York Group
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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Upcoming Events:
Refugee Committee: January 22 at 2:00pm in the Lecture Room
Parishioner Rebecca McTaggart, co-Chair of the Refugee Committee, will speak to us about the valuable and important work of the Committee in sponsoring individuals and families.
All are welcome!
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Past Events:
York Group Event with The Reverend Jo-Anne Billinger
Thank you to everyone who joined us for an enriching afternoon with The Reverend Jo-Anne Billinger.
Reverend Jo-Anne spoke about the Church’s healing ministries, including anointing, chaplaincy, pastoral visiting, confession, and prayer. With a long career in priestly ministry, she has served several parishes and has chaired the Bishop’s Committee on Healing for many years.
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We marked World Elder Abuse Awareness Day with Mary Shkoury
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Thank you to all who joined us as we marked World Elder Abuse Awareness Day with speaker Mary Shkoury. Mary is employed by Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario. Her presentation highlighted many of the common aspects of elder abuse such as financial abuse within families. Her engaging speaking style, relevant information and ability to connect with the audience made for a very interesting and informative afternoon.
Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario: Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario is a provincial, charitable, non-profit organization focused on supporting the implementation of the Ontario Strategy to Combat Elder Abuse since 2002. The framework of the strategy focuses on service coordination, building the local capacity of front-line workers, caregivers and community networks by providing public education and training of professionals/service providers and families of seniors to raise awareness of elder abuse issues.
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Eastertide Sermon Series
Thanks to everyone who participated in our 3-week series, Oh Death where is thy Sting?
You can listen to the sermons on the Cathedral YouTube Channel and if you would like to follow up with one of the clergy please send an email to easterlife@stjamescathedral.ca
We are especially grateful for the leadership of Archbishop Colin Johnson, The Rev. Dr. Chris Brittain, Dr. Louie Mavrogiannis, Peter Misiaszek, and Mary Lynne Stewart. Our thanks to each of you and The York Group for hosting this series.
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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
