Celebrating “sisterhood” through philanthropy and community leadership

Posted on January 1, 2020 By Editor Riverside, Avondale, Ortega, Murray Hill

Official portrait of Joannie Wellhouse Newton, Helen Murchison Lane and her sister, Margaret (Muffet) Murchison Corse taken by Laura Evans, which hangs in the foyer of St. John’s Cathedral. Photo courtesy of Laura Evans Photography

Three of the “Grand Dames” of Jacksonville, Helen Murchison Lane, her younger sister, Margaret (Muffet) Murchison Corse, and longtime friend Joannie Wellhouse Newton, joined The Very Rev. Kate Moorehead, dean of St. John’s Cathedral, in celebrating their many years of friendship, philanthropy and a love of their church, during a very special luncheon at the downtown Episcopal church Nov. 24.

The free event offered the diners an opportunity to listen in as the three women shared childhood memories and several lifetime meaningful experiences through a discussion led by Moorehead. The three women, all of whom have family roots in the City of Jacksonville dating back to the early 1900s, have enjoyed lay leadership positions at the Cathedral and within many other nonprofit, civic and community organizations.

Cindy Cooper with The Very Rev. Kate Moorehead and Nancy Purcell

In the 1960s, Lane and Corse, each held the office of president for the Junior League of Jacksonville, a training ground for community leadership. As community leaders and philanthropists, they formed a strong bond – referred to by some as a “sisterhood” – with Newton, whose leadership and community contributions also involved many nonprofit, civic and community groups.

Cindy Cooper, Barbara Fiser, Linda Crofton, Kathryn Bissette and Pauline Richards

As “pioneers,” the contributions of the women have helped to form and shape the city in many ways. As leaders and philanthropists, each has contributed to several Jacksonville organizations including the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, the Jacksonville Symphony, Jacksonville Public Library, the Community Foundation of Northeast Florida, the Episcopal School of Jacksonville, the Women’s Giving Alliance and the Episcopal Foundation.

Allison and Randy DeFoor with Emmy Cerveny, Joannie Wellhouse Newton and Theo Johnson

During the afternoon, the trio reminisced about putting together a ball for the Jacksonville Symphony, escaping together on an Episcopal church retreat, making their mark as the first women to serve on the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, and especially about what their friendship has meant to them throughout the years.