Kenya’s first female Canon
Digging into the archive of one of CMS’s pioneering women
Photo: Pam Wilding, the first woman to hold the title of Canon in the Anglican Church of Kenya
Recently CMS’s facilities manager Simon met retired CMS mission partner Pam Wilding. He shared her story with colleagues with such enthusiasm that we had to turn to the archives to find out more…
We found many many files of Pam’s link letters and photos. With Pam’s permission, we’ve chosen a few highlights to share with you:
Pam’s incredible mission journey began in 1964, when a vivid dream signalled a call from God and led her to CMS. She left a career as a medical secretary and lecturer and sailed to Kenya in 1967 to work with Rev Charles and Helen Tett – the founders of the Christian Industrial Training Centres.
During her 40 years with CMS, Pam was the principal of a Christian Industrial Training Centre, she pioneered secretarial training for girls at Msalato Bible School (now Msalato Theological College) in Dodoma, Tanzania and adapted a unique Swahili shorthand script with the help of her students.
She also requested CMS release her to assist another missionary – Pat Gilmore – to restore medical records for leprosy patients after clinics and medicines were destroyed during Tanzania’s invasion of Uganda. Pam worked for five months in Uganda, learning a lot about leprosy.
In June 2003 she was named Canon Emeritus of St Thomas Cathedral – the first woman to hold the title in the Anglican Church of Kenya. Pam was awarded the MBE in 2002 for her services to education and community.
On her retirement from CMS and return to the UK Pam went to say goodbye to the churches who had supported her. “I prayed that one of them would use me,” shares Pam. “I worked at St Oswald’s, Preesall until my retirement in the church choir a year and a half ago. I still take a lay service and help with the Rainbows club.”
Pam’s story reminds us that extraordinary lives are often woven into our everyday spaces. If Simon hadn’t stopped to chat with Pam, these inspiring archives might still be sitting on a shelf. So, let’s start asking more questions! Talk to the people around you, delve into their history, and listen – you never know who you are talking with.
Have a story of a chance encounter or an inspiring life journey? Get in touch and share it with us!
