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ANGLICAN CHURCH WOMEN
Holy Cross Anglican Church Women (ACW) Branch was started in March 1969, under the direction of The Right Reverend Bernard Markham, Lord Bishop of the Diocese of Nassau and the Bahamas. He came and spoke to a group of women regarding the formation of the ACW branch, like other parishes within the diocese.
The first meeting was held in the living room of the parish rectory, and there were about 12 women present. They included Mrs. Ruby Pestaina, Mrs. Gwendolyn Turner, Mrs. Carolyn Bartlett, Mrs. Rosalie Smith, Mrs. Amelia Archer, Mrs. Hyacinth Saunders, Mrs. Marjorie Culmer, Mrs. Florence Gray, Miss Effie Strachan, Mrs. Terry Thompson, Mrs. Olga Bethel and Mrs. Patricia Mckinney. At the next meeting, April 1969, Mrs. Getrude Burnside, who was President of the ACW Council, conducted the Election of our Officers.
The elected officers were:
President: Ruby Pestaina
Vice President: Gwendolyn Turner
Secretary: Rosalie Smith
Asst. Secretary: Effie Strachan
Treasurer: Carolyn Bartlett
Over the past 53 years, this small hardworking group of women grew from 12 to over 80 members. Unfortunately, we have lost some of our members to death. May their souls rest in peace. The ACW continues to be a source of encouragement and help to the rector and vestry of the parish assisting with various projects and fundraisers aimed toward the building of the church and the Roswell Thompson Columbarium. The tangible contributions to the parish include a binding machine for the parish office, the air conditioning and tiling of the parish hall, the parish Monstrance, the Priest chair that is on the altar in the main church, and the Baptismal Font found in the main church and all special events held by the parish or when called upon.
Over the past 53 years, this small hardworking group of women grew from 12 to over 80 members. Unfortunately, we have lost some of our members to death. May their souls rest in peace. The ACW continues to be a source of encouragement and help to the rector and vestry of the parish assisting with various projects and fundraisers aimed toward the building of the church and the Roswell Thompson Columbarium. The tangible contributions to the parish include a binding machine for the parish office, the air conditioning and tiling of the parish hall, the parish Monstrance, the Priest chair that is on the altar in the main church, and the Baptismal Font found in the main church and all special events held by the parish or when called upon.
Our ACW Mission is to provide opportunities for women to serve God in His Church through Worship, Study, Fellowship, Service, and Giving.
The branch continues to hold its monthly meetings on the first Thursday of each month. Corporate worship is the second Sunday of each month. Our ACW Hymn is “Take my life and let it be.” The ACW Prayer, Prayer of St. Francis.
Great emphasis was placed on our spiritual development, encouraging members to attend the Diocesan-wide renewal weekends such as Cursillo, Discovery, and our annual branch retreat to ensure that members grow together. These experiences have made us more committed and dedicated to the work of the Lord and Bible Study.
The ACW also has a passion for Social Outreach within the church and the wider community has grown. Within the church and the diocese, the ACW has prepared packages for the sick and shut-ins of the parish and visited with them when making the deliveries, and had an inter-island one-day travel to visit their ACW Sisters in Harbour Island for worship and fellowship.
The ACW has given time and treasures to various organizations and institutions, such as:
- The Children Emergency Hostel
- Persis Rodgers Home for The Aged
- The Elizabeth Estate Children’s Home
- Claridge Primary School
- Good Samaritan Program
- Free Fairs for the Nassau Village residents
- Diocesan Youth Department
Financial contributions to the ACW Council
- Annual dues to Council
- Bishop Appeal
- Diocesan Synod
- ACW Council Special Projects
- The Young Ladies Seminar
INTRODUCTION AT COUNCIL AND BRANCH LEVELS
In 1973 the first Council Conference was held during the presidency of Gwendolyn Turner. She also started the first ACW Branch at Deadman’s Cay Long island.
Under the presidency of Pamela Chandler, there were two special introductions for members of the Holy Cross ACW Branch.
At the ACW Anniversary Service in March 2005 the special recognition was introduced for members who had reached their 70th birthday, the promise of God.
In 2007 the first Holy Cross ACW Mother of the Year was introduced. We were aware then and now that the Senior Citizen members keep our branch vibrant. Therefore, the birth of the Mother of the Year was introduced to honor our Senior Citizens for their loyalty, in time and treasure to the branch. Our first Mother of Year was awarded to Mrs. Florence Gray as the oldest, most active member of the branch, giving of her time and treasure.
Holy Cross ACW Presidents who were elected as ACW Council Executives are:
Council President: Gwendolyn Turner 1973-1975
Asst. Secretar: Kelpurmnia Spence 2003-2004
Council Secretary: Pamela Chandler 2006 -2008
Asst. Secretary: Shyvonne Anderson 2016/Secretary 2017
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