Presbyterian Women
Presbyterian Women: Leadership, Inspiration, Spiritual Growth
From the founding of New Wappetaw Presbyterian Church in 1872, the name of its women’s organization has changed many times – first it was The Ladies Society, then The Ladies Association of New Wappetaw, The Ladies Aid, The Ladies Aid Society, The Louise Junkin and Gregg Circles, The Women of the Church, and now Presbyterian Women.
The group’s goals have not changed. Presbyterian Women continue to provid vital leadership in the life of the church from construction and maintenance of facilities to Bible study and worship.
Through many fund-raising projects, women have been major contributors to construction and upkeep of the church building and contents. Women have sponsored fellowship and social events, have given financial support to candidates for the ministry, and have worked in foreign and local mission projects. Presbyterian Women has been a part of the support system for our church and community. Bible study and prayer are regular features of circle meetings. All are welcome to attend our meetings.
Currently we have an afternoon group as well as an evening group both meeting monthly. Dates and times are announced in church.
Presbyterian Women: A Legacy of Leadership and Faith
Since New Wappetaw Presbyterian Church was founded in 1872, women have been at the heart of its mission and ministry. Though the name of their organization has changed over the years—from The Ladies Society to The Ladies Aid, Women of the Church, and now Presbyterian Women—their purpose has remained constant: to lead, to serve, and to strengthen the life of the church.
A Steadfast Presence Through the Years
Women at New Wappetaw have long been leaders in worship, service, and community life. They’ve supported foreign and local missions, sponsored social events and Bible studies, and raised funds for everything from facility upkeep to supporting candidates for ministry. Their faith and fellowship have anchored the church in both everyday tasks and spiritual growth.
Shaping the Church—Literally
In 1954, the Ladies Aid Society played a key role in shaping the design of the church building we know today. At their request, a planning committee was formed to consider remodeling the sanctuary. With funding provided by the ladies, architectural changes were made—including moving the bell tower, adding windows, and improving the church’s foundation and floors.
Just a few years later, in 1960, the Ladies Aid Society offered to add stained glass windows to the rostrum. While initially controversial among some members who favored the simplicity of traditional Presbyterian design, the congregation eventually embraced the addition—earning the now-famous reflection: “After considerable controversy, the lion and the lamb settled down.”
Trailblazers in Church Leadership
Though women were first allowed to serve as elders in the Southern Presbyterian Church in 1965, it wasn’t until May 1981 that Lillian Duke became New Wappetaw’s first female elder. She was followed by Virginia Ford in 1984. A year later, the congregation adopted a major governance change: a nine-member session with rotating three-year terms—replacing the previous practice of elders serving for life.
In that first newly elected class, five of the nine elders were women: Virginia Ford, Sue Shaw Bagley, Gerilyn Leland, Virginia Lofton, and Mary Scott. This marked a pivotal moment of shared leadership that was embraced by the congregation as a positive and forward-looking step.
Still Active. Still Vital. Still Faithful.
Today, Presbyterian Women continue to meet regularly for Bible study, prayer, and service. Their commitment to the church and the wider world remains as strong as ever—building on more than 150 years of meaningful ministry.
They had departed from the city lying in the mud. A very thin silhouette stretched on the horizon, barely strong enough to support the weight of a distant city, which still lay upon it. They were free from paths, free from people, and a shared sense of liberation filled them all.