MARY SIMMONS

HANGING ROOD AT ST. JOHN’S

DEDICATION OF MEMORIAL TO

THE LATE MISS MARY SIMMONS

The dedication of a Hanging Rood, which has been subscribed for by the parishioners of St John’s Church as a memorial to the late Miss Mary Simmons, was performed by the Archdeacon of Berkshire, the Venerable R. Wickham Legg, at Solemn Evensong at St John’s Church last (Wednesday) evening.

The Rood takes the form of a large crucifix, elaborately carved and suspended above the chancel arch by three chains. It is a notable addition to and considerably enhances the beauty of the church, and forms a fitting memorial to the late Miss Simmons, whose devoted service and zealous work were referred to by the Archdeacon, who is a former vicar of St. John’s.

The service was conducted by the Vicar (the Rev. E.H. Stenning), the lessons being read by the Rev. F.D. Briscoe, and the Rural Dean of Newbury (the Rev. H.D. Butler, rector of Inkpen. After blessing the Rood, the Archdeacon said that the keynote of Mary Simmons life was sacrifice and service, unstinting and ungrudging. Her life was a loyal life of unstinted and devoted service. She served under six Vicars, and they always found in Miss Simmons one to whom they could turn to in time of need. Where did Mary Simmons get the inspiration for that service? She got it from her love of God. If they thought of the great people of history, they would find they were all worshippers. They were the people who got things done. Miss Simmons was an ardent worshipper, and loved her church. May she rest in peace and her work follow her.

A tablet is to be placed in the wall of the church, suitably inscribed, in memory of Miss Simmons. The dedication service was followed by a social and gathering of Church workers, in St John’s Schools, at which a good number were present.

Newbury Weekly News 3 February 1927

Mary Ann Simmons was the grand daughter of Thomas Simmons Newbury mayor in 1844

Mrs P p22 w 135

Died 6 July 1924

Buried 9 July 1924 Bk 1917 no. 10325

MARY ANN SIMMONS
THE LATE MISS SIMMONS A DEVOTED CHURCH WORKER LARGE ATTENDANCE AT FUNERAL

There was a remarkable demonstration yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon at the funeral of Miss Mary Ann Simmons, of Porchester, Newtown-road, whose death occurred on Sunday. St John's Church, with which she had been closely and zealously associated for any years, was filled with a sympathetic congregation of friends and fellow workers, while others stood outside and lined the route to the Cemetery. The mourning congregation was largely comprised of women, for whom the deceased lady had devoted her life. The body had been taken to the church on Tuesday evening, a short service being conducted on reception. Yesterday morning there was a requiem celebration. Te body rested in the nave with large candles lighted on either side. The funeral service, of simple character, was conducted by the Vicar (Rev. E. H. Stenning) and the curate (Rev. A. W. H. Theodosious). Two hymns were sung, "Jesu, lover of my soul" and "Let saints on earth in concert sing," the Nunc Dimittis being chanted at the close. The coffin, embowered in beautiful flowers, was conveyed to the Cemetery on a hand bier, followed by the relatives and congregation, who gathered around the graveside for the committal to the grave.
The mourners were Mr. Simmons (brother), Miss Doe (cousin), Mrs. Simmons, Dr J. H. and Mrs. Swanton.
Among those present- it is impossible to give a full list — were Mr. and Mrs. Hickman etc. etc. The Newbury 4th Girl Guides were present with their officers, also representatives of the Girls Friendly Society and other parochial organisations.

Devoted to good works
The late Miss Simmons was a member of an old Newbury family, her grandfather, Mr. Thomas Simmons, being Mayor of the borough in 1844. She had devoted herself to good works in the parish of St John the Evangelist, being described in all sincerity as "the Vicar's right hand." She had been associated with six vicars, all of whom had the greatest admiration for her high character and active assistance. When ever there was any function to be organised, they would always look to Miss Simmons as the prime mover. She had a particular talent for school treats, parochial gatherings, bazaars and the like. A district visitor, she was in personal touch with the parishioners, was a teacher in the Sunday School, and, in fact, was concerned in most things that happened at St. John's. The parish suffers the loss of an ardent worker.

Mary Simmons illness was short, and she was taken to a nursing home in St John's-road, where an operation was performed, but she subsequently died.

Newbury Weekly News 13 July 1924

Died 6 July 1924 Buried 9 July 1924 Bk 1917 p 091 no. 10325 VIrs. P p22 w135

GRAVE OF THE MONTH
Mary Ann Simmons (1859-1924)

Mary Ann Simmons lived just across the road from the cemetery and just
a few minutes’ walk from St John’s Church.
Her father died when she was just six years old and all three of her siblings died at a young age. By the time she was 19 there was just Mary and her mother.

The grand-daughter of Mr Thomas Simmons, a Mayor of Newbury, Mary never married, but devoted her life to service within the church Community.
She worked tirelessly for six different vicars and was referred to as their “right hand”. She taught in Sunday School, organised bazaars and visited parishioners. She devoted her whole life to the church and was held in very high regard by all who knew her.

She died on 6th July 1924 following a short illness and unsuccessful operation, aged 65. Her funeral was largely attended by women who filled the church and lined the route. After the service her coffin, followed by numerous relatives and friends, was brought to the cemetery on a hand bier covered in flowers.

In her memory a Hanging Rood in the form of an elaborately carved crucifix was installed in St John’s church above the chancel arch. The Archdeacon, leading a memorial service, blessed the Rood saying that Mary’s life had been one of “sacrifice and service, unstinting and ungrudging”.

Mary is buried with her parents, Thomas and Sophia, her two brothers, Thomas and John, and her little sister, Elizabeth.

and in the Newbury Weekly News archive dated Feb 1927
Carol Brindley July 2025