As we look forward to the service of celebration for the 30th anniversary of the ordination of women as priests, the Revd Stella Fairbairn shares her memories of being a history maker.
Stella was part of the first cohort of deacons ordained in 1994, after serving seven years as a deacon and a lay reader before that. A skilled needleworker, Stella designed and embroidered her own vestments for her deaconing and priesting services.
She says: “I'm pleased that the 30th anniversary is being celebrated. I went to the 10th, when we met on the lawn by Westminster Abbey and walked together to St Paul's for a service, having beeps of support from car horns on the way. I went to the 20th at Lambeth Palace, where I met the Archbishop, and I'm planning to go to the 30th at Oxford. I'm now 93 so this will be my last. I think that anniversary celebrations will die out and women at all levels in holy orders will just be taken for granted, as they are getting to be now.
“I felt like a history maker in 1987 when I became one of the first women deacons (and wore the collar) and again in 1994, becoming one of the first women priests. At first there were just two of us in Banbury. Church goers gradually got used to seeing us presiding. I think that one of the most important parts of my ministry was in taking funerals, and then the general public saw women priests robed and riding round in the front seat of a hearse.
“My journey to ordination was a gradual one. When did it start? Who can say? As a small child I was taught to say a prayer when I went to bed. At around the age of seven I attended Matins with my father. Back at home afterwards I would sit my teddy and my two dolls in a row and read the service to them. I told my mother that when I grew up I wanted to "keep a church". She said that I must marry a vicar. I said: “No! I want to do it myself.”
Stella started to attend St Mary’s in Banbury, after being asked to make some vestments for the church, during her appeal to set up an Embroiderers’ Guild in the 1970s. She went on to become a server and then joined a bible study group where she was inspired by another member to train as a lay reader.
Stella added: “Ironically the priest who helped me to become ordained was not in favour of women clergy, but without his influence it is unlikely that I would now be a priest. I was just drawn more and more into the church. I also had a physical feeling of yearning.
“I was non-stipendiary as I was too old to train for payment and I worked two or three days a week. I found my ministry satisfying, though not always easy. I'm keeping my Permission to Officiate up to date and from time to time I'm called on for funerals of friends, and for the family for weddings or baptisms of my rather numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. All being well I shall preside at the Communion service in St Mary's on the Sunday before the Oxford anniversary service.”
The service of celebration for the 30th anniversary of the ordination of women will take place at Christ Church Cathedral on 28 April at 2.30pm. Register for your place online.