The Mothers’ Union of the Anglican Church of Guyana as well as Cayenne and Suriname celebrated its 85th year in Service to the Anglican Church and members of the community on Sunday, May 29, 2011. The big celebration was held at the place where it all began some 85 years ago, the All Saints Anglican Church, New Amsterdam, Berbice. The event commenced with a Witness March where the main street of New Amsterdam came alive with Mothers’ Union members from across Guyana assembling at the N/A Town Arch.
The ladies were bedecked in brightly coloured uniforms of green and white, blue and white, orange and blue with hats and accessories to match. Representing their various churches, they marched with dignity and pride to the rhythm of the Salvation Army band to the Church for the second session of the celebrations.
The highlight was the Pontifical Solemn Eucharist conducted by Anglican Bishop of Guyana, the Right Reverend Cornell Jerome Moss and The Venerable George Spencer. His Lordship Bishop Moss in his sermon reminded the 1000- odd congregation of the lessons read, telling them that they have been entrusted with something precious that is guarded by the Holy Spirit.
He said, “You have been given this Ministry, this Holy Spirit. If you are a Christian then live the life of a Christian that is one with a pure heart and clean hand. The Holy Spirit dwells in you and you will have success.”
He posed the question to them, “How clean is your hand?” He told the members present that problems arose from executive level where persons are being critical and they themselves live in “glass houses”. He further said, “Christians accept the precept of Christianity. It is one thing to say you are a Christian and another to live the life.”
Referring to women in
general he asked, “What type of relationship do women have with their husbands?”
Certificates were later presented to members of the various churches for longest years of service and dedication.
The final part of the event saw cultural items and the cutting of the birthday cake. Ms Jane Moriah, the oldest member of All Saints Anglican Church Mothers’ Union was selected to stick the cake with the Bishop.
The Mothers Union originated from an idea by the wife of Rev. Canon Jones, Mrs Maude Jones. Both of them were from England. An announcement of the formation of the group was made in church and the organization became functional on May 26, 1926. Since its inception, the group meets on the second and final Tuesday in every month. Branches of the Mothers’ Union sprung to other regions in Guyana. Last year, 15 branches were formed in the Rupununi area, bringing the number of branches to a total of 85.
According to Branch leader of the Mothers’ Union in New Amsterdam and Canje, Ms. Carmen Johnson, some of the activities of the group include visiting children in hospital, the shut-ins, the senior citizens’ homes, and giving to the poor and needy. Membership is opened to any woman over the age of 25 and who has a stable family life.
Ms. Sheran Harper is the Diocesan President and Ms. Leila Austin holds the position of Provincial President of the West Indies.