11.09.2017
Mothers’ Union Raise Their Voices in Celebration of 130 Years in Ireland
Over 1,000 Mothers’ Union members filled the National Concert Hall in Dublin with songs of praise at the MU Big Sing on Saturday afternoon (September 9). This year Mothers’ Union in Ireland is celebrating the 130th anniversary of its foundation in Ireland. The Big Sing was the pinnacle of these celebrations drawing members from across the country.
MU members in branches all over Ireland voted for their favourite hymn and The Big Sing featured the top 10 hymns from this poll.
The concert was conducted by Mark Armstrong, Director of the Defence Forces School of Music, and the organist was Peter Barley of St Mary’s Cathedral, Limerick. Renowned harpist Anne Marie O’Farrell also performed during the afternoon.
Compere for the event was Bishop Ken Clarke, a former Central Chaplain for Mothers’ Union while a choir made up of members from many dioceses led the wonderful singing.
Special invited guests included Lynne Tembey, Worldwide President of Mothers’ Union and her husband, Revd David Tembey.
Following a welcome by Dublin & Glendalough diocesan president, Karen Nelson, All Ireland president, Phyllis Grothier said the afternoon marked the culmination of a year of celebration of 13 decades of love and service by Mothers’ Union in Ireland. She thanked all who had helped to organise the event and all the celebrations during 2017.
During the afternoon the audience heard the story of the Mothers’ Union Wave of Prayer, the Mothers’ Union Centenary Fund and heard from Bishops’ Appeal.
There are almost 7,000 members of Mothers’ Union in Ireland who are part of a worldwide organisation of over four million members in 83 countries.
