At our last annual meeting, a letter was received from Miss Emery, suggesting that at the various summer resorts Missionary Garden Parties be held during the summer months. In response, we held the first of these garden parties in our Diocese, at Saura Town, the beautiful summer home of Miss Ruth Hairston, our United Offering treasurer. Here, on the afternoon of July first, were gathered guests from Walnut Cove and Winston-Salem, and Auxiliary members from more distant places. From three to six, the spacious grounds were alive with the voices of men, women and children, representing not only our Church and Auxiliary but other religious bodies as well. [program of hymns, prayers, a talk on general missions and the United Offering, costumed boys and girls representing foreign missionary fields] … The beautiful, rolling grounds, with stately magnolia trees in full bloom, and the Saura Mountains in the distance, made a most effective background for these living pictures. The remainder of the afternoon was given over to social enjoyment, and afternoon tea was served on small tables scattered about. It was all so easy and informal and so delightful that we believe many similar gatherings could be held. Best of all, each person present seemed impressed by the missionary feature of the gathering, and we trust this impression will last and bear fruit.

(Source: “Our First Missionary Garden Party,” The Woman’s Auxiliary, The Carolina Churchman, July/August 1915, pp. 17, 23])