• 11 December 2017

Down and Dromore MU plant a commemorative tree

Members of Down and Dromore Mother’s Union took part in a special tree planting ceremony at Down Cathedral on 7 December. A commemorative tree is being planted in every diocese to celebrate 130 years of MU in Ireland. 

Following a service of Holy Communion led by Dean Henry Hull, Lady Christine Eames, a former Worldwide President of Mothers’ Union, performed the ceremony. 

She said she had planted commemorative trees for MU around the world and expressed her delight at being invited to do so in her own diocese in this anniversary year.

Mothers’ Union Diocesan President, June Butler, thanked the Cathedral Board and Chapter for granting permission to site the tree in the grounds. She explained that the rowan tree chosen by the cathedral was especially significant as MU in the Diocese of Down and Dromore was raising awareness of work of The Rowan Centre, a haven for all those subjected to domestic violence in Northern Ireland.

The young tree will grow in the grassy area facing the main doors, a reminder of 13 decades of love and service of MU in Ireland.

June Butler, Lady Eames and Dean Hull
June Butler, Lady Eames and Dean Hull

L–R: Diocesan President, Mrs June Butler, Lady Christine Eames and Dean Henry Hull