The Ladies Aid Society of the Greenville Baptist Church was established in 1865 as the Freewill Baptist Sewing Society. The ladies met once a month at the church or in their homes and dues collected by the society went towards purchasing quilting material. Completed quilts were then donated to a missionary, or sold, with the proceeds going towards church related expenses.
Early records have been lost, but the society’s first treasurer was Miss Catherine C. Steere, who held that position from 1865 to 1904.
In 1893 the Society became known as the Greenville Charitable Society with Mrs. John W. Mathewson as president. The Charitable Society consisted of seven men and 31 ladies.
In 1896 the Society began to hold annual harvest suppers in October, and then added annual oyster suppers to their calendar, with oysters supplied by Walter Battey. These suppers were still being held in 1916, with ticket prices being thirty-five cents for adults, and twenty cents for children.
In 1896, the Society president was Mrs. Frank Gavitt, who held the position until her death in 1923.
In 1916, the Society again changed its name to the Greenville Baptist Church Ladies Society, and in 1924 it became the Ladies Aid Society.
The Society also held 4th of July clambakes for many years.
Funds raised by the society helped with church improvements which included and new roof and water system, renovations to the parsonage, and modern kitchen improvements.
During World War II and after, the Society sewed items for the Red Cross. Ladies from St. Thomas Church joined them in this effort.
The Ladies Aid Society disbanded in June of 1975 after 110 years of service. The remaining members of the Society at the time were reported to be: Elizabeth Vaugh, president; Merrilla Steere; vice president, Gertrude Dingee, secretary, Dorothy Knight, Minnie McCoy, and Ethelyn Winsor.
Source:
The Observer, “110 Years of Service – A Job Well Done”, June 19, 1975