A warm breeze parts a lacy curtain as we gaze in on several ladies gathered around an oaken table, some with needles, thread and thimbles, others making patterns with calico squares. Though all are attentive on their work, an older lady is speaking, an older lady thickened through the waist with years of good gravy and homemade biscuits, pretty in a nice way, with graying hair and tiny wrinkles around a generous mouth. This older woman is wise in her ways, a kind and gentle leader of this modest group of the Stevens Point Helping Hand Society. Her voice is low with rich tones as she speaks quietly about the need for a fund raiser to pay off the church debt – there is mention of an oyster supper, a festival in the church yard, the sale of yet another quilt. In a back corner, the secretary pens careful notes in a bound leather journal, pausing every now and then to question a name, a date…..
But for now, we need to close the curtains, back away from the window as what is passed cannot be seen. Before we leave, let’s borrow the journal that lies on the sideboard, its cover faded and dusty with age. Its antiquated pages now rest with us in the gallery to the right….
Helping Hands Society of Stevens Point M.E. Church
