As you’re aware, I’ve been researching the early 1890’s in Blantyre the last few months, in quite some prolonged detail. It’s a favourite decade of mine looking at history, just because of the sheer amount of new buildings, businesses and social change.
A new organisation in Scotland in 1893 was the ‘Scottish Mother’s Union’ and its popularity had arrived in Blantyre right at the beginning of the movement. Founded in 1893, the Scottish Mothers’ Union was part of a broader movement originating in England in 1876, focused on supporting Christian family life and maternal responsibilities. Its Scottish branch aimed to promote the role of mothers in upholding Christian values within the home and society.
Rooted in the Anglican Church (Scottish Episcopal Church), though it worked with a range of Christian denominations, it promoted moral education, motherhood, and domestic responsibility. The society also provided spiritual support and practical advice for women, particularly working-class and rural mothers by encouraging charity, prayer, and fellowship among women to strengthen family life.
On the evening of Wednesday 22nd February 1893, the members of the new Blantyre branch of the Scottish Mothers’ Union were entertained to tea by the subscribing members in the Parish Church Halls at High Blantyre. The chair was occupied by the president, Mrs Jackson of Bardykes, and addresses were given by Miss Elliot, Lesmahagow, and the Rev. Mr Turnbull. Songs were sung by Miss M‘Hardy, Hamilton; Mrs Sillars, Calderwood; and Miss Cochrane, Cambuslang; and solos on the violin were rendered by Miss M‘Hardy in a most delightful manner. Altogether, a most enjoyable and profitable evening was spent.
The formation of this society reflected the growing Victorian concern with social reform, morality, and the importance of the family unit and it grew steadily, becoming a notable influence in early 20th-century Scottish social and religious life.
With no Blantyre related photos for this article, I’ve created the accompanying illustration using imagery and fonts of the era, showing what a typical poster for the society may have looked like.
I have greatly enjoyed all the posts from the 1890’s and lots from 1893. My grandfather Andrew Simm was an Udston 20 year old miner in that year, so sometimes my mind wandered to what life for him, his family, neighbours and friends must have been like. Tough and rough, I would think!
The stories posted certainly stimulate my imagination.
Call me old fashioned but maybe a new version of the Scottish Mothers Union could do much good these days.
Encouraging moral education, motherhood, feminism, responsibility and fellowship all appear to be sound bases for parental satisfaction.
Fathers may take note!