Identity: Pin and Symbols
United Church diaconal ministry has had a long tradition of symbols that help to define and shape the community.The pin, the uniform, the spiral, and yellow ducks are prominent ones chosen by the community for themselves
Pins
The wearing of a pin is a long standing practice, initiated in the founding Orders of the Presbyterian and Methodist Churches. The pin featured to the left was given to women designated as Deaconesses beginning in 1927 until 1964. (In 1964 the Deaconess Order underwent significant change and the practice was discontinued.) Women wore the pin, in the early days on their uniform (see more below) and when not wearing a uniform, to identify themselves. When women were disjoined from the Deaconess Order upon marriage, in many years they were asked to return their pin. Refusing to do this was an act of protest at the injustice perceived in the disjoining, and particularly in the loss of their Deaconess Status. Ruth (Sandilands) Lang, who was disjoined in 1956 was one of the women asked for her pin back during the Deaconess Association Meeting by the Executive Secretary of the Order, Tena Campion. Mrs. Campion explained to Ruth that someone might lose hers and need a replacement. “Well then I’ll buy her one. YOU CAN’T HAVE MINE,” was Ruth’s response. Ruth proudly wore the pin at the United Church service of apology to disjoined women in 2006. (For more on the disjoining click here.) The letters FJS stand for “For Jesus’ Sake”, a motto reflecting the commitment and accountability for the ministry of service carried out by the women.
In 2011, DUCC embraced the tradition of a pin again, this time one that can be worn by anyone who is a member of DUCC or who considers themselves to be in diaconal ministry.
The DUCC Pin/Pendant
The DUCC PIN/PENDANT was created in pewter by Robert Hall Originals from a design by Joyce Crosby. This logo utilizes the shape of the United Church crest, with the cross and the spiral. The design has also been adopted as the logo for DUCC.
To order one for yourself or as a gift for others contact Sharilynn Upsdell. Mail a cheque for $27, payable to Diakonia United Church of Canada, and mail to: Helen Reed, 31 Grand Park Crescent, Camrose, Alberta, T4V 2K3. You can also e-transfer to [email protected].
Uniform
Uniforms were mandatory for the earliest Deaconesses. It was not a decision made lightly in early 1890s when British Protestants worried it was too papist. Within a few years the idea caught on and the Methodists petitioned the Federal Department of Agriculture for a patent on their design. In 1921 it takes nearly a full page of the Methodist Deaconess Society Annual Reportto describe uniform requirements. This is an excerpt from the description:
It is perhaps no surprise that by the 1920s, as women are gaining more emancipation, particularly around clothing, discomfort at having to be so controlled is expressed by the Deaconesses. From then on there is never a period up until the late 1940s when the uniform falls out of use that it isn’t a point of discussion, and contention among the women.
Coats shall be made of blue serge without a cape, semi-fitting, with plain lapped seam, length six inches from bottom of skirt; the coat sleeve and collar of which may be trimmed with fur, preferably dark; the lining of the coat to follow individual taste, having regard for the climate in which it is to be worn.
Jean-Scott-circa-1897-UCC-Archives-76.001-5855-183×300
Jean Scott, Superintendent of the Methodist Deaconess Home and School circa 1897 wearing the prescribed navy blue uniform of the day.
United-Church-Deaconess-Uniform-circa-1945-105×300
This circa 1945 United Church Deaconess Uniform belongs to the Centre for Christian Studies.
Spiral
The spiral has its origins in the educational methodology that emerged in the 1970s at the Centre for Christian Studies (CCS). This action – reflection – action way of learning was described as a spiral to demonstrate how learning is moving, not a stagnant experience, but one of transformation. Diaconal Minister Lori Stewart explored the spiral in her thesis. It will soon be available on this site. The close connection between CCS and the diaconal community has resulted in the symbol becoming integrated into the self understanding of the community. The spiral was never officially adopted by DUCC but it is used in the United Church’s logo for Diaconal Ministry (see left). In 2003 the logo was described by the Committee on Diaconal Ministry this way: “Evolving, transforming, empowering … the symbol expresses something of the essence of diaconal ministry. Signifying a style and vision of ministry which at its core is grounded in community, the spiral moves out expressing openness to join with others, to risk and to be responsive. There is a dynamism, a synergistic energy coming from deep within … the Spirit rushing forth, seeking to meet immediate needs and to work with others towards creating a more just and loving world.”
Ducks
The playfulness of diakonia peeks out with the fun of yellow ducks in interesting places. The duck is the mascot, voted into that role by its frequent attendance. (See Meet the Community page for a delightful picture of three DUCCS. Regrettably the picture doesn’t capture their webbed feet, achieved by wearing yellow rubber gloves!) While the image is mostly playful it can serve as a tool for reflection on ministry. This reflection using ducks first appeared in Diaconal News (Click here.)
This little DUCC joined Sharilynn Upsdell at the 2011 DOTAC meeting in Oklahoma City.