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History of Mothers' Union

Mary Sumner, began the Mothers' Union in England during the 1800's. As a clergy wife, she recognized the need for mothers to support one another in raising their children for God. Mary Sumner was the first Central President (International) of Mothers' Union.

The Canadian Mothers' Union was established in London, Ontario in 1888. The first Canadian or National Council was formed in Winnipeg in 1919.

History of Mothers' Union in New Brunswick

The first Mothers' Union Diocesan Council Meeting was held on Saturday, June 20, 1981 at the Church of the Good Shepherd at Cambridge Narrows.

Father Al Westgate celebrated Holy Communion for the 8 MU ladies present. Members present were: Leslie Allan, Charlene Routledge, Lois Moore, Debbie Fanjoy, Ana Watts, Augusta Smith, Ruth Hathaway and Donna Tower.

The first MU Chaplain appointed was Rev. David Keirstead.

Four members attended the Canadian Conference that was held in Halifax in 1982. They were Molly Gadd, Evelyn Ward, Charlene Routledge, and Leslie Allan.

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Canadian Structure

Branch Level - member belongs to a Branch, they form an executive complete with a Chaplain (usually the Parish Priest)

Diocesan Level - All Enrolling members within the Diocese form this level. The executive is elected to a 2 year term with the option of serving a second 2 year term. The Chaplain at this level is appointed by the Bishop.

National Level - The executive at this level serve a 4 year term. In Canada the National level tries to vary its location every 4 years from east to west and/or somewhere inbetween.

International Level - Mary Sumner House in London, England is the home of the International Mothers' Union.

When a member pays dues, presently $25.00 per annum (which includes the Canadian Mothers' Union Newsletter which is published three times yearly), the money is divided and each level keeps a certain portion.

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Canadian Mothers' Union Departments

Literature - Mothers' Union has their own material printed in England. They offer a selection of greeting cards, prayer booklets, jewelry, and other Mothers' Union related material.

Lone-Member - Once enrolled a member who lives in an area where no branch exists becomes a lone member. Contact is made by the Diocesan Council.

Indoor Members Prayer Circle - A member who is no longer able to attend meetings due to illness or confinement joins this department. Contact is made by the Diocesan Council.

Link Department - Mothers' Union is a prayerful society and much effort is placed in linking groups around the world to support and pray for one another. Groups are linked at the Branch Level, Diocesan Level, National Level, and the International Level. There is normally a Link Secretary at each Level.

Northern Clergy Families Fund - The Canadian Mothers' Union has a fund to help Clergy Families that live in our north. The Canadian Mothers' Union request names from a Bishop in the area and gifts of money are sent to clergy families. The letters of thanks confirm how the Lord has honoured this outreach within our country.

Banners - All levels of Mothers' Union have banners - Branch, Diocesan, Canadian, Central. The Canadian banner was made in England and hung in Lambeth Palace for 6 months. It was dedicated in Winnipeg. Traditionally at major functions all branches bring their banner and at some point in the program the banners are paraded.

The Diocesan Banner for Fredericton was commissioned in 1984. It was designed by Ginny McEwen and the needlepoint work done by Christine Brittain. The banner was dedicated by the Rt. Rev. Harold Nutter at a rally service on September 21, 1985

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