The Women's Benevolent Society was extablished in 1803 to promote the missionary activities as well as the social and spiritual life of the women of the First Church of Christ in Longmeadow. The society is thought to be the oldest continuously active women's group of its kind in the country.
Meetings are held on the first Friday of October through May. A potluck luncheon is served followed by a brief business meeting and a program. The annual "Church on the Green" Christmas Fair, held on the first Saturday in December, is the groups major fundraising project from which all the proceeds are donated to local charitable organizations. Pictures from the most recent Christmas Fair can be viewed on the Photos page (link at left).
The annual dues are $10, which finance the monthly programs.
2009-2010 Programs:
October 1, 2010 Holly Smith Bove, President of Springfield Museums
11:45 a.m. “ Quadrangle Events for 2010-2011”
Holly will give an overview of all the exciting programs in art, history, and science that will be taking place at the museums for the 2010-2011 Season.
She will also highlight the opportunities for interesting courses and travel.
November 5, 2010 Lori Swanson, Education and Outreach Manager
11:45 a.m. of The Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society.
Lori will speak about Dakin’s work in preventing the abuse of animals and humans by teaching empathy, kindness, and integrity in relationships. She will bring some of the animals with her.
December 4, 2010 “Christmas on the Green Fair”
9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. Benevolent Board
February 4, 2011 Peter Santos, Historian
11:45 a.m. “Armchair Tour of the Green, Part 11”
Peter will continue to share his fascinating history of the homes around the Longmeadow Green….. complete with photographs.
March 4, 2011 World Day of Prayer
11:45 a.m. Topic: Women of Chile
Prayer service following speaker. Lunch in Bailey Hall
April 1, 2011 Dr. Robert A. Barkman, Professor of Biology and
11:45 a.m. Education at Springfield College
Bob will speak about the innovative and interactive programs he has developed to improve the teaching of science. He will include some of his interesting experiments.
May 6, 2011 Annual Meeting and Luncheon, followed by
11:45 a.m. Brian Lapis, 22News Meteorologist
Brian has been with 22NEWS since 1996, and is chair of the board of directors of the office of Communications Inc. of the UCC. Brian will speak about weather, climate, and television news.
In 2008-2009, The Women's Benevolent Society gave to the following organizations:
Our Church's Wider Mission
Open Pantry
VNA Hospice
Fuel Fund
ABC
American Red Cross
Friends of the Homeless
YWCA Women's Shelter
Local Discretionary Emergency Fund
First Church Project and Fair Fund
