On Sunday, clergy, congregation members, and the Dunstable community gathered at the Priory Church of St Peter to celebrate the legacy of Mrs Jane Cart (1653-1736), whose remarkable foresight and generosity have supported mission across the Diocese of St Albans for nearly three centuries.
This biennial Service of Blessing and Thanksgiving, revitalised in 2019, commemorates the contributions of Mrs Cart, whose forward-thinking philanthropy established the Jane Cart Trust—a source of support for clergy and community needs since 1736. In the final months of her life, Mrs Cart created the Trust, endowing it with her properties and appointing Trustees to steward these assets. Her vision, unusual for her time, directed the Trust’s revenue to support the welfare of clergy and their families, leaving a legacy memorialised in the Priory Church’s north aisle:
Originally focused on Bedfordshire, the Jane Cart Trust’s reach has since expanded, supporting innovative initiatives that reflect Mrs Cart’s spirit of generosity. This year, the Trust’s support has enabled the Priory Church to launch a scheme for choral scholars aged 15-19, aimed at nurturing the musical gifts of young singers. At Sunday’s service, the Bishop of Bedford, the Rt Revd Richard Atkinson OBE, commissioned four choral scholars, whose voices will contribute to the Priory Church’s vibrant musical tradition.
The Jane Cart sermon was the centrepiece of the service, reflecting Mrs Cart’s own establishment of a series of Sunday afternoon sermons at the Priory Church during her lifetime. In her will, she decreed that a sermon should be preached annually on the Sunday nearest to the anniversary of her death (she died on 15 October). Canon Professor Elaine Graham delivered this year’s sermon, honouring Mrs Cart’s enduring legacy. She spoke of Mrs Cart’s deep concern for the poor, the imprisoned, and the homeless, as well as her commitment to the worship of God and the spiritual welfare of the people of Dunstable.
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