support, community cafes and campaigns. Here are some of the ways the anniversary was marked across the Diocese of Winchester…
St Saviour’s Church, Brockenhurst
A garden of blue and yellow flowers, the colours of Mothers’ Union, was created at St Saviour’s. More than 500 knitted and crocheted flowers were ‘planted’ outside the church and a further 140 flowers, made by women at a local care home, were displayed on a wooden cross inside.
A special service was held to remember and give thanks for Mary Sumner and to celebrate all that Mothers’ Union has achieved over the past 150 years.
Branch co-ordinator Lesley Munt said, “The fact that it grew from such small seeds and is now a worldwide organisation is amazing. 150 years ago, women weren’t allowed or expected to do many things, so for her to have had that vision and taken it forward, was amazing.”
The service was led by Mothers’ Union member Revd Canon Diane Webster, a retired priest from Brockenhurst, who has been a member of Mothers’ Union for around 54 years.
She said, “At the heart of Mothers’ Union is the Christian faith which is important to me. It is also about family life, which is important in my own life, giving thanks for my marriage and family. Through Mothers’ Union we try to offer those same opportunities and support to others around the world,
“Projects such as literacy programmes can help women get on their feet and have greater opportunities in countries, where they may not have the same status or opportunities that we have here.”
There has been a Mothers’ Union at Brockenhurst Church for more than 40 years, and members from branches from across the deanery also joined the celebrations.
Revd Simon Newham, vicar of Brockenhurst, has been a member of Mothers’ Union for 25 years. He said, “It’s wonderful to celebrate a movement within the Anglican Church that’s done incredible work around the world. I joined because I saw the amazing work of Mothers’ Union – working in prisons, supporting families and new-born children, providing holidays for people who otherwise couldn’t afford one.
“I have also travelled abroad with the diocese and have seen first-hand the amazing work of Mothers’ Union in West Africa, supporting health, education and helping transform communities. It’s a fantastic organisation to be part of, to support and encourage.”
The service was followed by a tea and special anniversary cake, giving members and visitors the opportunity to chat, share stories and celebrate together.
St Mary’s, Old Alresford
The anniversary had a particularly special significance in Old Alresford. It was here Mary Sumner, wife of the rector, founded Mothers’ Union with a vision to support families, campaign for a fairer world, and give women opportunities to put their faith into action.
Mary Sumner Day is marked here each August. The bells of St Mary’s Church rang out in a special tribute, while Bishop Kelly, Mothers’ Union Bishop Ambassador, joined an anniversary service.
Sue Murphy, President of Mothers’ Union in the Diocese of Winchester, said, “A lot of people don’t know about Mary Sumner, so it’s important that we remember her story and help people understand what she achieved and what Mothers’ Union continues to do today. We make a difference to people who face difficult circumstances, helping them to know that they are not forgotten and that there are people who care about them.
“I know our members really appreciated having a chance to celebrate who we are, what we do, what we have achieved and what we hope to do in the future.”
Winchester Cathedral
The anniversary celebrations continued at Winchester Cathedral, where flowers were laid at Mary Sumner’s grave by Bishop Kelly and Sue Murphy.
The cathedral bells also rang out in her honour as 25 bell ringers from across the Winchester District came together. An all-female band rang all 14 of the cathedral’s bells in celebration of Mary Sumner’s legacy.
Watch the bellringing tribute:
This was followed by a choral evensong, with Mothers’ Union branches from across the diocese represented and their branch banners displayed in the nave.
In her sermon, Bishop Kelly reflected on the prophets and people throughout history who have answered God’s call despite the challenges they faced.
She said, “We know the story of grace and transformation because of people who saw a need, heard a call and responded.
“I am in awe of the social reformers of the Victorian era, especially the women, who did not assume that the needs of their age or the call of God, were solely for others to respond to. So much of society was structured to constrain them, to limit their participation and to quieten their voices.
“Mary Sumner was living in an age when her rights and privileges took second place to those of men, yet she decided that something was required of her. It was a radical act across the class divide to effect change, social reform and kingdom business. She was a woman willing to say, ‘here am I send me.’”
Celebrations continued after the service.
