The History of
The King's Daughters
written by Dr. Raymond VanderWyk
On January 13, 1886 there was an organization in New York City, an international order known as the "King's Daughters and Sons." Its watchword was, "In His Name." Its object was to develop a spiritual life, and to stimulate Christian activities. In 1889, a branch of the order was formed in Massachusetts, and in 1890, the women of our church, who opted not to include the King's Sons, activated the Order. Mrs. Wheatly Parley, a member of our congregation, was elected Secretary of the Massachusetts Order. Membership dues were $0.25 per year. A unique characteristic of the King's Daughters was to organize into circles, each developed according to a need of the church, and each circle was autonomous.
There were seven circles formed, the first by seven ladies in November 1890. It was called, "The Watchful" Circle. It increased to twelve, but disbanded in 1893. "The Helpful" Circle was organized in May 1891, and it adopted the motto, "Ye therefore ought to receive such that we might be fellow helpers to the truth." It expended $38.00, and disbanded in September 1895. The "Marguerites" Circle was organized in September 1891, and disbanded in 1893. These Circles contributed money for church flowers, gave Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners and spent many hours sewing for missions and needy families.
The "Willing" Circle was organized in April 1888, and had as its motto, "Whatever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all your might." Its membership varied between 18 and 23, and provided for the needy of the city, for foreign missions, and hospitals in Massachusetts until 1935 when it was absorbed by the present Women's Association. The "Ready" Circle was organized in September 1889 with 15 members. There are no records of its existence after 1892. The "Ministering" Circle was founded in June 1889 for the purpose of furthering the social interests in the church by welcoming strangers, and to make them feel at home among us. Its motto was, "Not to be Ministered unto, but to minister." It disbanded in 1935. The "Whatsoever" Circle was organized in July 1888 with 13 members. Its motto was, "Look up, not down, look forward, and not back, look out, and not in, lend a hand." (This motto apparently was adopted and shortened by Pastor Howard when he tells us, "onward and upward"). Its object was to develop spiritual life and to stimulate Christian activity, employing the biblical saying "whatsoever ye do, do it heartily as to the Lord, and not unto man." Its first work was to send fruit, flowers, and books to the sick, to unite with the Circles of other churches, and to furnish beds for the new Waltham Hospital. It also survived until 1935. The "Good Cheer" Circle was organized in 1907, and provided clothing and food to the bereaved until 1935 at which time it had 33 members. It also sent gifts to the ladies of Leland Home. Dues were $0.10 per month. In 1906, the Ladies Benevolent Society established a "Neighborhood" Committee, whose principle purpose was to mail Sunday bulletins to shut-ins. In 1930, for example, 975 bulletins were distributed, with the LBC paying for postage.
Trinity Church
(First Congregational Church of Waltham)
730 Main
Street
Waltham, MA 02451
Copyright 2002
