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 3 February 1927

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