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When the town of Okemah was organized in 1902, the women took their place along with the men in the building of the town. Material things did not mean everything to these people for hardly had they settled when arrangements were made that they meet on the Sabbath day. The men's time was taken with the town's business so it was up to the women to be a help to them as dutiful wives which not only included the household tasks but to give moral support and boost Christian fellowship.
Those first Lord's Days were spent together in union. All denominations met in a stone building where the Farmer's Union Creamery now stands (515 West Broadway), all working together. Then the different churches began to organize. The First Methodist Church organized in 1903. And so began the first women's organization of this church.
When the first church service was held 84 people of the population of 85 attended and when the different churches began to organize, only a year afterward, we know there were only a few women of each church to take up and shoulder the responsibility of the places they were to hold.
To these women in our organization who were the foundation of what we have achieved today; to these women who had the stability and courage to keep on, always looking forward, we owe and give our deepest gratitude.
Of the Charter members of the first Ladies Aid all have passed on except Mrs. E. P. Fears, Mrs. John Stovall (at that time Mrs. Crawford) and Mrs. T. F. Bowler.
Mrs. T. F. Bowler organized the 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 of 2 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 It was next to the corner house which was the Crawford home and both have since been replaced by the Court house lawn.
As time went by the population of Okemah grew and the membership of this organization grew. Among some of those were the following faithful workers: Mrs. R. G. Potter, Mrs. Carl Stockton, 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 meetings in different individual's homes and as there were so few of them, each held an office of some kind, taking turns at being president, etc. The program having no particular literature, consisted of reading minutes, keeping account of their finances and making plans on raising more money which was their chief aim as they had a new building to pay for and everything else had to be bought.
Ice cream socials were a specialty. Through the long summer months a large number of them were held.
Dinners could be served at different times throughout the year and they were served quite often. The women had full cooperation from various people with these dinners. The men were very considerate helping them with their tables and other manly jobs. A customary $.25 was asked of each diner and most of the town turned out. Often there would be more than expected and it wasn't unusual for two or three of the women to run up to Mrs. Fears or Mrs. Bearden’s home to make extra pies or other dishes in case of such an emergency.
Dues were also paid by each of the members. After one meeting one afternoon dues had been collected and turned over to the treasurer, Mrs. T.F. Bowler. All were feeling pretty good over the fact that they had a good turn out and quite a bit had been taken in. The meeting adjourned and since the banks were closed, Mrs. Bowler took 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 could not be salvaged..
Bazaars were held and what bazaars they were! Crocheted belts and baby caps, crazy quilts, aprons, plain bonnets and frilly bonnets, and even home-made chili was sold. Such an assortment to behold.
Among the first things needed for the church and bought were the bell and the organ. Lights were also needed 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 obtained through the efforts of Mrs. George Harvison. These coal-oil lamps were the latest and of a fancy variety with large shades and hung from the ceiling.
The parsonage was built in 1910 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 features in the year of 1911 was the trip around the world. Rev. C. L. Cantor was the pastor. This trip around the world consisted of five different homes in Okemah to be visited. Each home represented a country. The trip started at the parsonage, or Rev. Cantor's home. In the Cantor home a booth was 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 tell your fortune, but was somewhat a wizard. He told them he could show each something that they had never seen before and which they would never see again. To each of his clients he broke the shell of a peanut, showed them the contents inside and promptly ate it. Later the guests were served chili beans and crackers.
The home of Mrs. Carl Stockton was decorated to represent Japan. Japanese lanterns of different colors hung profusely in the rooms. Japanese pillows decked the settees. It was a gala affair and all felt the eastern atmosphere as they sipped the tea that was so graciously served them.
The scene was changed from the oriental to that of the Free State when the group traveled to the home of Mrs. C.T. Huddleston. Here the air was filled with the odor of boiled cabbage and potatoes of which the members were served with the drink of sweetened vinegar water that represented bear. As souvenirs, pipes were sold.
From tops of mountains, o'er great depths of water, the assembled company toured into the depths of the Jungle of Africa. When they arrived they found themselves at the home of Mrs. Guy John. They were served watermelon.
After their journeys to the different countries the group was glad to return to their homeland, the U.S.A. Their hearts were warmed at the cheery welcome when they arrived at the home of J.M. Howeth, and there in the receiving line was President and Mrs. Taft, the late T. F. Bowler representing President Taft. After greetings all sang The Star Spangled Banner, which was followed by other patriotic songs. America's favorite dish--ice cream and cake were served to all.
In 1912 Mrs. W. S. Thompson took the chair of presidency. It was in this year that Mrs. J. P. Nevelle entered the church and soon became a very active member.
One afternoon of this year after school was turned out Miss Emma Board started to the grocery store after some needed groceries. On the way she met Mrs. J. M. Howeth who had cook books to sell. Soon Miss Board was the owner of a new cookbook and without grocery money. The Home Missionary Society had decided to print their favorite recipes and sell the book to raise money. They sold at $.35 a copy. The names of the officers of the organization were printed 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 took her place at the head of the organization as president. Mrs. F. T. Hartzog who had already become a member of the church was proving to be a very diligent worker as did Kitty Mae Stamper.
The following year Mrs. Lee was succeeded by Mrs. Will Rerex. Besides raising money from the various ways as they had in the past, these women put on home talent plays which not only afforded finances but a great deal of pleasure and hilarious fun.
The president for 1915 was Mrs. Guy John. Mrs. Dawson, wife of the pastor Rev. D. A. Dawson, was very active and helpful with the women in their work. The principal event planned for 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 advertised a red bat to be shown for the price of only $.05. It was a brick bat.
Although a light side of the years has been shown, there was a seriousness to it also. The church and its contents were paid for and added to that was the parsonage and its furniture to be looked after. And through their work toward the building of the church and its work they showed a devotion and loyalty that through trying hardship that only true Christians would give.
The year of 1916 of which Mrs. 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. There was Miss Leila Stough, now Mrs. V. K. Chowning, who though an instructor in the Okemah High school had time to give to the church. Mrs. J. C. Wright who left a year later for Colorado came back into the fold. Mrs. Charles Chism 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. Earl Dossey, Mrs. Harve Dolen, Mrs. Paul Moomaw, Mrs. L.E. Bushnell and other members mentioned before, had a very successful year.
The late Mrs. Charley Chism took her place as president in 1918. A woman who was known for her joyous laughter and friendliness and who although served as president only once, filled the office of circle chairman repeatedly.
Since 1903 the women's organization was known as the Ladies Aid. Now after 16 years of service, the group was destined to be reorganized. An organized body to be more unified and cooperative in the future work of the church. This new organization was called the Women’s Missionary Society and was organized under the leadership of Mrs. Harve Dolen who became its first president. It was early in the fall in the old church building when she took her place that marked a new era in women’s work in Christianity. The organization was to get literature, with regular programs laid out for each meeting. Christian magazines were sponsored and many subscribed. She was succeeded the following year by Mrs. Jim Stone who began her career in leadership of the women's work of the church.
As the church building was not adequate for the growing church congregation, thoughts were turned toward a new and more efficient one. The church was faced by other financial responsibilities. With Mrs. Otho Wilson as president or head of the W.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 in this year raised $6l5.69.
Mrs. Harve Dolen held the office of District secretary the year of 1921-22, and in the year of 1923 she served as conference supt. of young peoples work.
The desire for a new building kept the women busy thinking more and more about finances. One bazaar alone brought $133.35. It was in 1923 and the basement of the new church was finished. All seemed to be going as well as could be expected when one day Mrs. Jim Stone went to the kitchen and as she pulled out the silverware drawer, she saw to her horror that all the silverware was gone, 12 dozen of each different piece, $120.00 worth of silver vanished as if into thin air for no trace of it was ever found.
Mrs. L. E. Bushnell came to the rescue. She pieced a wagon wheel quilt. The names of different people were placed on the blocks, these people giving a donation. This was a long and 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 quilt and gave it back to Mrs. Bushnell. The whole amount of the quilt $111.65 was spent in buying the silverware we now have.
Mrs. W. A. Ratterree was president the year of 1924. The women were divided into 4 groups. This year 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 $88.10 and a stand $163.06. Besides this dinners were served to the Kiwanis twice $54.70 and another dinner not listed as to whom served and a banquet brought in $109.25. A social brought in $26.25. And $83.28 worth of extracts were sold. This group sent $75.00 to the hospital, $19.50 to Scarritt and Wesley House, $850.00 went to the building committee.
The organization was divided into 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 were Mesdames 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, Bushnell and B. L. Williams. They raised $336.62 on Bazaars, $324.94 on dinners and banquets, $25.05 on food sale besides dues, extract money that was turned in and other smaller items. I must not forget Mr. N. D. Harkey's generosity in helping these people. He told the women that if they wished to clerk one day in the store he would give them a commission of all they sold. They were enthused with the idea and when the day was over they had accumulated from this source $46.65. This was in June. Another help to the group was $47.50 from the Retail Merchants and $51.00 from the business women. Disbursements showed $100.00 for plastering the kitchen, $75.86 for more silver, $96.01 for dishes, $288.79 on window screens and chairs.
In 1926 Mrs. Jim Stone returned as president. New members beginning in this work were: Mesdames T. H. Olteson, Gassoway, McCord, Grafa, Furrow, Mother John, Wickstrom, Vaughn, Burton Coleman, Lehr, Jesse Johnson, Crossley and Whittaker. There were innumerable dinners this year, feeding the Kiwanis and Brotherhood. Luncheons were given and jello and vanilla were sold. Subscriptions of magazines brought $68.25. Bazaars went on a decline although some were still held. The amount earned this year was $1455.16; the amount paid out $1145.00. Such items paid on were cabinets, rugs, bucks and plumbing; $214.70 was paid on paving tax and conference pledge of $75.00 was paid.
In 1927 we were known as The 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 hostesses to the District Conference of the Shawnee District which was held March 28, 29 and 30. Mrs. Jim Stone was on the W. M. S. committee at this meeting.
In the year of 1928, the year Rev. R. C. Alexander began his 8 consecutive years as our pastor, the Women's Missionary Society received its first certificate showing completion of the Mission and Bible study course. They also received a certificate for the same work for the following year of 1929 and 1930. The amount spent on local work for 1928 was $935.05The amount spent on local work for 1929 was $388.70The amount spent on local work for 1930 was $444.69The amount spent on local work for 1931 was $575.94
$350 of the latter amount was on church note, and $175.77 on Insurance. Some of the other disbursements were to scholarships, Mt. Sequoyah Fund, Jr. African piano fund and to Leper colony.
Elizabeth was adopted in 1930. Elizabeth Ann _____ was 10 years old when she was adopted by the Women Missionary Society of Okemah. She was taken off the streets while trying to sell paper flowers taking the place of a shiftless father as bread-earner. She was placed in the Methodist Home. The Society did everything but feed her. They bought her clothes, Christmas and birthday gifts, school supplies and other necessities. They visited her and she visited in the homes 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 neediest boy at the orphanage. This was done every year until 1940 when the home changed in management.
On October 28, 1931, the W. M. S. gave Mrs. Kitty Fears a quilt in appreciation of her many years of service. Mrs. Jim Stone also received a quilt for her outstanding work.
Memorial services were held October 16, 1931 for Mrs. Alexander, wife of Rev. P. C. Alexander. Mrs. Chowning discussed the life of Mrs. Alexander at this meeting which revealed a devoted life of Christianity. The women meet at an appointed place, quilted and were served tea. Later in the year a silver tea offering was held.
This year on dinners alone the W. M. S. netted $388.46. Paying members paid $62 and membership dues $70.75. Paid to the conference treasurer was $142.45.
This year the women were in one circle which was unlike the following year of 1932 when they were divided into seven groups. Each of the seven groups was to raise $60.
Mr. Wes Kennedy donated the first 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 their popularity began to give them greater publicity. The biscuit and sausage dinner 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. The Society had a membership drive in June. Some of the out going payments were Insurance premiums $231.27, paving tax $195.95 and to conference treasurer $101.24. Mrs. Jim Stone was president and Mrs. Burton Coleman showed her ability as treasurer for the past two years by her clear and concise reports which she handed in and which we still have.
Quilts were needed in the orphanage. At one of the W. M. S. meetings in l933 Mrs. Hartzog presented to the women quilt pieces sent by Mrs. Dolen. Rev. Alexander offered to buy material to set the quilt together. Mrs. Hartzog and Mrs. Bushnell offered to piece the quilt. Mrs. Nichols gave cotton. Mrs. Bushnell gave the lining. The quilt was sent to the boys of the home. Another eventful item 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 assisting were Mrs. Nichols, Mrs. Bob Maddox, Rev. Alexander, Mrs. Finney and Mrs. Davis. Other things to be noted are that—There were 5 circles instead of 7Flowers and shrubs were sent to the orphanage
It was decided that a silver souvenir jelly spoon would be given to each paid up member that moved out of town.
The W. M. S. divided in half and a contest was held in a membership drive later in this year.
Mrs. Kitty Fears held the position as local chairman which was a difficult and trying job. To show their appreciation of this service, the W. M. S. gave her a linen tablecloth with napkins to match.
With Mrs. Jim Stone still in 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 poster and every week a line was colored as to the distance we had covered by payment toward the church debt. It took 16 pennies to make a foot.
In February a number of the women spent a day at the orphanage mending for the boys.
The W. M. S. had a sewing room for the F. E. R. A. mothers, the society furnishing new material and out grown garments.
That year they paid the paving tax of $169.45.
The year of 1935 brought the final payment on the paving tax which was $159.06. To celebrate, at the meeting of August 29, tea was served.
April 16th Mrs. Burr Randles suggested that the different circles take Sundays alternately in placing flowers in the church which has been done since that time.
One of the outstanding features of the history of this organization was the Pioneer banquet held at the church June 27, 1935.
There were 5 large tables, each representing a series of years from 1902 to 1935.
At the pioneer table which covered the years of 1902-1912, a covered wagon surrounded by Indian teepees and 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 old organ, "Leaning On The Everlasting Arms."
A replica of the First M. E. Church building was used as center piece of the second table representing the years 1912-1923. The late Mrs. C. C. Chism presided. The song, "I Love To Tell The Story" was sung.
The centerpiece for the table representing 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-daughter banquet was held and each woman brought some girl if she didn't have a daughter.
The year also showed a year of work. Besides dinners and banquets, cleansers, extracts and coffee was sold. They paid the board of stewards at one time $143.75 and spent $57.72 on Elizabeth.
Another 2000 ft. on the mile of pennies was pledged in 1956. Each circle pledged $100. The total amount given for local work was $604.80.
In August a picnic breakfast was held at Sunset Plunge which was the beginning of an annual affair.
On June 25, 1936 a Jubilee Banquet was given marking 50 years of service. A motto--Unity in Service--was stressed. An unusual feature of the program was a song in Indian sign language by Miss Lucy Mae Knight.
The W. M. S. was divided into 4 circles in 1937.
Two new methods of raising money were sponsored. They were style shows and rummage sales.
This year $153.42 was spent on the parsonage, $320 on the church debt and $74.07 to the orphans.
June 24, 1937 a membership reception was held with the deaconess, Miss Moselle Eubanks, of Wesley Home Okla. City as guest speaker. Miss Melenda Allspaugh, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Allspaugh, was made a life member of the Society, the membership being presented from the Society by Mrs. J. C. Wright.
It was the combined efforts of Rev. Watson and Rev. Ben Sturdivant that the membership of the St. Paul's Methodist and the First M. E. Church North were united. Up to this time our sister church was busy with its problems as we had been. Now that both were together we felt stronger, the link stronger cemented in the work.
In 1938 a $500 budget was planned, $400 of this to go on the church building. Each circle was to raise $100. The biscuit and sausage dinner brought $206.85. August 14, Mrs. Chowning made a motion which carried that we were to save the next 6 months for pews.
Total Membership was 63 with 19 of them new members. 16 subscribed to the World Outlook.
In January of 1939 it was decided that Elizabeth's clothes be discontinued.
The walls of the church were stained 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 Stewards to apply on the walls. They also decided to continue to help until the walls were paid for. This was in the month of May. Another progressive step for the church was the installation of the electric pipe organ. Even though 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 collects the pledges given and rent for practice on it.
Mrs. O. L. Chism having taken Mrs. Kyle Woford’s place as local chairman a year ago began serving another year and at this time still faithfully serving in that capacity.
Literature at various times had been sent to the negro church at Pooley, but now the women seeing the need of a stove at the parsonage bought one for it.
The adopted daughter of the W. M. S., Elizabeth Ann ______ _______, she taking the name of _____ after living with them for quite some time, graduated from the _______ High School May 17, 1940.
A new organization was formed in the church auditorium Sept. 12, 1940 automatically dissolving the Women's Missionary 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 devotional and Mrs. P. Y. Jolley read "A New Day" while pantomime was enacted to emphasize the responsibility of the women of today. The enrollment ceremony was led by Mrs. Waldrep, Mrs. Wright, Mrs. Stone, Mrs. Burnett, Mrs. Pemberton, Mrs. Edwards with Mrs. Leon C. Phillips as installing officer. 57 members enrolled. Mrs. John Landers acted as temporary secretary. Mrs. Pemberton was selected president of the new organization.
The biscuit and sausage dinner in the fall proved a bigger success than ever. The women fed between 400 and 500 people.
Plans were made in June of 1941 in order that we might have the pews installed by Thanksgiving.
The annual breakfast at Claunch's pool or Sunset Plunge was held August 7. August 14 preparations were being made for the celebration of the birthday of the Women's Society of Christian Service.
Many of the workers I have mentioned but many whose names were not mentioned have taken their place as officers, and even members in cooperating and have given staunch support in making this the successful organization it is.God bless the faithful worker Watch over him day by day Lead his steps on the rocky path Lighten his load along the way.When his work on earth is o'er Vice and sin no more can harm Receive him, Father, we pray Thee With Thine everlasting arms.
Mrs. J. M Pemberton, president of the Women's Society of Christian Service felt that in honoring the first birthday of the organization, a program consisting of the history of the women's work up to the present time would be an excellent idea. And in carrying out her plans she asked Mrs. Beatrice Dill to give the history of the women's organization of the First Methodist Church, North, up to the 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 the St. Paul's Methodist Church up to the present date.
September 4, 1941 was the date of the first birthday Program with Mrs. McMullen in charge. To mark the program, pioneer members were asked to participate. Mrs. J. C. Wright vice-president was acting president, Mrs. E P Fears gave the devotional, reading the fifty-third chapter of Isaiah. Mrs. R. G. Potter as pianist played hymns as the congregation sang. The pledge of the organization was given followed by the two histories of the women's organization of the two churches. After the benediction by Mrs. J. J. Nichols, Mrs. Jack Allspaugh served thirty guests with punch and cookies in the Ladies' parlor.
The annual biscuit and sausage dinner was held in November as usual and although the weather was bad the net proceeds were $294.01. Yet only one other charge in this district made more money than Okemah.
At the December 17 (1941) meeting it was decided to comply with a request of the Sager-Brown Home of 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 October of that year.
Mrs. L. E. Bushnell looked after the runner-bank again this year. In December it was voted to give the proceeds from this bank to Mrs. R.L. Davis to use for Christmas baskets in any way she saw fit.
The officers for the year of 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, secretary of local work, Mrs. Jim Stone, secretary of Christian social relations, Mrs. Jack Alspaugh, secretary of student work, Mrs. W. C. Dunnam secretary of women's and girls' work, Mrs. John Landers secretary of children's work, Miss Emma Board secretary of literature and publication, Mrs. R. G. Potter secretary of supplies, Mrs. W. E. Jones chairman of spiritual life committee, Mrs. R. E. Grissom chairman of membership committee, Mrs. W. C. Brady chairman of committee on the status of women, Mrs. Della Reynolds chairman of publicity, Mrs. V. K. Chowning good Samaritan, Mrs. L. E. Bushnell flower chairman and runner bank, Mrs. Eulialee McMullen historian, Mrs. Burnett and Mrs. C. M. Finney fellowship committee, Mrs. H. B. Webb chairman of Belle Bennett circle, Mrs. O. L. Chism chairman of Alexander circle, Mrs. Susie Cook chairman of Mother Hester circle and Mrs. J. A. Kirchner chairman of Sturdevant circle. There were 71 members in the W. S. C. S.
Mrs. Essie Chism was presented a gift, a lovely pin (costume jewelry) for her faithful service as local chairman.
In the first month of 1942, Rev. John R. Webb asked for members of the Women’s Society of Christian Service to help in the visiting campaign of the church. In response to this request various members helped. The campaign was very successful.
On January 25, Mrs. Pemberton read "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 erected in 1905. This was to be their last day for service for this congregation.
February 1, 1942, the newly purchased pews were used for the first time. A week later the new communion service was initiated.
The W. S. C. S. took upon their shoulders, the payment of the new pews which was 16 payments of $50.00 each with a final payment of $25.00 making a total of $825.00. It was on February 6, that Mrs. V. K. Chowning told the group that if the payments were 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 conference pledge and the remaining $670.00 for social relation local activity.
Mrs. Jim Stone appeared on the program at the Boston Avenue Methodist Church March at the East Oklahoma conference held in Tulsa. She was elected Secretary of Christian Social Relations and church activities.
The Women's Society of Christian Service was represented when the pre-Easter program was held at the First Christian church in the week ending April 5. Mrs. R.G. Potter was leader and Mrs. W. E. Jones presented "The Cross Adore."
Another pioneer and charter member of the first women's organization, the Ladies Aid, slipped quietly away to her home beyond when Mrs. Mary Crawford Stovall passed away April 23, 1942, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Clara Cline Wilson, Independence, Missouri.
A cooked food sale was held the first part of May and $21.00 was made for the organ fund. Later the picture "Golgotha" was contracted for $64.00. It was shown at the High School auditorium in the afternoon and the Pecan Bowl at night with a net proceeds of $28.60 to assist with the organ payments.
The members of the Women's
Society of Christian Service took a great part in planning the second Home-coming
that was held June 12, 1942 when all members, past and present and all
former ministers were invited.
This page was last updated on 10/12/11
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