Why Have a Presbyterian Women (PW) Sunday?
Women have long played a significant role in the support of Point Pleasant Presbyterian Church. First, there was the Mite Society (hopefully, they weren’t all widows!) listed in church history. In 1886, the Mite Society gave $36.00 in support of church expenses. In 1888, when it had become the Ladies Aid Society, it paid the $79.50 interest on the church debt. The Ladies Aid Society was the working heart of the church. “The women met regularly, faithfully, and attacked all financial threats with vigor and success.” Church minutes detail numerous gifts that kept the church solvent. In early 1950 by combining the Ladies Aid Society and the Missionary Society, the Women’s Association of the Point Pleasant Presbyterian Church came into being. It is interesting to note that all records state women’s names as Mrs. (husband’s first and last name!) The Association was divided into circles, a practice still in existence in 2026. In 1961 the Association changed the name to United Presbyterian Women (UPW). It wasn’t until the Northern churches (PCUSA) and the Southern churches (UPCNA) finally reunited after their Civil War split that in 1988 Presbyterian Women was created.
PW at PPPC carries on the tradition of circles. Presently, there are 3: Judith Rachel, Lydia and Tabitha Dorcas. PW is a strong sisterhood of women who cherish and support the church, missions and each other. We rejoice together over births, weddings and milestones. We grieve and hold each other up during times of sadness and loss. We give thanks for the lives of PW members who have entered the Life Triumphant especially Jane Millar, Sue Hankins and Lynn Hahm who each gave so much of their lives and talents to PPPC.
All the women of the church are members of PW even if they do not belong to a circle. For over 200 years women have been instrumental in supporting the church and the broader mission work of the church. That is why we have a PW Sunday!
(Historical notes taken from PPPC 125th Anniversary booklet,
Christopher M. Peterson)
Respectfully submitted,
Pat Shoppell