CB
Founding President
About Us · Ontario Chapter
A sisterhood rooted in service.
Founded in 2013 and registered in Ontario as a not-for-profit, the MGHS Old Girls Association Ontario Chapter brings past pupils together to support our Alma Mater and one another.
Our Story
It began with a shared vision.
Our chapter began as a conversation between old girls who believed Methodist Girls’ High School deserved a home in Ontario. That conversation grew into a vision shared by five women, determined to build something meaningful for past pupils far from Freetown.
Turning that vision into a chapter took patience. Over about three years, our founders reached out, encouraged and persuaded fellow old girls to come on board. With persistence, diligence and the cooperation of every member, the chapter was formally established and registered with the Government of Ontario as a not-for-profit in 2013.
From those first twelve members, the association has grown through annual Thanksgiving services, summer picnics, fundraising and alumnae fellowship, and it continues to grow today.
5women who shared the vision
3years of building support
12members at the start
“Each stage of our journey adds something valuable to the growth of our Association.”
Leadership
The women who led the way.
Every president leaves her mark. Our chapter honours the leaders who laid its foundation and those who carry it forward.
MA
First Vice-President
Margery Anderson
JC
Current President
Juliana Cowan
A Tradition of Gratitude
Our Thanksgiving Service through the years.
Thanksgiving has been at the heart of our chapter from the very beginning.
2017
Our Inaugural Thanksgiving Service
Held at a United Church in Brampton, our first service was well attended and a great success. Our guest preacher was Rev. Dr. Gloria Cline-Smythe, a past pupil and member of the WMB Branch, accompanied by Mrs. Octavia Johnson.
Mrs. Octavia Johnson, of blessed memory.
2018
A Warm Return
Members so valued her inspiring message that they invited Rev. Dr. Gloria back. She graciously returned as guest preacher, accompanied by Mrs. Octavia Johnson and Madam Elsie Jolly.
Today
A New Home in North York
Our services are now held at St. Stephen’s, 2259 Jane Street, North York, a more accessible home for members and guests from across the region.
Aims & Objectives
Why the chapter exists.
1
Education
Advance the education of pupils at Methodist Girls’ High School.
2
Unity
Promote unity and cooperation with MGHS Old Girls Associations worldwide.
3
Fundraising
Raise funds through religious, social and cultural activities.
4
Scholarships
Support scholarships and educational opportunities.
5
Integrity
Remain a non-political alumnae association.
Founding Members
The names at the beginning.
We remember with gratitude the old girls whose commitment built the foundation we stand on today.
CBCarina Obafemi Bayer
JCJuliana Cowan
DBDoreen Brown
SCSylvia Collier
NGNesta Tina Pabs-Garnon
YGYema Gilpin
SMSylvia Mingo
IRIrene Rashid
ABAminata Banya
Current Executive
Meet our chapter leadership.
President
Juliana Cowan
Vice President
Jasmina Gilpin
Secretary
Lucy KaiKai
Assistant Secretary
Brenda Carew
Treasurer
Francetta Strasser-King
Social Secretary
Ursula Davies
Chaplain
Sally Lamin
Ex Officio
Carina Obafemi Bayer
Join Us
Your story belongs in the chapter too.
MGHS past pupils living in Ontario and Canada are invited to reconnect, serve and support the school.
Become a Member