The Sisterhood. Young ladies wishing to join the training course to gain entry to the Sisterhood were expected to have a good general education. Satisfactory applicants were then offered trial appointments of at least three months at a branch of the NCH. If approval was given by the Governor or Sister in charge of a branch, applicants were accepted as candidates for the Sisterhood.

The Uniform of Sisters Indoor Dress: Navy blue dress in plain style. Blouses should have collars that are fastened at the neckline. Stockings should always be worn with the uniform. Shoes should be plain black or navy blue. Outdoor Dress: Plain blue coat, blue or grey scarf. Hat this should be of the uniform type a uniform storm cap is also available. Gloves should be worn with outdoor uniform these should be grey, navy or white. By the mid 1960’s many of the Sisters had reverted to ordinary style clothes. For going to chapel and other special events some of the older traditional Sisters reverted to the original uniform. On Sundays when the Sisters were dressed in their uniforms we knew that for a couple of hours we had to act like angels, simply looking so official we knew they meant business.

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Training at the NCH college followed by a probationary period of up to two years. If all was satisfactory it would lead to ordination into the Sisterhood. It was suggested that no-one should undertake training or ordination into the Sisterhood who knows that she is likely to be married or to leave for any other foreseeable reason.

ORDINATION SERVICE

Principal: Do you believe that you are called of God to devote yourselves to the work of a Christian Deaconess in the Children's Home? Candidates: I do believe myself to be so called. Principal: Having sanctified in your hearts Christ as Lord, are you willing to take up the tasks and responsibilities of this Order? Candidates: I am so willing, the Lord being my helper. Principal: Will you give yourselves in all diligence to your high and holy calling, and by prayer and study to seek to do his work in his way? Candidates: I will endeavour so to do. Principal: We receive you this day gladly and gratefully into the fellowship of the Sisterhood Order of the Children's Home, and pray that the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit may be with you now, and abide with you always. Amen.

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The Bible with the NCH logo that was presented to each Sister at their Ordination. In 1979, the centenary of the Sisterhood was celebrated, and we can pay tribute to all those, who over this long period of time, have been part of this great movement that has signified a way of life - the life of faith and service. The closure of the Sisterhood in 1985 was the inevitable consequence of many years of declining membership. At a special meeting in March 1985, eleven of the remaining eighteen serving sisters finally agreed to its closure, and this sad but historic event was recognised in two services of thanksgiving held at Stephenson Hall, Highbury. Continued Please click on link http://www.philipastrangechild.com/page_1170414221203.html

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