Anglican Church Women

The Anglican Church Women (A.C.W.) Branch of the parish church of Christ The King in Ridgeland Park, West on the island of New Providence has been in existence for thirty two years. The Branch was formed on May 10, 1968. It was the eighth to be formed in the diocese.

This Organization is one of many Branches in the diocese of Nassau and The Bahamas including The Turks and Caicos Islands. The governing body which is made up of the presidents of all of the Branches is called the Anglican Church Women (A. C. W.) Council and has as its patron the Bishop of the diocese.

The first meeting which was conducted by the serving priest, Father Murillo Bonaby, took the form of a discussion and briefing relevant to Anglican Church Women matters. It was not until the second meeting was held on May 10, 1968, with the assistance of Mrs. Ethlyn Michael, the President of St. Barnabas' A.C.W. ,that formation of the A.C.W. Branch of Christ The King took place.

At this meeting the officers appointed by the Parish Priest to serve were Mrs. Eunice Pyfrom - President, Mrs. Rosalie Minus- Vice President Treasurer, Mrs. Shirley Sands -Secretary and Mrs. Adrianna Whylly - Assistant Treasurer. Other members included Mrs. Anna Albury, Mrs. Sheila Mason- Bannister, Mrs. Virginia Brown- Fox, Mrs. Marion Smith, Mrs. Marjorie McKinney, Mrs. Lutricia Ferguson, Mrs. Elnora Butler, Mrs. Eurienia Reckley, Mrs. Viola Taylor, Mrs. Inez Frazier, Mrs. Ella Dixon, Mrs. Ena Holbert.

Meetings were held in the Sacristy on the second Monday in each month, followed by corporate worship the following Sunday. This format continues today. On occasion, guest speakers are invited to address pertinent topics. In addition to corporate worship at Mass on their special Sunday, members also worship at Evensong. Membership is open to women eighteen years and older who are confirmed members of the Anglican faith.

In keeping with the rules and regulations as set out in the Constitution, members are required to pay dues of two dollars ($2.00) per month to the Branch, and the Branch in turn is required to pay dues of twenty dollars ($20.00) per month to the Council. Rules and regulations further stipulate that members wear white attire at corporate services and when attending official A.C.W. services. The A.C.W. pin, which is earned after a new member has attended three consecutive meetings, and which is presented in May of each year at the annual conference, must also be worn.

Goals and Objectives

"The objectives of the Anglican Church Women shall be to provide opportunities for women to serve God in His church through worship, study, service, and giving". This short simple statement which is embodied in the constitution of the Anglican Church Women Council, comprises the purpose for the existence of the A.C.W., and out of this statement develops the specific objectives for each Branch. Using each component as a guide, the A.C.W. Branch of Christ The King has set objectives to meet its individual purposes.

• Worship - To nourish and nurture our spiritual life, and to gain a deeper understanding of our Anglican heritage through the means of regular worship ,corporate worship once per month, through shared worship with sister Branches on anniversaries, Patronal Festivals and Feasts of Title.
• Study- To enhance our knowledge of God and His purpose through The means of bible study groups, Quiet Days, Retreats and involvement in the Cursillo and Discovery Movements.
• Service- To respond to God's call by administering to the less fortunate through outreach programmes and fund- raising efforts.
• Giving To promote God's gifts through the act of sharing by giving of our time and talents and by providing monetary donations when needed.

Ultimate Goal

The ultimate goal of the Branch is to increase its membership and expand its outreach programmes.

Projects

Presently, one of our main projects is to assist [HIV/AIDS patients with care packages and offer whatever assistance that we can. Another major project is making monetary contributions to the church's Building Fund which will help in defraying the cost of recent major renovations. Other ongoing projects include:

1. Fund- raising events which provide a measure of fun, entertainment and enjoyment for all. These take the form of old-fashioned concerts depicting our cultural heritage, walk- a- thons, stay- at - home teas, cake sales, fashion shows and luncheons honouring outstanding members.

2. Providing love offerings for sick and needy members.

3. Making yearly monetary contributions to the Bishop's Thank Offering Drive.

4. Joining with sister Branches to provide financial assistance to Diocesan functions, synod sessions and any other projects named by the Patron.

The year ends with a Social in December when exchange of gifts is made as a result of the Secret Sister programme.

Presidents

Elections, conducted by the rector are held in January of each year. A president a vice president, a secretary, an assistant secretary , a treasurer, and an assistant treasurer. Appointed positions include a chaplain, an assistant chaplain (at the president's discretion) and four floor members to serve on the executive committee. Ms. Leah O'Brien holds a unique position in that she was appointed a life executive member in 1988.

The following presidents have served over the years:

Current Membership

Christ The King A.C.W. has a total membership of seventy, the majority of whom are active.