The Women of St. Stephen's: History
Just weeks after the election of St. Stephen’s first vestry, a group of 14 women formed the Ladies’ Guild, February 27, 1911. Mrs. Lewis C. Williams accepted the position as president of this group and was, by all accounts, an effective leader. A junior auxiliary to the Episcopal Church’s Board of Missions formed at about the same time but it wasn’t until April 4, 1916, that the St. Stephen’s branch of the Woman’s Auxiliary was formalized. As the three groups grew to number 248, it became apparent that a more cohesive vehicle for women’s activities was needed. And so, in 1934, the groups merged into one and adopted the name, the Women of St. Stephen’s. Mrs. Williams was elected president and nine “circles,” each with its own leader, were organized. Circle I remains active today.
From the beginning, the women of the church have been a source of tireless energy, coming forward to help where there was need. In 1926, they presented the vestry with a check for $1000 to begin a building fund for a new church and a pledge to raise $1000 annually until the church’s debt was retired. The kitchen in today’s Parish House was also funded by the Women of St. Stephen’s with a pledge of $100,000 over a five-year period.
To provide fellowship among the women and to raise funds to support their chosen projects, the Women of St. Stephen’s have organized and managed many fund-raisers over the years. In the early days, there were plays and dinners on the lawn at the VanderHoof home; the middle years saw the May Fair (a one-day fair), the Wise Penny Shop for used clothing, the White Elephant Bazaar and special projects. In recent years, monies for local and regional outreach have come from May Fair House and from trips and tours planned by the women.
Four of our members have served as diocesan president of the Episcopal Church Women: Mrs. Garland Sydnor, Mrs. Thomas Pinckney, Mrs. Charles W. Shields Jr., and Mrs. Harry G. Lee. Mrs. Lewis Williams was the first chairman of the United Thank Offering in our diocese.
Throughout the past century, the Women of St. Stephen’s have been a source of spiritual strength for this parish, providing fellowship, education and a dedication to outreach. With God’s help, our service to St. Stephen’s and to those who need our hands and hearts will continue into the next century.
Fern D. Newsom
Excerpted from St. Stephen's Episcopal Church: The First Hundred Years