1917-1934

At the Invitation of Mrs. J. Winfleld Peugh, eleven ladies met at her home on Main St., February 6, 1917 for the purpose of "Organizing a Sunday School Class." It was decided to name it Mrs. Peugh's Class in her honor. It is not clear from the records that its work was ever related to the Sunday School, or what it planned to do, especially since there were so many other women's groups such as the King's Daughter's Circles. It seems evident from its very first order of business that it intended to support our soldiers in World War I. A "Surgical Dressings Committee" was formed, and thereafter it gave sweaters, socks, and books to the men of Company F, stationed at the Armory on Sharon St. Other contributions were given to the Red Cross, the District Nursing Association, and Flowers to the Sick.

From September 30, 1918 until October 20, the doors of the church were closed, and all activities ceased, due to the influenza pandemic, which killed 20 million persons worldwide.

Although there was a great deal of sickness among us, we lost only one member, Mrs. Fannie Richmond Scribner.

After the War, the class took up other ventures, including the formation of an Entertainment Committee which performed at each monthly meeting, missionary programs, and Bible studies.

The name was changed to Mrs Peugh's Bible Class with a membership of 29, led by Mrs. Peugh. It held monthly meetings, outings and picnics during the summer, and raised money for many projects of the church. But, as with other women's organizations in the church, due to the Great Depression, the 1933 membership fell to eleven active members, with an average of seven attending the meetings. On May, 10 1934, Mrs. Peugh, founder, and leader, passed away. On December II, 1934, it was voted to disband. Appropriately, the final order of business was to vote that a set of special candles be given to the church in Mrs. Peugh's memory.

Mrs. Alice Childs Winfield Peugh was regarded as one of the best known, and most highly esteemed women of Waltham. She taught at the North Grammar School, and was also the Assistant Principal. She was active In the Waltham Woman's Club, and a Trustee of the Waltham Public Library. It is said that she "adorned every circle of life which she entered by her kindly, gracious demeanor, and assisted widely by her public spirit, and unfailing enthusiasm".

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Trinity Church
(First Congregational Church of Waltham)
730 Main Street
Waltham, MA 02451
Copyright 2002

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