The Story Goes On
THE STORIES OF THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN
OF THE DIOCESE OF NORTH CAROLINA
IN THE WORDS OF THOSE WHO LIVED THEM.
We will tell the stories not because we live for the past but because the past informs the present,
and we must be present before we begin, with God’s help, to claim our future.
The story fragments below were collected and published during the five-year lead-up
to the 200th anniversary of the Diocese of North Carolina in 2017.
The Woman’s Auxiliary disbursed from April, 1896, to April, 1897, $139.35. The Daughters of the King, Emmanuel Chapter, from May 4, 1896, to April 25th, 1897, collected $44.55, and paid out $23.88, and have balance on hand of $34.97.
(Source: The Rev. B. S. Bronson, Parochial Report, Emmanuel Church, Warrenton, 1897 Journal of Convention, 106)
The Sunday School continues in the same prosperous condition as heretofore, and the Industrious Society composed of the Ladies of the Church, still labour in their benevolent work of relieving the destitute and unfortunate.
The Rev. J. R. Goodman, Parochial Report, Christ Church, New Bern, 1832 Journal of Convention, 11
Among the number confirmed by the Bishop in St. James’ Mission, on last Easter a year ago, two have fallen asleep in Jesus, - Mrs. Amelia Alston, mother of the Rev. P. P. Alston, Missionary in charge of St. Michael’s and All Angels’, Charlotte, and Miss Elizabeth Quince. Their intense sufferings were born with great patience and fortitude; and while we lament their departure from our midst, yet we are led to believe, from their pious life and the bright testimony left behind, our loss was their gain.
(Source: The Rev. E. H. Butler, Parochial Report, St. James’ Mission, Pittsboro, 1885 Journal of Convention, 59)
An appeal for Help from the Rev. N. C. Duncan (Good Shepherd, Cooleemee): “For some time I have been working towards the establishment of a clinic here in connection with our work, the plan being to secure a graduate nurse, and have headquarters in two rooms in the parish house. I am glad to report that through friends of the work, the salary of a nurse has been secured, and we expect to begin work this week. Mrs. Walter Green, of Columbia, S. C., has accepted the position, and will arrive in a few days. Mrs. Green comes highly recommended, and we feel fortunate in securing her. We are planning to build an addition to the parish house which will be used as headquarters. The congregation of the Good Shepherd is taking this part of it, and I am calling upon other friends of the work for contributions for purchase of supplies. We shall need bandages, first aid remedies, a sterilizer, chairs, etc. May I, through the columns of the Carolina Churchman, present this appeal to any who would feel disposed to help us? At this time when the industrial question is so vitally important we feel that the Church has an opportunity to make witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the whole man, meeting his needs both of body and soul. Our aim is to make our Church stand here in this community as a center of inspiration and service.”
(Source: The Carolina Churchman, January 1930, 6)
The Mission has, through the untiring efforts of the ladies (three in number), succeeded in securing and paying for a good Mason & Hamlin cabinet organ, at a cost of $85.
(Source: The Rev. Edward Wootten, Parochial Report, Holy Innocents Mission, Avoca, Bertie County, 1881 Convention Journal, 158)
The Ladies’ Working Society, which has been in useful operation for several years past, has this year appropriated a portion of its funds to the purchase of suitable hangings for the Desk and Pulpit, and is now taking measures to obtain, with the assistance of voluntary subscriptions, an Organ for the Church.
(Source: The Rev. George W. Freeman, Parochial Report, Christ Church, Raleigh, 1830 Journal of Convention, 12)
A Working Society for pious uses has been instituted by the Ladies of the congregation, and has the prospect of being conducive to the interests of the Church.
(Source: The Rev. John Avery, Parochial Report, St. Paul’s Church, Edenton, 1828 Journal of Convention, 19)
There is also a Bible class, of about sixty of the ladies of the congregation, … [also] an association of ladies and gentlemen, called the Harmonic Society.
(Source: The Rev. Gregory T. Bedell, Parochial Report, St. John’s Church, Fayetteville, 1820 Journal of Convention, 7)
The Parish gratefully acknowledges the gift of an excellent bell from Mrs. Leak and her sister, Miss Smedes, of Raleigh, in memory of their parents. The tower has been about completed, and the yard enclosed with a neat fence.
(Source: The Rev. Walter J. Smith, Parochial Report, Trinity Church, Scotland Neck, 1889 Journal of Convention, 110)
