1826  --- 2026 

                                    200 Years Young                                                 

Women have been a part of the church’s life as far back as records exist. And yet, during the 19th century, it seems that female members were only expected to play a background role such as visiting prospective (female) members, acts of charity, teaching in Sunday School and providing refreshments at annual church meetings etc.

In the 20th century there was slow progress. In 1900 4 women were included on a church committee, for the first time apparently. In March 1905, after the election of (male) deacons it was suggested that there should be a committee of ladies for church work, but this appeared to be limited to catering type activities. It was not until March 1920 that the election of Lady Deacons was first proposed, but in October 1920 it was decided to elect six Lady Visitors instead of Deacons, to assist the Pastor in visiting the sick etc. By 1926 it was eventually agreed that the diaconate be made up of six men and two women.

One of the first Lady Deacons in 1926 was Mrs Selina Wilmot, a daughter of Charles King. After her husband's death in 1923 she seems to have become increasingly proactive in the life of the church, and there are frequent references in Church Meeting minutes to her involvement. She is the only woman, alongside her father, to have merited her portrait being included in the frame of church leaders' photographs. He is also commemorated by a memorial plaque in the church, for his 50 years' service as Sunday School Superintendent. She was not so valued for her wide range of services.
It was not until 1986 that Rev Margaret Nuttall was the first woman minister called to serve in Thornbury.