Methodist Episcopal Church (Warren, Mass.). Ladies Benevolent Society.

Warren, Worcester County, Massachusetts is located on the Quaboag River, twenty miles west south-west of Worcester, Mass. It was settled in 1664, incorporated as Western, Mass., in 1742, and renamed Warren in 1834. The Methodist society was organized in 1852.

The Ladies Benevolent Society "... was organized for the benefit of the church." Its members included ladies and gentlemen, and the cost for annual membership was $ .25 for ladies and $ .50 for men. Meetings were held every two weeks. Entertainment for the members included reading from the "Knowledge Box" (a collection of papers written by members, eventually edited into a paper called the "Dew Drop"), sleigh rides, experiments with a compound microscope, listening to the piano, and recitations. In addition to entertaining themselves, the Society also helped destitute families and children by donating money and clothing, as well as making a carpet for the parsonage and a quilt.

In addition to collecting membership dues, the Society also raised money by sponsoring numerous activities including a yearly Strawberry Festival, an auction, suppers (oyster, old folks, and chicken pie), and ice cream parties. The money raised was then used for church purposes including insurance payments.

From the description of Record book, 1867-1879. (American Antiquarian Society). WorldCat record id: 191259537