When the town of Okemah wasorganized in 1902, the women took their place along with the men in thebuilding of the town. Material things did not mean everything to thesepeople for hardly had they settled when arrangements were made that theymeet on the Sabbath day. The men's time was taken with the town's businessso it was up to the women to be a help to them as dutiful wives which notonly included the household tasks but to give moral support and boost Christianfellowship.
Those first Lord's Days werespent together in union. All denominations met in a stone building wherethe Farmer's Union Creamery now stands (515 West Broadway), all workingtogether. Then the different churches began to organize. The First MethodistChurch organized in 1903. And so began the first women's organization ofthis church.
When the first church servicewas held 84 people of the population of 85 attended and when the differentchurches began to organize, only a year afterward, we know there were onlya few women of each church to take up and shoulder the responsibility ofthe places they were to hold.
To these women in our organizationwho were the foundation of what we have achieved today; to these womenwho had the stability and courage to keep on, always looking forward, weowe and give our deepest gratitude.
Of the Charter members ofthe first Ladies Aid all have passed on except Mrs. E. P. Fears, Mrs. JohnStovall (at that time Mrs. Crawford) and Mrs. T. F. Bowler.
Mrs. T. F. Bowler organizedthe first Ladies Aid with the late Mrs. J. S. Bearden as it's first president.It was organized in Mrs. Bearden's home. This house which comprised of2 rooms was located across the street west from our present church building.It was next to the corner house which was the Crawford home and both havesince been replaced by the Court house lawn.
As time went by the populationof Okemah grew and the membership of this organization grew. Among someof those were the following faithful workers: Mrs. R. G. Potter, Mrs. CarlStockton, Mrs. Lucy Kirchner, Mrs. Adams, Mrs. Howeth, Mrs. O. B. Buress,Mrs. O. J. Dossey, Mrs. G. M. Lee, Mrs. C. T. Huddleston, Mrs. George Harvison,Mrs. W. C. Kein, Mrs. Winnie Johnson.
The women held their meetingsin different individual's homes and as there were so few of them, eachheld an office of some kind, taking turns at being president, etc. Theprogram having no particular literature, consisted of reading minutes,keeping account of their finances and making plans on raising more moneywhich was their chief aim as they had a new building to pay for and everythingelse had to be bought.
Ice cream socials were aspecialty. Through the long summer months a large number of them were held.
Dinners could be served atdifferent times throughout the year and they were served quite often. Thewomen had full cooperation from various people with these dinners. Themen were very considerate helping them with their tables and other manlyjobs. A customary $.25 was asked of each diner and most of the town turnedout. Often there would be more than expected and it wasn't unusual fortwo or three of the women to run up to Mrs. Fears or Mrs. Bearden’s hometo make extra pies or other dishes in case of such an emergency.
Dues were also paid by eachof the members. After one meeting one afternoon dues had been collectedand turned over to the treasurer, Mrs. T.F. Bowler. All were feeling prettygood over the fact that they had a good turn out and quite a bit had beentaken in. The meeting adjourned and since the banks were closed, Mrs. Bowlertook the money home with her over night. That night the Bowler home burnt.Besides the personal loss, Mrs. Bowler made up the aid money that couldnot be salvaged..
Bazaars were held and whatbazaars they were! Crocheted belts and baby caps, crazy quilts, aprons,plain bonnets and frilly bonnets, and even home-made chili was sold. Suchan assortment to behold.
Among the first things neededfor the church and bought were the bell and the organ. Lights were alsoneeded and in order to obtain these, Mrs. J. S. Stone gave a piece of embroidery,which was bought by Mrs. Allen now Mrs. Harrison Box: the other was obtainedthrough the efforts of Mrs. George Harvison. These coal-oil lamps werethe latest and of a fancy variety with large shades and hung from the ceiling.
The parsonage was built in1910 and placed east of the church. When electricity was installed,a string of lights were placed between the church building and the parsonage.Besides for other meetings this place was also used for ice cream socials.
One of the outstanding featuresin the year of 1911 was the trip around the world. Rev. C. L. Cantor wasthe pastor. This trip around the world consisted of five different homesin Okemah to be visited. Each home represented a country. The trip startedat the parsonage, or Rev. Cantor's home. In the Cantor home a boothwas made in which you could get your fortunes told for only $.05. Rev.Cantor extolled to his customers that he had not only the talent to tellyour fortune, but was somewhat a wizard. He told them he could show eachsomething that they had never seen before and which they would never seeagain. To each of his clients he broke the shell of a peanut, showed themthe contents inside and promptly ate it. Later the guests were served chilibeans and crackers.
The home of Mrs. Carl Stocktonwas decorated to represent Japan. Japanese lanterns of different colorshung profusely in the rooms. Japanese pillows decked the settees. It wasa gala affair and all felt the eastern atmosphere as they sipped the teathat was so graciously served them.
The scene was changed fromthe oriental to that of the Free State when the group traveled to the homeof Mrs. C.T. Huddleston. Here the air was filled with the odor ofboiled cabbage and potatoes of which the members were served with the drinkof sweetened vinegar water that represented bear. As souvenirs, pipes weresold.
From tops of mountains, o'ergreat depths of water, the assembled company toured into the depths ofthe Jungle of Africa. When they arrived they found themselves at the homeof Mrs. Guy John. They were served watermelon.
After their journeys to thedifferent countries the group was glad to return to their homeland, theU.S.A. Their hearts were warmed at the cheery welcome when they arrivedat the home of J.M. Howeth, and there in the receiving line was Presidentand Mrs. Taft, the late T. F. Bowler representing President Taft. Aftergreetings all sang The Star Spangled Banner, which was followed by otherpatriotic songs. America's favorite dish--ice cream and cake were servedto all.
In 1912 Mrs. W. S. Thompsontook the chair of presidency. It was in this year that Mrs. J. P. Nevelleentered the church and soon became a very active member.
One afternoon of this yearafter school was turned out Miss Emma Board started to the grocery storeafter some needed groceries. On the way she met Mrs. J. M. Howethwho had cook books to sell. Soon Miss Board was the owner of a new cookbookand without grocery money. The Home Missionary Society had decidedto print their favorite recipes and sell the book to raise money. Theysold at $.35 a copy. The names of the officers of the organization wereprinted on a page in the front of the book. They were Mrs. W. S. Thompson-president,Mrs. J.M. Howeth First Vice-president, Mrs. Robert Allen Second Vice president,Mrs. Guy Johns Third Vice-president, Mrs. E. P. Fears secretary, Mrs. W.C. Kein treasurer and Mrs. J. A. Kirchner corresponding secretary.
In 1913 Mrs. G. M. Lee tookher place at the head of the organization as president. Mrs. F. T. Hartzogwho had already become a member of the church was proving to be a verydiligent worker as did Kitty Mae Stamper.
The following year Mrs. Leewas succeeded by Mrs. Will Rerex. Besides raising money from the variousways as they had in the past, these women put on home talent plays whichnot only afforded finances but a great deal of pleasure and hilarious fun.
The president for 1915 wasMrs. Guy John. Mrs. Dawson, wife of the pastor Rev. D. A. Dawson, was veryactive and helpful with the women in their work. The principal event plannedfor that year was a carnival. It was to be held on the church lawn.Each person paid to enter the booths. Among them was a booth which Mrs.Emma B. Kennedy managed assisted by her young son Gail. They highly advertiseda red bat to be shown for the price of only $.05. It was a brick bat.
Although a light side ofthe years has been shown, there was a seriousness to it also. The churchand its contents were paid for and added to that was the parsonage andits furniture to be looked after. And through their work toward the buildingof the church and its work they showed a devotion and loyalty that throughtrying hardship that only true Christians would give.
The year of 1916 of whichMrs. R. G. Potter was president, we find new additions to the church membership,these people beginning their duties in the women's work: Mrs. Jim Stone,newly married, was made secretary and thereafter was always active. Therewas Miss Leila Stough, now Mrs. V. K. Chowning, who though an instructorin the Okemah High school had time to give to the church. Mrs. J. C. Wrightwho left a year later for Colorado came back into the fold. Mrs. CharlesChism who after she retired from clerking gave her time more fully. Mrs.S. C. Wilson was president for the year of 1917, assisted by Mrs. EarlDossey, Mrs. Harve Dolen, Mrs. Paul Moomaw, Mrs. L.E. Bushnell and othermembers mentioned before, had a very successful year.
The late Mrs. Charley Chismtook her place as president in 1918. A woman who was known for her joyouslaughter and friendliness and who although served as president only once,filled the office of circle chairman repeatedly.
Since 1903 the women's organizationwas known as the Ladies Aid. Now after 16 years of service, the group wasdestined to be reorganized. An organized body to be more unified and cooperativein the future work of the church. This new organization was called theWomen’s Missionary Society and was organized under the leadership of Mrs.Harve Dolen who became its first president. It was early in the fallin the old church building when she took her place that marked a new erain women’s work in Christianity. The organization was to get literature,with regular programs laid out for each meeting. Christian magazines weresponsored and many subscribed. She was succeeded the following year byMrs. Jim Stone who began her career in leadership of the women's work ofthe church.
As the church building wasnot adequate for the growing church congregation, thoughts were turnedtoward a new and more efficient one. The church was faced by other financialresponsibilities. With Mrs. Otho Wilson as president or head of theW.M.S., steps were taken to help relieve the board of some of their difficulties.They paid a bill on bathroom fixtures for the parsonage of $286. They paid$104.11 on sewer tax and helped with the pastor's salary. The women inthis year raised $6l5.69.
Mrs. Harve Dolen held theoffice of District secretary the year of 1921-22, and in the year of 1923she served as conference supt. of young peoples work.
The desire for a new buildingkept the women busy thinking more and more about finances. One bazaar alonebrought $133.35. It was in 1923 and the basement of the new churchwas finished. All seemed to be going as well as could be expected whenone day Mrs. Jim Stone went to the kitchen and as she pulled out the silverwaredrawer, she saw to her horror that all the silverware was gone, 12 dozenof each different piece, $120.00 worth of silver vanished as if into thinair for no trace of it was ever found.
Mrs. L. E. Bushnell cameto the rescue. She pieced a wagon wheel quilt. The names of different peoplewere placed on the blocks, these people giving a donation. This was a longand tedious task. In l925, the quilt was finished and she had collected$101.65. She gave it to the Missionary Society. They put it up for sale.Mr. Bushnell giving $10.00 the highest price offered, bought the quiltand gave it back to Mrs. Bushnell. The whole amount of the quilt $111.65was spent in buying the silverware we now have.
Mrs. W. A. Ratterree waspresident the year of 1924. The women were divided into 4 groups. Thisyear appeared to be a year of bazaars. Records show 14 bazaars were held.The amount taken in from these were $590.91. One auction brought $88.10and a stand $163.06. Besides this dinners were served to the Kiwanistwice $54.70 and another dinner not listed as to whom served and a banquetbrought in $109.25. A social brought in $26.25. And $83.28 worth of extractswere sold. This group sent $75.00 to the hospital, $19.50 to Scarritt andWesley House, $850.00 went to the building committee.
The organization was dividedinto 5 groups in 1925. At the beginning of the year the treasurer had only$17.95. At the end of the year $1561.92. Some of the workers listed wereMesdames Bob Maddox, Jim Stone, R. G. Potter, J. C. Wright, J. E. Burke,S. C. Wilson, Pettit, E. A. Gaston, F. A. Martin, Parrott, Pemberton, Harrison,Chowning, W. A. Ratterree, Wallace Cook, Cunningham, McGee, Bowler, Bushnelland B. L. Williams. They raised $336.62 on Bazaars, $324.94 on dinnersand banquets, $25.05 on food sale besides dues, extract money that wasturned in and other smaller items. I must not forget Mr. N. D. Harkey'sgenerosity in helping these people. He told the women that if they wishedto clerk one day in the store he would give them a commission of all theysold. They were enthused with the idea and when the day was over they hadaccumulated from this source $46.65. This was in June. Another help tothe group was $47.50 from the Retail Merchants and $51.00 from the businesswomen. Disbursements showed $100.00 for plastering the kitchen, $75.86for more silver, $96.01 for dishes, $288.79 on window screens and chairs.
In 1926 Mrs. Jim Stone returnedas president. New members beginning in this work were: Mesdames T. H. Olteson,Gassoway, McCord, Grafa, Furrow, Mother John, Wickstrom, Vaughn, BurtonColeman, Lehr, Jesse Johnson, Crossley and Whittaker. There were innumerabledinners this year, feeding the Kiwanis and Brotherhood. Luncheons weregiven and jello and vanilla were sold. Subscriptions of magazines brought$68.25. Bazaars went on a decline although some were still held. The amountearned this year was $1455.16; the amount paid out $1145.00. Such itemspaid on were cabinets, rugs, bucks and plumbing; $214.70 was paid on pavingtax and conference pledge of $75.00 was paid.
In 1927 we were known asThe St. Paul's Methodist Church instead of the First M. E. Church South.The new church was finished. We proudly displayed it when we were hostessesto the District Conference of the Shawnee District which was held March28, 29 and 30. Mrs. Jim Stone was on the W. M. S. committee at this meeting.
In the year of 1928, theyear Rev. R. C. Alexander began his 8 consecutive years as our pastor,the Women's Missionary Society received its first certificate showing completionof the Mission and Bible study course. They also received a certificatefor the same work for the following year of 1929 and 1930. The amount spenton local work for 1928 was $935.05The amount spent on local work for 1929was $388.70The amount spent on local work for 1930 was $444.69The amountspent on local work for 1931 was $575.94
$350 of the latter amountwas on church note, and $175.77 on Insurance. Some of the other disbursementswere to scholarships, Mt. Sequoyah Fund, Jr. African piano fund and toLeper colony.
Elizabeth was adopted in1930. Elizabeth Ann _____ was 10 years old when she was adopted bythe Women Missionary Society of Okemah. She was taken off the streets whiletrying to sell paper flowers taking the place of a shiftless father asbread-earner. She was placed in the Methodist Home. The Society did everythingbut feed her. They bought her clothes, Christmas and birthday gifts, schoolsupplies and other necessities. They visited her and she visited in thehomes of various members.
A runner bank was begun. It was passed among the members at each meeting for pennies. Mrs. V. K.Chowning suggested and made a motion that the proceeds go to the neediestboy at the orphanage. This was done every year until 1940 when the homechanged in management.
On October 28, 1931, theW. M. S. gave Mrs. Kitty Fears a quilt in appreciation of her many yearsof service. Mrs. Jim Stone also received a quilt for her outstanding work.
Memorial services were heldOctober 16, 1931 for Mrs. Alexander, wife of Rev. P. C. Alexander. Mrs.Chowning discussed the life of Mrs. Alexander at this meeting which revealeda devoted life of Christianity. The women meet at an appointed place, quiltedand were served tea. Later in the year a silver tea offering was held.
This year on dinners alonethe W. M. S. netted $388.46. Paying members paid $62 and membershipdues $70.75. Paid to the conference treasurer was $142.45.
This year the women werein one circle which was unlike the following year of 1932 when they weredivided into seven groups. Each of the seven groups was to raise $60.
Mr. Wes Kennedy donated thefirst hog to the biscuit and sausage dinner. According to Mrs. V. K. Chowning,a staunch supporter of this annual affair they began in 1925 but now theirpopularity began to give them greater publicity. The biscuit and sausagedinner for the year of 1952 brought $80.06. The W. M. S. took in $600,all told dinners, breakfasts and banquets brought in $120.81 of it. TheSociety had a membership drive in June. Some of the out going paymentswere Insurance premiums $231.27, paving tax $195.95 and to conference treasurer$101.24. Mrs. Jim Stone was president and Mrs. Burton Coleman showed herability as treasurer for the past two years by her clear and concise reportswhich she handed in and which we still have.
Quilts were needed in theorphanage. At one of the W. M. S. meetings in l933 Mrs. Hartzog presentedto the women quilt pieces sent by Mrs. Dolen. Rev. Alexander offered tobuy material to set the quilt together. Mrs. Hartzog and Mrs. Bushnelloffered to piece the quilt. Mrs. Nichols gave cotton. Mrs. Bushnell gavethe lining. The quilt was sent to the boys of the home. Another eventfulitem on the program for the year was the biscuit and sausage dinner netting$75.81. Mr. Kennedy, Mr. C. C. Walker and Mr. Sharp giving a hog each.A playette was given in February advertising Scarritt College. Those assistingwere Mrs. Nichols, Mrs. Bob Maddox, Rev. Alexander, Mrs. Finney and Mrs.Davis. Other things to be noted are that—There were 5 circles insteadof 7Flowers and shrubs were sent to the orphanage
It was decided that a silversouvenir jelly spoon would be given to each paid up member that moved outof town.
The W. M. S. divided in halfand a contest was held in a membership drive later in this year.
Mrs. Kitty Fears held theposition as local chairman which was a difficult and trying job. To showtheir appreciation of this service, the W. M. S. gave her a linen tableclothwith napkins to match.
With Mrs. Jim Stone stillin the chair in 1934 the Society decided to raise each circle quota to$110. They pledged $320 on the church debt or 2000 ft. on the mile of pennies.The mile of pennies originated this year. Rev. Alexander made a posterand every week a line was colored as to the distance we had covered bypayment toward the church debt. It took 16 pennies to make a foot.
In February a number of thewomen spent a day at the orphanage mending for the boys.
The W. M. S. had a sewingroom for the F. E. R. A. mothers, the society furnishing new material andout grown garments.
That year they paid the pavingtax of $169.45.
The year of 1935 broughtthe final payment on the paving tax which was $159.06. To celebrate, atthe meeting of August 29, tea was served.
April 16th Mrs. Burr Randlessuggested that the different circles take Sundays alternately in placingflowers in the church which has been done since that time.
One of the outstanding featuresof the history of this organization was the Pioneer banquet held at thechurch June 27, 1935.
There were 5 large tables,each representing a series of years from 1902 to 1935.
At the pioneer table whichcovered the years of 1902-1912, a covered wagon surrounded by Indian teepeesand dogs was used as a centerpiece. Mrs. Fears was toastmistress, her daughter,Mrs. Irene Jones sang "Wagon Wheels." Mrs. R. G. Potter played on the oldorgan, "Leaning On The Everlasting Arms."
A replica of the First M.E. Church building was used as center piece of the second table representingthe years 1912-1923. The late Mrs. C. C. Chism presided. The song, "I LoveTo Tell The Story" was sung.
The centerpiece for the tablerepresenting 1923 - 1935 was a model of the present church building. Mrs.Jim Stone presided as toast- mistress. "A Charge To Keep I Have" was sung.Mrs. S. C. Wilson responded representing the past presidents.
On Sept. 5, 1935 a mothers-daughterbanquet was held and each woman brought some girl if she didn't have adaughter.
The year also showed a yearof work. Besides dinners and banquets, cleansers, extracts and coffee wassold. They paid the board of stewards at one time $143.75 and spent $57.72on Elizabeth.
Another 2000 ft. on the mileof pennies was pledged in 1956. Each circle pledged $100. The total amountgiven for local work was $604.80.
In August a picnic breakfastwas held at Sunset Plunge which was the beginning of an annual affair.
On June 25, 1936 a JubileeBanquet was given marking 50 years of service. A motto--Unity in Service--wasstressed. An unusual feature of the program was a song in Indian sign languageby Miss Lucy Mae Knight.
The W. M. S. was dividedinto 4 circles in 1937.
Two new methods of raisingmoney were sponsored. They were style shows and rummage sales.
This year $153.42 was spenton the parsonage, $320 on the church debt and $74.07 to the orphans.
June 24, 1937 a membershipreception was held with the deaconess, Miss Moselle Eubanks, of WesleyHome Okla. City as guest speaker. Miss Melenda Allspaugh, daughter of Mr.and Mrs. Jack Allspaugh, was made a life member of the Society, the membershipbeing presented from the Society by Mrs. J. C. Wright.
It was the combined effortsof Rev. Watson and Rev. Ben Sturdivant that the membership of the St. Paul'sMethodist and the First M. E. Church North were united. Up to this timeour sister church was busy with its problems as we had been. Now that bothwere together we felt stronger, the link stronger cemented in the work.
In 1938 a $500 budget wasplanned, $400 of this to go on the church building. Each circle was toraise $100. The biscuit and sausage dinner brought $206.85. August 14,Mrs. Chowning made a motion which carried that we were to save the next6 months for pews.
Total Membership was 63 with19 of them new members. 16 subscribed to the World Outlook.
In January of 1939 it wasdecided that Elizabeth's clothes be discontinued.
The walls of the church werestained and stood in need of repairs. The society changed a former motion,taking the money specified for pews and gave it to the board of Stewardsto apply on the walls. They also decided to continue to help untilthe walls were paid for. This was in the month of May. Another progressivestep for the church was the installation of the electric pipe organ. Eventhough the women as an organization were ready to help in case of necessity,the responsibility of the payments have been Mrs. R. E. Grissom's who collectsthe pledges given and rent for practice on it.
Mrs. O. L. Chism having takenMrs. Kyle Woford’s place as local chairman a year ago began serving anotheryear and at this time still faithfully serving in that capacity.
Literature at various timeshad been sent to the negro church at Pooley, but now the women seeing theneed of a stove at the parsonage bought one for it.
The adopted daughter of theW. M. S., Elizabeth Ann ______ _______, she taking the nameof _____ after living with them for quite some time, graduated from the_______ High School May 17, 1940.
A new organization was formedin the church auditorium Sept. 12, 1940 automatically dissolving the Women'sMissionary Society as the Society had taken the place of the Ladies Aid.The Women's Society of Christian Service was the name of the new organization.At this meeting Mrs. Otis Chism presided at the guest book. Mrs. S. G.Ryan opened the meeting with an organ solo. Rev. Waldrep led the devotionaland Mrs. P. Y. Jolley read "A New Day" while pantomime was enacted to emphasizethe responsibility of the women of today. The enrollment ceremony was ledby Mrs. Waldrep, Mrs. Wright, Mrs. Stone, Mrs. Burnett, Mrs. Pemberton,Mrs. Edwards with Mrs. Leon C. Phillips as installing officer. 57 membersenrolled. Mrs. John Landers acted as temporary secretary. Mrs. Pembertonwas selected president of the new organization.
The biscuit and sausage dinnerin the fall proved a bigger success than ever. The women fed between 400and 500 people.
Plans were made in June of1941 in order that we might have the pews installed by Thanksgiving.
The annual breakfast at Claunch'spool or Sunset Plunge was held August 7. August 14 preparations were beingmade for the celebration of the birthday of the Women's Society of ChristianService.
Many of the workers I havementioned but many whose names were not mentioned have taken their placeas officers, and even members in cooperating and have given staunch supportin making this the successful organization it is.God bless the faithfulworker Watch over him day by day Lead his steps on the rocky path Lightenhis load along the way.When his work on earth is o'er Vice and sin no morecan harm Receive him, Father, we pray Thee With Thine everlasting arms.
Mrs. J. M Pemberton, presidentof the Women's Society of Christian Service felt that in honoring the firstbirthday of the organization, a program consisting of the history of thewomen's work up to the present time would be an excellent idea. And incarrying out her plans she asked Mrs. Beatrice Dill to give the historyof the women's organization of the First Methodist Church, North, up tothe time that church united with the St. Paul's Methodist Church and Mrs.Eulialee McMullen to give the history of the women's organization of theSt. Paul's Methodist Church up to the present date.
September 4, 1941 was thedate of the first birthday Program with Mrs. McMullen in charge. To markthe program, pioneer members were asked to participate. Mrs. J. C. Wrightvice-president was acting president, Mrs. E P Fears gave the devotional,reading the fifty-third chapter of Isaiah. Mrs. R. G. Potter as pianistplayed hymns as the congregation sang. The pledge of the organization wasgiven followed by the two histories of the women's organization of thetwo churches. After the benediction by Mrs. J. J. Nichols, Mrs. Jack Allspaughserved thirty guests with punch and cookies in the Ladies' parlor.
The annual biscuit and sausagedinner was held in November as usual and although the weather was bad thenet proceeds were $294.01. Yet only one other charge in this district mademore money than Okemah.
At the December 17 (1941)meeting it was decided to comply with a request of the Sager-Brown Homeof Baldwin, Louisiana to send a Christmas box for an eight year old boy.The contents of the box were handkerchiefs, hose, sweaters, books and games.A box of canned goods was sent to the girls' dormitory at O.C.U. in Octoberof that year.
Mrs. L. E. Bushnell lookedafter the runner-bank again this year. In December it was voted to givethe proceeds from this bank to Mrs. R.L. Davis to use for Christmas basketsin any way she saw fit.
The officers for the yearof 1942 were selected. They were installed January 1, by Mrs. Jim Stone,installing officer. The officers were: Mrs. J. M. Pemberton, president,Mrs. J. C. Wright, vice president, Mrs. Felix Edwards, recording secretary,Mrs. Otis Chism, corresponding secretary, Mrs. John Cash, treasurer, Mrs.John R. Webb, secretary of Christian education, Mrs. Roy Collins, secretaryof local work, Mrs. Jim Stone, secretary of Christian social relations,Mrs. Jack Alspaugh, secretary of student work, Mrs. W. C. Dunnam secretaryof women's and girls' work, Mrs. John Landers secretary of children's work,Miss Emma Board secretary of literature and publication, Mrs. R. G. Pottersecretary of supplies, Mrs. W. E. Jones chairman of spiritual life committee,Mrs. R. E. Grissom chairman of membership committee, Mrs. W. C. Brady chairmanof committee on the status of women, Mrs. Della Reynolds chairman of publicity,Mrs. V. K. Chowning good Samaritan, Mrs. L. E. Bushnell flower chairmanand runner bank, Mrs. Eulialee McMullen historian, Mrs. Burnett and Mrs.C. M. Finney fellowship committee, Mrs. H. B. Webb chairman of Belle Bennettcircle, Mrs. O. L. Chism chairman of Alexander circle, Mrs. Susie Cookchairman of Mother Hester circle and Mrs. J. A. Kirchner chairman of Sturdevantcircle. There were 71 members in the W. S. C. S.
Mrs. Essie Chism was presenteda gift, a lovely pin (costume jewelry) for her faithful service as localchairman.
In the first month of 1942,Rev. John R. Webb asked for members of the Women’s Society of ChristianService to help in the visiting campaign of the church. In response tothis request various members helped. The campaign was very successful.
On January 25, Mrs. Pembertonread "An Appreciation of the Old Pews" at the church services that morning.The pews were the only pews used in the church since the building was erectedin 1905. This was to be their last day for service for this congregation.
February 1, 1942, the newlypurchased pews were used for the first time. A week later the new communionservice was initiated.
The W. S. C. S. took upontheir shoulders, the payment of the new pews which was 16 payments of $50.00each with a final payment of $25.00 making a total of $825.00. It was onFebruary 6, that Mrs. V. K. Chowning told the group that if the paymentswere met promptly that Mr. Chowning would take care of the last two payments.
At the February 19 meeting,the conference committee reported they had decided to give $100.00 as conferencepledge and the remaining $670.00 for social relation local activity.
Mrs. Jim Stone appeared onthe program at the Boston Avenue Methodist Church March at the East Oklahomaconference held in Tulsa. She was elected Secretary of Christian SocialRelations and church activities.
The Women's Society of ChristianService was represented when the pre-Easter program was held at the FirstChristian church in the week ending April 5. Mrs. R.G. Potter was leaderand Mrs. W. E. Jones presented "The Cross Adore."
Another pioneer and chartermember of the first women's organization, the Ladies Aid, slipped quietlyaway to her home beyond when Mrs. Mary Crawford Stovall passed away April23, 1942, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Clara Cline Wilson, Independence,Missouri.
A cooked food sale was heldthe first part of May and $21.00 was made for the organ fund. Later thepicture "Golgotha" was contracted for $64.00. It was shown at the HighSchool auditorium in the afternoon and the Pecan Bowl at night with a netproceeds of $28.60 to assist with the organ payments.
The members of the Women'sSociety of Christian Service took a great part in planning the second Home-comingthat was held June 12, 1942 when all members, past and present and allformer ministers were invited.