Diocesan President Ms Lurline Jones

CELEBRATION FOR THE CENTENARY OF THE DIOCESE OF ROCKHAMPTON 24th and 25th SEPTEMBER 2011.

As a previous Diocesan President for Rockhampton, I was privileged to be invited to attend the Centenary Celebrations for Mothers' Union in the Diocese.

On a glorious afternoon, about 90 people gathered at the home of Bishop Godfrey and Bronwyn Fryar Lis Escop - to celebrate the start of the Centenary Celebrations of Mothers' Union in the Diocese of Rockhampton.

Mrs Bronwyn Fryar opened the proceedings by reading out congratulatory greetings that had been received. It was wonderful to be able to welcome a member from the founding branch in the Diocese. She came from Blackall. Following the greeting, members and guests were treated to a display of Line Dancing, singing, playing of musical instruments for their delight. A magnificent afternoon tea was served by some very hard working members to those seated around the verandahs of Lis Escop. The food and drink just kept on arriving at the tables. At the conclusion of the afternoon tea, the drawing of the fund raising raffle began. Many prizes had been donated and so there were a number of lucky winners.

A display of memorabilia was available for all those who were interested. MU merchandise was available for purchase.

Late afternoon, people went home exhausted but happy after a successful gathering.

Sunday morning saw members coming together to worship at the Cathedral. A special service booklet had been printed and all worshippers were handed a commemorative bookmark. A lovely momento. The service began with a Banner Parade. Bishop Godfrey gave a thought provoking sermon. Following the service there was a delightful morning tea in the gardens of the Cathedral. More eating followed as members adjourned to St Luke's in the suburb of Wandal for luncheon.

Between courses, I was able to give a talk about the world wide Mothers' Union and explain a little about the role of a General Trustee. When dessert had been served, Bishop Godfrey and Bronwyn gave a talk about their time at St George's in Jerusalem. A most interesting and challenging talk. The talk gave rise to some interesting and provocative questions and discussion.

It was a fantastic weekend very ably organised by the Rev'd Claire Dewar and team. I was delighted to have been invited and able to attend. I have now been to a number of celebrations for the centenary of Mothers' Union in different parts of the world and each one has been different.

It certainly brings home that we are an organisation that has received many blessings and we thank God for the vision of Mary Sumner all those years ago.

God Bless and may you continue with the marvellous work you are doing in your part of the world.

Marilyn Oulds
General Trustee
World Wide Mothers' Union

The Diocese of Rockhampton was founded in 1892. This covers the vast area of the whole of Central Queensland, with a population of 200,000. There are 22 Parishes spread over this area. Rockhampton is the major city, also know as the Beef Capital of Australia.

The Mothers' Union was also started in 1892, first out in Blackall. We now have 5 Branches, 1 Fellowship and one Caritas. Our membership stands at 140. Because of the vast distances we have 10 lone members who are kept up to date with all that goes on by one of the Diocesan Council members.

MU functions are well attended and members enjoy a great fellowship. Members help out in many aspects of Parish and Community life including - collecting old reading glasses, knitting needles, and crochet hooks for members in Papua New Guinea; making premi clothes for the hospitals, and helping the elderly.

Members carry out the MU aims and objects in their daily lives.

Peggy Rees
past President

last updated 4/10/2011