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Service to mark the 60th Anniversary of MU in Derryvullen South Parish

 


On Sunday 25th October 2015 a service was held in the Parish Church of St Tighernach, Derryvullen South, to mark the 60th anniversary of the formation of a Mothers' Union branch in the Parish, in the incumbency of Revd A. J. A. MacQuaide and his wife Olive.

As well as visitors from other branches at Garvary, Lisbellaw, and Derrybrusk, those taking part were the Rector, Chancellor John Stewart, the Bishop of Clogher, the Rt. Revd John McDowell; the Clogher diocesan MU President, Dr Margaret Knox, who led the prayers and gave out the long service certificates; and the former All Ireland President, Mrs Ruth Mercer, from Tynan, who was the preacher. The organist was Mrs Diane Whittaker, Diocesan Secretary. Along with the usual Morning Prayer Canticles and Psalm 67, the hymns were "Praise, my soul, the King of heaven", "Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father", and "Lord of the Home".Mrs Valerie Stewart, branch leader and a diocesan vice-president, read the Old Testament Reading from Ruth 4 v 14-17; Mrs Kathleen Kettyles, branch secretary, read the Epistle from Ephesians 3 v 14-21; and Mrs Betty Little, branch treasurer, read the Gospel from Mark 10 v 46-52.


Those who had served over thirty years in Mothers' Union were presented with a certificate. Elsie Graham and Jean Noble, being at the very first meeting, were two founder members and received certificates for 60 yrs; Mrs Iris Weir, 55yrs; Mrs Violet Boles, 51 yrs; Joan Nixon, 47 yrs; Mrs Valerie Stewart, 34 yrs and Mrs Kathleen Kettyles, 31yrs. Sadly, Jean and Iris were unable to be present due to illness but during the service our thoughts and prayers were extended to them both.


We were grateful to Mrs Mae Eames for her floral arrangements in the church and Mrs Wendy Little for acting as our official photographer.


Following the service the congregation went across to the parish hall where they enjoyed refreshments. A special fruit cake, inscribed for the occasion, was provided by a member and was cut by Mrs Elsie Graham. This was much enjoyed during the tea.

Towards the end of the morning's proceedings Mrs Valerie Stewart read out some interesting minutes from the first minute book of 1955 after which the Bishop extended his good wishes for the future and closed with prayer.

Our thanks to everyone for their hard work including three young ladies, Elizabeth, Jackie and Wendy, who, while not members of Mothers' Union, gave invaluable help.

We congratulate all those who received their certificates to honour their well deserved recognition for long service.