Commemorative plaque unveiled in Manchester Cathedral as the province joins together for 150th anniversary service

On Saturday 14 March, the Province of York held its 150th Celebration Service at Manchester Cathedral, where members came together to celebrate and reflect on this remarkable milestone. 

A highlight of the service was the unveiling of a plaque dedicated to Mary Sumner, organised by York Provincial President Christine Sharp. The plaque commemorates Mary’s birthplace in Swinton, near Manchester, honouring her life and the legacy she went on to create with Mothers’ Union. The plaque will be housed alongside the MU banner in the Lady Chapel for all who wish to see it. 

The service also included tributes to people who have carried Mary Sumner’s vision forward. MU Chief Executive Bev Jullien marked the occasion by lighting a candle in her honour, as a moment of prayerful reflection. The global nature of Mothers’ Union was represented through a Wave of Prayer tribute, with flags from across the world on display. It was a joyful and meaningful celebration of the anniversary year, recognising both a rich history and a connected future. 

During the event, the Province of York’s zonal prayer capsule was passed to the Diocese of Southwell & Nottingham to begin its journey. The prayer capsule contains the York provincial prayer and a special 150th prayer written for the province by Provincial Chaplain The Rt Revd Dr John B Thomson, Hon Assistant Bishop of the Diocese of Carlisle.  

As the capsule travels to each diocese across the province, additional diocesan prayers will be added during short handover liturgies. It will eventually be passed on to Mothers’ Union Zonal Trustee, Dr Deb Lee, in York in June. It will then be taken to Mary Sumner House and placed in the Mothers’ Union archives following a short handover service. 

The day also highlighted an inspiring personal challenge, as Dr Deb Lee cycled from the Diocese of Carlisle to attend the service. This was a practice run for her 150th anniversary cycling challenge in June, when Deb will be cycling from Zone H (York) to Zone G (Canterbury), finishing at St Paul’s Cathedral in London for the 150th celebratory service. Along the way, she will visit Mothers’ Union branches and engage with members across the country, sharing in the fellowship of the movement. 

We’re cheering Deb on as she pedals her way across the country to mark 150 years of faith, fellowship, and service. If you wish to, you can sponsor Deb’s challenge here.