In the News

Archbishop joins centenary celebration for one hundred years of thriving Mothers' Union branch in Haxby and Wigginton

Tuesday 06 February 2007

One hundred years of the Mothers' Union in Haxby and Wigginton, will be celebrated at a service in St Mary's Church, Haxby, York, at 7.00pm on Wednesday 7 February 2007, at which the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, will preside and preach.

Mother and baby

The Mothers' Union (MU) is a Christian organisation founded in 1876, with more than 3.6 million members worldwide. The backbone of the MU is its worldwide network of volunteers. Whatever their individual backgrounds, members are related by a commitment to marriage and family. They give their time generously to help others, whether by running local projects, supporting international campaigns, or fundraising.

The Haxby and Wigginton branch was founded in the village of Haxby in 1907 following a visit by the Honourable Mrs MacLagan, wife of the Archbishop of York, Dr William MacLagan. Mrs MacLagan spoke on the work of the Mothers' Union, and it was agreed to start a branch with the Vicar's wife, Mrs Rees, as Honorary Secretary. Ten members were admitted at the first Service of Admission.

A Parish Magazine from 1924 reports that Mrs Irwin, wife of the new Vicar the Reverend E A Irwin BA, became the 'Branch Enrolling Member'. There were quarterly meetings and a quarterly Communion Service. A century later the branch has over forty members, and in addition to the Mothers' Union's core activities of promoting Christian family values, is involved in collecting supplies for the homeless in York, and sponsoring holidays for needy families in the parish. Volunteers from the Haxby and Wigginton branch also regularly help with mailing and other tasks at the Diocese of York's Diocesan Office on Clifton Moor. Meetings and Mothers' Union Communion Services are now monthly, and the Leader (no longer described as 'Enrolling Member'!) is Mrs Maureen Kent.

Dr Sentamu (who, with his wife Margaret, is a Mothers' Union member), will conduct a Eucharist to give thanks to God for the branch and its members over the last hundred years. Light refreshments will be served afterwards in St Mary's Church Hall.

All are welcome.

ENDS


For further information contact Martin Sheppard, Diocesan Communications Officer, on York (01904) 699530 or email martin.sheppard@yorkdiocese.org

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