WINSLOW — Ye Female Society for the Support of the Gospel invites women of all ages to join them for their 200th annual meeting at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 19, at Winslow Congregational Church, UCC, at 12 Lithgow St.

The first meeting of this organization was in June 1819 to raise money for the allocation of a pastor, a legal requirement for every town with a church. Ladies of Winslow and Clinton met and gave 25 cents each to pay for a pastor. Since then, every third Tuesday of June ladies gather in the church hall and follow the historic order of agenda, which includes reading the organization’s constitution written in 1819, and paying their 25 cent dues.

Over the years a program was added to the meeting. Past programs have included gardeners, artists, historians, performances of music and theater, reenactors and leaders of local nonprofits.

This year the group will celebrate its 200th annual meeting with much pomp and circumstance. President Emily Rowden Fournier, of Fairfield, will welcome women of all denominations to the meeting. The Rev. Kim Shrader of Winslow Congregational Church will offer inspirational scripture reading and prayer.

Special ceremonies will be conducted in honor of the founding mothers and to remember many women of the society who have been the primary movers and shakers of Winslow, putting this notable group at the center of many improvements throughout Winslow’s history. Local historian, Pearley Lachance, of Winslow, will present a program on Gold Star Mothers of World War I. A presentation of old photos and the society scrapbook will be displayed.

All members and interested women are urged to attend and bring memorabilia of interest to the society. Period clothing from the past 200 years may be worn. Refreshments will be served.

For more information, call Fournier at 314-8607.

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