Anglican Church Women (ACW)
Some Easter Reflections
The resurrection of Jesus changes the face of death for all His people. Death is no longer a prison, but a passage into God’s presence. Easter says you can put truth in a grave, but it won’t stay there.
-Clarence W. Hall
Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime.
-Martin Luther
Sometimes Prayers don't change situations, but they change our attitude towards situations and give us hope which changes our entire life
-Anonymous
Lord, let me be a mirror made clean and bright by your forgiveness, and held up by your glory, that I may reflect your life and love to those for whom I pray.
-Archbishop George Appleton
History of the Anglican Church Women (A.C.W.)
Roberta Elizabeth Tilton is the founder of the Women's Auxiliary of the Canadian Church. She was born in Maine and was raised as a Unitarian.( not a cradle Anglican) She married a New Brunswicker named John Tilton and several years later became a Anglican. In 1868 they moved to Ottawa and joined St. John's parish. "In 1885 Mrs. Tilton developed the idea of a national organization for Anglican women in support of the Board of Foreign and Domestic Missions. With six other women she presented her proposal to the bishops of the Canadian Church and with their approval launched the Women's Auxiliary. Within 23 years the organization prospered and there were diocesan and parochial branches right across Canada."
(Taken from the 'Diocese of Huron, Our History pg.5’)
1900 (June) St. Anne's Women's Auxiliary was organized to support missionary work abroad. Activities included sewing, quilting, and sending bales.
1922 The Guild was formed to support church needs. Duties involved arranging flowers on the altar for special occasion, (later every Sunday), having afternoon teas, bake sales, welcoming new babies with gifts, remembering the sick with food or flowers, and raising money which was much needed.
1925 A junior part of the Women Auxiliary was formed. It included a Junior Auxiliary (girls 6-10), and the Girls Auxiliary (11-18). Mrs Ormand and Mrs. Seabrook were some the founding leaders. The groups met at homes or the west wing of the church. The girls wore uniforms and had badges. It disbanded in the late 1960's.
1950 An evening guild was formed by a group of young mothers. They started the nearly new sales which still run today.
l97l The three groups, the Women Auxiliary, the Guild, and the . Evening Guild, amalgamated to form the Women of St. Anne's.* Special interest groups were formed, namely the Chancel, Family Life, Spiritual renewal, After Service Group, Choir Mothers, and Kitchen Catering.
1974 During the late 1960's, the Women's Auxiliary, who initially formed to support Missionary endeavours had broaden to include other areas of church work including parish and community responsibility. As a result the name Anglican Church Women was chosen, or (A.C.W.). Many interest groups continued and others were formed:
Bible Study Group, Bridge Club, Chancel Group, Crafter's Group, Flower Fund, Membership, Nursery, Parish Hostess (formerly Kitchen Catering), Social Service Group, and Quilter's Group.
*Note. St. Anne's Vestry approved the use of the name A.C.W. in 1971, but St. Anne's Ladies continued to use the amalgamated name of the 'Women of St. Anne's' until 1974.
The patron saint of the W.A./A.C.W. is St. Andrew. Andrew was a fisherman. "In John's Gospel, Andrew is paired with Philip in answering Jesus' questions at the feeding of the five thousand and later in acting as a intermediary for some foreigners who wished to meet Jesus. These acts made Andrew the first home missionary and first foreign missionary. The missionary effort of the church was the central purpose of the W.A. from its inception." (Taken from Diocese of Huron, Our History) In the Diocese of Huron, the W.A./A.C.W. acknowledges Andrew as its patron saint by using the symbol of the fish, also a symbol of Christ, to represent itself.