Today we remember Hannah Grier Coome; born 28 October 1837 in the Carrying Place, Upper Canada, and died 9 February 1921 in Toronto.

Hannah’s parents, the Rev. John and Eliza Grier, home schooled their daughter. In1859 Hannah married Charles Coome. In 1862 they moved to Britain where Charles worked as civil engineer. During their 14 years in Britain Hannah became interested in religious communities. The loss of her first and only child due to a severe fall during pregnancy, and the death of her husband a year after their return to North America, left Hannah dependant on a brother. In 1881 she decided to return to Britain to enter a religious community.

While in Toronto on route to England she met some people who were interested in establishing a religious community in Canada. Hannah’s plans changed. She returned to Peekskill, New York, to enter a two year formation period with the Sisters of St. Mary, a relatively new Anglican educational and nursing order. In 1884 she professed religious vows. Sister Hannah returned to Toronto where, overcoming many obstacles, she established the Anglican Sisterhood of St. John the Divine devoted to prayer, nursing the sick and caring for the needy.

God continues to bless people through the Sisterhood Hannah founded 137 years ago.

Bible Reading: Psalm 119:145-152, Matthew 6:19-21