The Greens

Janet, second child of Victor and Bernice Coward, was born in Montreal on August 17th . She attended Herbert Symonds School on Old  Orchard Ave. in N.D.G., Lewis Evans School in St. Henri, West Hill High  School in N.D.G ., and Sir George Williams University where she earned  her Bachelor of Commerce degree.  She has been a member of the Negro Community Centre since 1947,  where her mother was employed. She attended the Gospel Hall Sunday  School on St. Antoine St. West at the comer of Calumet Place. She learned  to knit at their Friday night classes.

Janet attended Sunday School at Evangel Pentecostal Church. Moved on to Union United Church, as a teenager. Taught Sunday School and  joined Young Peoples' Union under the direction of Rev. Ronald Mahabir,  the Assistant Minister here in the early 1960's. 

In early 1975 Janet and Kathy West started the Nursery in the Choir Room on the top floor of this building. Later on it was relocated to the Church Hall downstairs, in the room opposite the kitchen. Janet's grandfather, Mr. James Coward, was Treasurer of Union Church in the 1930's. Her father, Victor Coward, was Treasurer of the Church in the 1970's. Janet joined the Finance Committee and eventually occupied the position of Treasurer in the 1980's. Janet has been a member of the Finance Committee since the year 2000 and presently holds the position of Chairperson. She is also a member of the Official Board.

Her Aunt Velma Coward King, Aunt Grace Coward Parker, and her mother Lucille Coward were members of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters who were the originators of the Mother's Day Tea, which was started in 1944. In fact, the idea for the Tea came from Aunt Velma. Velma King was also President of the U.C.W. here at Union Church for a time. Janet and Ormston Green were married by Rev. Ronald Mahabir in their home in 1964. They are the parents of two daughters. Lorraine, who is a member of the Gospel Choir, the Young Adults Ministry and the Worship and Music Committee here at Union Church. Tracey is a member of the Youth Choir and is the Director's Assistant. She's often heard playing the piano in the background while the Youth Choir sings. She is a member of the Sunday School and a student at Vanier College. Ormston Green is a member of the Board of Trustees, sings in the Chancel Choir, and is responsible for the Sound Equipment.

Janet volunteered her services at her daughters' school; set up the  Nursery Coop and was its' Treasurer . She helped students to read Library  books and accompanied them on Field Trips. During the 1970's she was Treasurer of the Metro Bowling League .  That League lasted for 25 or 30 years and had at least 80 members who  looked forward to the trophies and prizes that were awarded at the Banquet  held each year. Janet is presently employed at a Lingerie company as an Accountant.  She's been there for ten years. She loves to cook, sew, and knit, among  other things, and last but not least - she loves to read because, as she says,  "you have to read to know things". There is no other way. 

Thank the Lord, Janet is blessed with good health. The Hostesses  wish her the very best, and pray that she is able to continue with her  Volunteer work for many years to come.

Gwen Husband

For: The Hostesses of Union United Church

Mother's Day Tea - May 12, 2002