Quiet strength and unwavering grace
Bishop Mary saw possibility where others saw only decline. Early in her episcopate, she placed her faith in a small, bold experiment called St Jax—a church plant rooted in ancient stone but alive with new energy. At first, the idea was welcomed with excitement and support. But as is often the case with innovation in the church, resistance soon followed. Yet +Mary stood firm. With quiet strength and unwavering grace, she held space for this fragile community to grow. Now, a decade later, St Jax remains—a living witness to her faith, her courage, and her enduring belief that the Church must sometimes take risks in order to stay alive. This, too, is part of the beautiful story of her episcopal ministry.
– Rev Graham Singh, Incumbent, St Jax Montreal
Just a young woman with a guitar
It was 50 years ago when I met a young lady named Mary Irwin. She was the eldest sister and music director of Irwin siblings and friends called The Joyful Noise. At that time the Rev. Garth Bulmer was priest in Trinity Church, Ste. Agathe Des Monts. Garth invited The Joyful Noise to visit for a summer weekend of worship and song. I have vivid memories of this wonderful visit, with a sung Eucharist on the church lawn, picnics and laughter, and a young woman with a guitar who shared her faith through music and story-telling. This new experience of church was a gift to the Trinity community and was a glimpse into God’s calling to an extraordinary young woman. Over the years I have been privileged to work alongside Mary Irwin-Gibson in many capacities as a friend and colleague. I give God thanks for her strong faith
and devotion shared generously throughout every stage of her journey. God’s blessings always dear Mary!
– Sue Winn
Kindness
Thank you for your service and ministry as our Bishop of Montreal. On your visits to the Townships and on other occasions, I want to thank you for your kindness and your presence. You make everyone feel at ease and included. God bless you on your retirement.
– Deacon Judith Ball
Welcomed by name
You had a vision for your episcopal ministry in this time and place, and worked tirelessly to pursue it, no doubt also experiencing some challenges of being the first woman to serve in this office. You welcomed me as an ecumenical partner at Diocesan Council and Synod, and always remembered my name and some of the things I am interested in. I trust that in retirement you and Mark will enjoy some of the things that were postponed during your years of faithful service.
– Jim Slack Retired Dean of the Montreal Ministry Area
From ministry to Quebec cooking
‘When I arrived in Montreal to take up the position of Rector of the Cathedral and Dean of the Diocese, Bishop Mary provided such a different model of Episcopacy that it took me a while to adjust to her hospitality, care as well as general advice on anything from ministry to Quebec cooking. In these past seven years, it has been a pleasure and privilege to work closely with +Mary, and I pray for a restful and creative retirement for both her and Mark.’ Well done faithful servant’!.
– Bertrand Olivier
Impact on our ministry
We are filled with gratitude and countless memories of our time with Bishop Mary. Her warm smile, her care and concern, her faithful prayers and patience all have shaped the ministry of the Synod office in profound ways. Bishop Mary, thank you for leading with love, humility, and grace. Your impact on each of us and on this ministry will be felt for years to come.
– The Synod Staff
Courage
For your warm welcome, constant encouragement, and for your courage in embracing the difficult work of healing and reconciliation, I give thanks. There are not words.
– Deborah Meister
Lapsed Methodist to active lay reader
I was a lapsed Methodist when I met Mary in 1997 for marriage preparation. She encouraged me to explore whether there was something more to being a Christian than I remembered from my childhood. I was baptized the following year and gladly attended services each week. Two years later she suggested I might like to become a lay reader, and so I did. Over the past 25 years I’ve gone from leading a few
services a year to two alternative services a month. Mary helped me recognize my leadership skills in helping others find their faith. Her greatest gift to my ministry was allowing me to experience God in my own fashion, leave behind the judgmental impressions I had from my childhood and share God’s love and support with others.
God bless Mary!
– Pamela Erskine-Layton
Holy Spirit
Overall I thank God for Bishop Mary’s very prayerful way of proceeding and alway asking the Holy Spirit to guide us. I have appreciated how Bishop Mary has encouraged Spiritual Direction in the Diocese.
– Ralph Leavitt
Energy and enthusiasm
Smiling, welcoming and encouraging – three words that speak about Bishop Mary’s ministry amongst us. Wherever she went, she embraced people and the congregations she was a pastor to. Uplifting in her sermons, she spoke from her heart about God’s love for us and our calling to love one another as Jesus loves us. Her energy and enthusiasm lifted us all with a sense of hope and purpose about our Christian ministry. She truly practised hospitality, welcoming everyone as Christ welcomes us all.
– Tim Smart
