Miss Mary Jackson Honoured

White Ribbon, Volume 18, Issue 8, 1 September 1946, Page 5

Miss Mary Jackson Honoured

(Ashburton Union)

Eightieth Birthday

On June sth a very special birthday party was held at the home of tlie Misses Jackson, members of our Ashburton Union, when about thirty-five friends assembled to honour “Aunty Mary,” as she is affectionately known to everyone. Afternoon tea, served by her sister, Miss Chrissie Jackson, preceded a very helpful service conducted In Adjutant IV L. Smith, of the Salvation Army.

Mention was made of the wonderful record of Christian work accomplished during fifty-seven years. Included in the various fields in which her gifts have been exercised are forty-seven years of work in the S. Army as a soldier, with hospital \isiting as a special activity for twenty-five years.

Her work in the ranks of the W.C.T.U. has been very outstanding. At the age of nine years she joined a Juvenile Temperance Lodge under the careful guidance of her mother, a keen Temperance worker, whose early training bore fruit, which is seen after >o many years. One of a large family, she was not able to have what so many young people enjoy today—the benefit of secondary education; but this was no hindrance to her in her career of Christian usefulness. As Hand of Hope Superintendent for many years, she built up, with her helpers, a hand of children so large that they have held the Banner for the largest number of members for fi\c years. Miss Jackson feels that some other Band of Hope should be able to heat them by now, but it is sure that it will be no easy matter to wrest it from Ashburton, where Miss Jackson’s successor is carrying on the fme tradition alread\ established.

Other work done by Miss Jackson was that of Superintendent of Work among Seamen, which .she did for many years. As W.C.T.U. representative on the Health Stamps Committee, she served for a period. She became a W.C.T.U. member nearly forty years ago. She owe* much to her sister who, recognising Miss Mary’s gifts, made it possible for her to carry on her Christian work. She thanks God for the devotion of Miss Crissv. Also "he expresses her gratitude to Mrs. Buckler, who made it her pleasure to take Miss Jackson in her car to the \arious meetings, and gave valuable help in the carrying on of the Band

of Hope. The Jackson home has always been open to those needing care in times of ill-health as well as those in full strength. The wonderful example set hv the quiet Christian mother with her family of twelve has been followed by her daughters. Miss Crissie carries on some of the work now laid down by

Miss Mary, and another sister is doing missionary work in South America.

Mrs. 11. Taylor presented Miss Jackson with a beautiful sprav of red roses from the Home League, and Mr> Tinker a bouquet from the W.C.T.U. 1 elegrams from all o\er N.Z. were received and were read by Messrs. John and James Jackson. Solos and songs were "ting during the afternoon, and the Rev. J. Browning read a helpful article on a favourite text. Miss Jackson expressed her thanks for the many gifts and flowers presented by her friends. A beautiful birthday cake, a gift from Invercargill, was cut with musical honours. A verse of “Abide with Me” was sung, and the benediction was pronounced. Miss Jackson ha> sent a message of good cheer to her many friends engaged in our work through our pages. We are delighted to pass it on, and will join with her sisters up and down the land in thanking God for the consecrated service of these two sisters, in their individual spheres. Our most sincere good wishes go to them both, together with ourjirayers for their con tinned well-being, and joy in the Master’s Service.

Her message runs: “Greetings to all Christian workers; and love to all sisters."