"The
Ready Workers" ...
a history.
On
July 18th, 1884, Albert Heald invited all the women of the parish
to meet at the Lake House. At that time they voted to organize a
women's society and named it "The Ready Workers." The
aim of the organization was to repair and keep in repair the church
building, lending aid when and where it was needed, and to carry
on extensive charitable work.
In
the first two years, they raised over $2000.00 all of which was
used for necessary repairs in the church. For many years they met
in various homes or in a meeting room at Shaw Block; however, after
the new church was built in 1903, the group had its own meeting
room, parlor, dining room, and kitchen.
In
the fall of 1907, the Ready Workers became incorporated, which was
critical if they were to own property. The newly created corporation
held its first meeting on November 12, 1907, in the rooms at the
Union Church. Octavia Sanders was elected President. On November
19th, it was voted to purchase the property and home which, to this
day, serve at the church's parsonage.
Early
in 1931, the group purchased the Community House. Since the Ready
Workers have owned the Community House, it has been the scene of
a large variety of affairs -- numerous civic and business organizations
have held luncheons, dinners, and meetings; countless brides have
fond memories of their wedding receptions; and many Golden Age citizens
have celebrated both their 25th and 50th wedding anniversaries there.
It has also been the site of many plays, concerts, dances, Boy Scout
ventures, sewing classes, and many other forms of recreation. At
one time, school sessions were held in the building after a fire
occurred in the local school.
To
be continued ... |
