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.
A Working Society, consisting of many ladies of the congregation has been instituted for the purpose of procuring funds for different religious uses.
(Source: The Rev. R. S. Mason, Parochial Report, Christ’s Church, Newbern, 1827 Journal of Convention, 21)
Much praise is due to the ladies of the congregation for their exertions to promote the welfare of the Church.
(Source: The Rev. C. C. Brainerd, Parochial Report, St. John’s Church, Williamsborough, 1826 Journal of Convention, 25)
The ladies of the congregation have formed a society, the object of which is, by the profits of their labour, to afford pecuniary aid to the Church, which has already reaped the benefits of their labours.
(Source: The Rev. William M. Green, Parochial Report, St. Matthew’s Church, Hillsborough, 1826 Journal of Convention, 22)
We owe a new and handsome set of plate to the liberality of the ladies of the congregation.
(Source: The Rev. Henry M. Mason, Parochial Report, St. John’s Church, Fayetteville, 1826 Journal of Convention, 21)
Presented to the missionary fund by the Episcopal Working Association of Smithville, $10.00.
(Source: The Rev. Adam Empie, Parochial Report, Smithville, 1827 Journal of Convention, 22)
The congregation of “the Church of the Saviour” esteem it a privilege to place on record in the diocese their grateful appreciation of the generous kindness of Mrs. H. K. Burgwyn, of Richmond, Va., for enhancing the comfort and convenience of worship by alterations and the extension of the church at her own expense, the benefit of whose generous liberality and fervent Christian spirit is felt and acknowledged by pastor and people. The extension of the church building is a memorial to the late H. K. Burgwyn, Esq.
(Source: The Rev. Gilbert Higgs, Parochial Report, Church of the Saviour, Jackson, 1886 Journal of Convention, 72)
Mary’s role as the wife of a nineteenth-century clergyman seemed to provide support and affirmation of Curtis’s faith: “I first made choice of you to be the partner of my life … you have higher incentives to holiness than a mere reward for my happiness.” (May 19, 1834) Her life varied from travel to the mountains as a young bride to settling into new rectories as Mr. Curtis changed churches. She returned to Wilmington during times of family illnesses and had extended periods alone with children in the rectory during Curtis’s travels to the mountains in pursuit of his beloved botanical specimens or trips north on Episcopal Church business.
(Source: “By Word and Example” profile of Mary Jane DeRosset Curtis, posted to the website of the Episcopal Church Women of the Diocese of North Carolina, May 16, 2016)
The Rev. Roma C. Fortune, whose work among the deaf is a Diocesan project of the Auxiliary this year, through his son’s interpreting, made an interesting talk about his ministry to the lonely dwellers in the silent world.
(Source: “Woman’s Auxiliary Meeting,” The Carolina Churchman, May 1935)
Of the above reported contributions (in money) to the Thompson Orphanage, $150.00 was collected and given by St. Agnes’ Guild, which also contributed to the same most deserving charity, boxes of clothing and other supplies, valued at $50.00, additional. The “Mother’s Meetings” contributed $10.00 worth of supplies to the Orphanage, which is not included in the above report. Besides $35.00 included in the above reported contributions for Domestic and Foreign Missions, the Woman’s Auxiliary to the Board of Missions of the Parish has also sent four boxes of clothing and other supplies to missionaries in this and other Dioceses, valued at $102.00. Indeed, these Parish organizations, as well as especially the Relief Society for the relief of the sick and suffering poor, do quietly and unostentatiously an incalculable amount of good and greatly relieve the Rector of no little care and anxiety.
(Source: The Rev. M. M. Marshall, Parochial Report, Christ Church, Raleigh, 1889 Journal of Convention, 97)
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])
