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First Presbyterian Church Whitewright, Texas HISTORY OF THE SOCIETIES OF THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF WHITEWRIGHT, TEXAS The
two societies, Women's Missionary and Ladies' Aid, were first organized
by Mrs. J.B. Nicholson in 1889. She was the first president and served
until her death in 1903.
Mrs. J.C. Reubel was the first Secretary & Treasurer, and served in that capacity for several years. Other ladies serving as President of the Women's Missionary Society have been Mrs. John Fender, Mrs. R.L. Sears, Mrs. Rhom Pennington, Mrs. T.E. Sears, Mrs. Homer Sears, and Mrs. Paul Cook. Later on Mrs. Sallie Gowdy acted as Secretary & Treasurer of the Missionary Society and filled that place until she moved to Paris, Texas in 1909. Mrs. T.H. Sears and Mrs. Helen Rathburn Montgomery succeeded Mrs. Gowdy. Miss Edna Rathburn was Secretary-Treasurer for many years. When the office was divided, some who served as Treasurer were Mrs. Lester Haile and Mrs. Lydia Henry. Names of ladies who have served at Secretary for the society were Mrs. Robert Sears, Mrs. Homer Sears, Mrs. Byron Caraway, and Mrs. Floyd Bassett. The Whitewright Presbyterian Missionary Society met Monday, August 13, in the home of Mrs. Bob Sears. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. The offering was received and prayer of thanks given by Mrs. Henry. The year book of prayer was given by Mrs. T.E. Sears. Mrs. Haile presented the Springtime Life. The devotional was given by Mrs. John Wilson. Mrs. T.E. Sears was program chairman for the afternoon. Those appearing on the program were: Mrs. Lee Smith, Mrs. R.E. Hickman, and Miss Ruth Cox. Ten members and two visitors were present. The Society adjourned to meet September tenth at the home of Mrs. Lester Haile. Lovely refreshments were served by the hostess, Mrs. Bob Sears.   In 1908 Dr. J.F. Fender organized the present Ladies' Aid Society. Mrs. Eli Smith, who now lives in Dallas, was made the first president. Miss Edna Rathburn served in the capacity of Secretary & Treasurer during its infancy, which office she held for many years. Various others served in similar capacities during the life of the Aid, however, as the records involving the minutes and data pertaining to the organization, have either been misplaced or destroyed, it is impossible to give all the names of such officers, hence I have mentioned only the ones who served in the beginning. On July 8, 1913 the Ladies' Aid Society was re-organized at the home of Mrs. John McMurray. Although the original organization had provided help to the Church, they were a very loosely organized group until the re-organization. Mrs. R.L. Sears was elected President and Miss Edna Rathburn as Secretary-Treasurer The present officers of the MIssionary Society are: (a) Mrs. Ida Street Montgomery, Pres. (b) Mrs. Rhom Pennington, Secty. & Treas. The following are the officers of the Ladies' aid: (c) Mrs. Robt. Sears, President (d) Mrs. W.A. Kirkpatrick, Sec'y & Treas. Author Unknown.  1st Presbyterian Church History Susan Hawkins © 2024 If you find any of Grayson County TXGenWeb links inoperable, please send me a message. |