Emily NORBURY

NORBURY, EMILY (b. England; d. Sydney, 1944). Evangelist and Anglican deaconess.

Emily Norbury migrated from England in 1937. She had gained experience of work amongst young people in England and had exhibited noticeable organising ability. She was appointed senior tutor of Deaconess House Sydney, in 1938, upon the strong recommendation of T C Hammond (q.v.). She followed in the footsteps of Dss Gillespie, who had resigned in May 1937. Upon her ordination in 1939 in St Andrew's Cathedral Sydney by Abp Mowll (q.v.), Dss Norbury was appointed the head deaconess, and continued in the dual office until her death in 1944. In this relatively short term of service, Dss Norbury was instrumental in interesting many in the work of the Deaconess Institution, and the number of students grew steadily as from that time. In addition to the Deaconess trainees, a number of women did a course for preparation as missionaries. This continued until the opening of St Andrew's Hall in Melbourne. During Dss Norbury's time the Institution celebrated its golden jubilee, having been commenced and opened on the 17th August 1891. A pageant of service was acted out at the annual meeting of 1941 to commemorate the event.

In 1942 Dss Norbury underwent surgery for cancer. She fought the battle with the disease with great fortitude, and despite her failing health, and often in great pain, she courageously held on to the reins of office until her death in 1944. It could be truly said that she had 'fought a good fight' and finished her course, to take up her final 'crown of glory' from the Lord she had served so faithfully. The library in Deaconess House was furnished and dedicated to her memory and a scholarship named after her. At the service of dedication an electronic organ, the gift of the Deaconess House Women's Auxiliary, was also dedicated.

NORA HYLAND