Ms. Episcopalian

“Following the death of my mother in the fall of 2011, I learned that a few older priests in the diocese affectionately referred to her as ‘Ms. Episcopalian.’ My mother loved God, her family and her Church, in that order.”

Thus begins a story about Hanna Kitchin, who died just days shy of her 99th birthday. You are encouraged to learn a bit about how Hanna lived by example, serving God and Church as an enthusiastic Episcopal Church Woman. Here’s the link to her bio: www.ecw-nc.org/by-word-and-example/hanna-law-richardson-kitchin.html

(Source: “By Word & Example” profile of Hanna Law Richardson Kitchin, posted to the website of the Episcopal Church Women of the Diocese of North Carolina, September 12, 2016)

a set of beautiful lamps

And the Society of Ladies, mentioned in the former Parochial Reports, have, by their industry, been enabled to furnish the Church with a set of beautiful Lamps, which cost upwards to $100; and to contribute $50 towards the Rector’s salary.

(Source: The Rev. Philip B. Wiley, Parochial Report, St. Peter’s, Washington, 1830 Journal of Convention, 14)

further improvements

A Female Industrious Association contemplate still further improvements in the general comfort and convenience of the edifice for purposes of worship.

(Source: The Rev. Jarvis B. Buxton, Parochial Report, Christ Church, Elizabeth City, 1830 Journal of Convention, 14)

By the exertions, chiefly, of one lady, $85 have been presented for the purpose of purchasing a bell

Where there is so little cause of rejoicing, it is gratifying to be able to state, that the few members of the Female Episcopal Society, have wrought diligently, and by the sale of a variety of articles, and from some small donations by liberal gentlemen, they have been enabled to defray the expense of painting the church and procuring cushions, &c for the pulpit, reading desk, and altar. There is reason to hope, too, that several of this society will soon kneel at the altar which they have contributed outwardly to adorn. By the exertions, chiefly, of one lady, $85 have been presented for the purpose of purchasing a bell.

(Source: The Rev. Thomas Wright, Parochial Report, St. Luke’s Church, Salisbury, 1829 Journal of Convention, 18)

a slumber of nearly eighteen months

In addition to these gratifying and useful results of a zeal which has been revived after a slumber of nearly eighteen months, I am happy to report the recent formation of an Industrious Society by the Ladies of the Congregation.

(Source: The Rev. J. R. Goodman, Parochial Report, Christ’s Church, Newbern, 1829 Journal of Convention, 16)

fifteen dollars

The female Episcopal Working Association of Wilmington has also contributed fifteen dollars to the [Missionary Society].

(Source: The Rev. Thomas S. W. Mott, Parochial Report, St. James’ Church, Wilmington, 1828 Journal of Convention, 18)

through the zeal of several female amateurs

In the early part of the last year, a very neat set of communion plate was presented to the Church by the female communicants; and more recently, the liberality of the Congregation has been manifested, in the purchase, at an expense of $800, of a handsome and well-toned organ, which is now, through the zeal of several female amateurs, regularly used in the services of the sanctuary. A Working Society for benevolent and religious purposes has lately been formed by a large number of the ladies of the congregation, which, judging from the industry manifested in its operations, and the success which has thus far attended it, is likely to become available for extensive usefulness.

(Source: The Rev. George W. Freeman, Parochial Report, St. Peter’s Church, Washington, 1828 Journal of Convention, 21-22)

ladies plying their needles diligently

The Ladies Working Society have continued during the last year to ply their needles diligently in the service of the Church. From the profits of their industry a sufficient sum has been raised to defray the expense of erecting a tower to our Church.

(Source: The Rev. William M. Green, Parochial Report, St. Matthew’s Church, Hillsborough, 1828 Journal of Convention, 20)