York Group Executive Committee 2025
(From left): Daisy Pittis, Marge Yearwood, Susan Ida Boucaud, Sandra Mowat (Chair), Barbara Hirst and Yvonne Joseph.
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What is the York Group?
The York Group has been a long standing, worthy organization at St. James Cathedral for many decades, based on the terms of the Brock Bequest established in 1939. The organization includes an Executive Committee supported by the larger church community, as well as oversight of the Brock Bequest by the Dean and Churchwardens. Membership includes all women of the Cathedral.
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Our Mission
Our mission is to unite women at the Cathedral for the purposes of promoting charitable and educational work, as well as providing companionship and fellowship opportunities for all women parishioners.
We welcome all women of the Cathedral community.
Who We Are
The York Group has over 100 years of devotion and service by women at the Cathedral. The name has changed over the years, and the mission has evolved as we continue to gather for fellowship, worship, learning, and charitable activities.
Over the past number of years, it has primarily been senior women who have been actively involved in York Group activities. We have been blessed with a very generous bequest from a parishioner which has and will continue to fund senior women’s ministry.
Our History
The earliest recording in the St. James’ archives mention a group called a “Ladies Aid Association” in 1879. They held social functions, raised funds, organized bazaars, and helped furnish the Divinity School.
Women Auxiliary Daffodil Luncheon
Photo from Diocese of Toronto – Archives
In 1889, the Women’s Auxiliary of St. James was formed with Mrs. W.R. Brock, who became the president. Between 1891 to 1939, they worked together with the Dorcas Society of Toronto. They organized Sunday School in the Cathedral parish, provided help to St. Michael’s Hospital, packed Christmas baskets for the needy, and contributed funds previously raised towards missionary work in Japan and elsewhere in the world. They also helped the clergy in carrying out their work.
They celebrated their Golden Jubilee in 1939, when the Woman’s Auxiliary of St. James became known as the Afternoon Branch, later known as Senior Branch. In the same year the Cathedral received a very generous bequest from Anna M. Brock for the purpose of disbursing funds through the Senior Branch for senior women’s ministry. These funds are now under the trusteeship of the Rector and Churchwardens. During Second World War, they were involved in such activities as helping families directly impacted by the war at home and abroad and visiting the wounded at St. Michael’s Hospital.
After the war, many happy events took place in the life of the Senior Branch at St. James Cathedral as they continued in subsequent years of service, carrying out their duties in the missionary and charity fields, presenting hymn books, and representing the Cathedral at the Women’s World Day of Prayer.
In 1968, the Senior Branch became known as the York Group. Ever since, membership has been open to all women parishioners of the Cathedral.
From 1968 to the start of the pandemic in 2020, the York Group supported a number of long-standing relationships and funded a variety of activities and events benefiting the Cathedral, as well as initiatives to support the wider community.
In June of 2023, a new Executive was elected and it is now up and running with fresh commitment and purpose, discerning the direction of charitable donations, planning events and welcoming all women of the Cathedral.
Please look for upcoming events and updates in Connections in the Sunday bulletins, in E-Connections, on the Cathedral’s website as well as on social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
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Recent Events:
The York Group and Will Postma, CEO of Alongside Hope
The York Group was pleased to host Mr. Will Postma, CEO of Alongside Hope (formerly PWRDF) who shared the important and meaningful international and Canadian work of Alongside Hope.
Will Postma is the Executive Director at Alongside Hope, formerly the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF), the humanitarian and development arm of the Anglican Church of Canada. He has extensive international work experience in Mali, Bangladesh, Niger and Tanzania. Mr. Postma has published papers on Participatory Development, Capacity Building and Results Based Management. He has taught in secondary school, college and university settings including a current course at Wycliffe College. His current work with Alongside Hope is to support strategy, work closely with the Anglican Churches to engage Canadians in the work of food security, health care and humanitarian response that respond to the priorities of communities around the world, including in Canada with Indigenous communities.
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Street Haven Women’s Shelter Creates Heartfelt Thank-You to The York Group
The York Group recently supported the senior women’s program in Regent Park of Street Haven shelter. As a result, Street Haven was able to purchase craft supplies for this program, a creative space that fosters connection, confidence, and community.
Recently, a beautiful handmade “Thank You” poster created by the women in the program was presented to Sandra Mowat, York Group Executive Committee Chair, during a meeting with Street Haven’s Communications & Fundraising Manager and a program staff member, who expressed their deep appreciation for The York Group’s support.
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November 23: The York Group’s Annual General Meeting
Thank you to everyone who attended the York Group’s AGM. We’re grateful for the time of fellowship we shared and for Dean Stephen Hance’s insightful presentation. Your presence helped make the gathering warm and meaningful.
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Future Considerations
We look forward to providing an ongoing program of events and charitable support – i.e. senior women’s ministry – and welcome the input of all women parishioners.
Contact Information:
Email: info@stjamescathedral.ca
Phone number: (416) 364-7865