Clara Barton Guild

Women have always been an important part of the life of any church, and several different groups have met throughout the years of our congregation.

Currently the Clara Barton Guild combines the social, service, and spiritual aspects of the church as women come together for their monthly meeting. They serve both the church and community with financial contributions to local service organizations such as Planned Parenthood and Rapeline - the community sexual assault hotline. The Guild women (and a few good men) hold rummage sales in the spring and fall which serve as a source of revenue for special needs within the church. New carpeting, refurbishing of furniture in the Hearth room, and kitchen remodeling are examples of recent projects.

Meeting times: 2nd Tuesdays of the month from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the church.

A Short History

As early as 1917 a women's group met at Edith Rommel's home on a regular basis to discuss the issues of the times. This group was comprised of mostly older women whose children were grown. A more formal organization of women was formed in 1936 to help the church financially by holding luncheons, bake sales and ice cream socials. Some of the early members and founders were Margaret Berkman, Marjorie Case, Alicia Clagett, Mary Hodgson, Mary Hench, Dorothy Kjerner, Margaret Parker, and Mary Slocumb.

Besides service to the church, they sought to enlighten women with speakers and study. The group chose the name Clara Barton Guild to honor a Universalist woman who served humanity by founding the American Red Cross.