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The tradition of progress of Women’s Institutes in Canada and worldwide is
sustained by a distinctive culture and spirit of sisterhood. The Collect, Ode and Grace,
which follow, reflect the essence of the commonly held values of MWI, FWIC and ACWW.
Mary Stewart wrote this Collect as a prayer for the day. It was adopted as a
"Collect for Club Women."
Mary Stewart Collect
Keep us, O Lord, from pettiness: let us be large in thought, in
word and deed.
Let us be done with fault-finding and leave off self-seeking.
May we put away all pretense and meet each other face to face,
without self pity and without prejudice.
May we never be hasty in judgement and always generous.
Teach us to put into action our better impulses, straight forward and unafraid.
Let us take time for all things; make us grow calm, serene, gentle.
Grant that we may realize that it is the little things that create differences; that in
the big things of life we are one.
And may we strive to touch and know the great human heart common to us all,
and O Lord God, let us not forget to be kind.
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The first official reports of the Ode occurred between 1910-1915. It is sung to the
tune of "Auld Lang Syne".
The Women’s Institute Ode
A goodly thing it is to meet
In friendship’s circle bright,
Where nothing stains the pleasure sweet
Nor dims the radiant light.
No unkind word out lips shall pass,
No envy sour the mind,
But each shall seek the common weal,
The good of all mankind.
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In 1950, the Women’s Institute Grace, composed by Mrs. Clara Lintell Deakin of
the Ottawa area, was accepted by the Manitoba Provincial Board. It is sung to the tune of
"Old Hundred".
The Women’s Institute Grace
We thank Thee, Father, for Thy care
Food, friends and kindliness we share;
May we forever mindful be
Of "Home and Country" and of Thee.
 The Manitoba Women’s Institute Logo
The adoption of a new logo in 1996 by the members of Manitoba Women’s
Institute graphically illustrates that MWI respects tradition while
being willing to adapt to changing times. The design incorporates
classic, flowing lines in the organization’s initials symbolizing
forward movement grounded in experience. The bold script used to
emphasize the central W signifies both the strength and femininity of
women. The stylized Manitoba crocus with its individual petals is a
reminder that members, local branches and regions are independent
entities in their own right yet they are inextricably linked together as
part of the greater whole, working for the common good
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