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RICH IN HERITAGE
(A brief history of the Women’s Missionary Council)

The official role of women in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, in furthering the mission of the church, began May 13, 1882, in Washington, DC; less than twelve years after the inception of the CME Church. At its origin, the church began to feel the vital impact women could have in its life and witness. Accordingly, local, district and annual conference missionary societies were organized to promote the cause of missions, education, and social outreach. In 1910, a board of Women’s work to support the cause of mission and address the needs of women and children was established. The Women’s Missionary Council (originally called the Women’s Connectional Missionary Society), uniting the work of women on a national level was organized in Nashville, Tennessee in 1918. Its primary function was to support the Board of Mission of the CME Church and those departments responsible for expanding the church and supporting schools and colleges. The Women’s Missionary Council has been most supportive to CME Missions in Africa, Haiti and Jamaica

It is fitting and proper that we recall the nobility of our heritage and honor those women who devoted their entire lives so that we might be able to stand today: (List of Council Presidents)

Dr. Mattie E. Coleman (Organizer) 1918-1939
Mrs. Rossie T. Hollis (Builder) 1939-1955
Mrs. Eula W.F. Harris (Educator) 1955-1963
Mrs. Phyllis H. Bedford (Ecumenist) 1963-1971
Mrs. Pauline B. Grant (Innovator) 1971-1979
Dr. Thelma J. Dudley (Leadership Trainer) 1979-1987
Dr. Sylvia M. Faulk (Social Activist) 1987-1995
Dr. Judith E. Grant (Technological Advancer) 1995-2003
Dr. Elnora P. Hamb (Communicator & reconciler) 2003-Present

It was not easy in the months and years that followed; however they persevered and kept the faith in spite of many controversial set backs.

There are 40 Regional Conferences which include 32 in the United States and 8 in the Tenth Episcopal District in our Overseas Ministries, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Haiti and Jamaica. The membership is estimated to be over 280,000 missionary women, men, children and youth and adults engaged in service and outreach ministries around the world.

St. James Missionary Society 2007-2008 Officers

President..........Dorothy Scott

Vice-President..........Diane Chambers

Secretary..........Catherine Chambers

Assistant Secretary..........Mary Collins

Treasurer..........Thelma Washington

We believe that one of the greatest tests of our humanity is the way we respond to the needs of others. Just as so many small waves come together to form an irrepressible force of strength, so it is with missionaries. Our mission is shared in a common goal. …to empower believers to share the Good News of Jesus Christ at home and abroad, work closely in partnership with other agencies and organizations to fulfill our common goals; to prepare children, youth and young adults to launch out with wisdom and purpose into the ebbs and flows of a world of challenges, opportunities, and change. We understand that by working together, we can achieve much more than we could hope to achieve alone.

We are: Christian Missionaries: a light of hope in a troubled world.